What is the most rewarding part of being a mom?

The most rewarding part of being a mom is knowing that I have been blessed with one of God’s most precious gifts. Having a special needs son is not a curse, but a blessing. As a child I knew I wanted to be a human rights advocate. I now see that it was my path to prepare me to be the mom that my boys need. My boys are the reward and are my greatest gifts. When I see them spending time together and happy it brings tears to my eyes.

What is the biggest lesson motherhood has taught you?

Life isn’t always what you expected. I had very superficial standards of what I thought motherhood was. I thought my husband and I would wait for our children to grow up and spend our silver years focusing on each other. Instead, we will always care for our youngest son and hope to never have to put him in care. This will bring me the greatest peace knowing he is home surrounded by love. I appreciate the simpler things in life now, and want to keep my family together.

What would you do with $20,000?

If I won the money I would like to take my family on a vacation to somewhere that is sensory friendly for people with special needs. My youngest son has been struggling and has been in crisis for the last 5 years. We as a family have not been able to go anywhere or do anything. We finally found out he has been suffering from nerve pain this whole time and is now doing so much better. I would love to feel like a normal family and take a trip.