She patiently watched every play we put on for her, always giving the best reaction. In fact, she gave the best reactions for any small thing we did for her. Whether it was our child scrawlings that she proudly displayed on the fridge or the mixing bowl filled with an entire box of Rice Krispies we brought her for breakfast in bed one birthday (child logic: she's an adult, she must have a much bigger appetite), she was always thrilled with it. My Mother made us feel like we were the best, smartest kids in the world. And yes, she sang too!

Though the "modern woman" is not encouraged to stay at home with the kids, the foundation my mother gave us from all of the time and energy she invested, ensured we have an incredible bond. She sacrificed any career opportunities in favor of raising us herself. She was married at 19 and had 4 children before the age of 30. That bond got us through a terrible time when my parents eventually suffered a nasty divorce after 20 years of marriage. A third party entered the picture and our family was ripped apart.

Despite that dark horrible time my siblings all grew up to be exceptional, talented people. My mother's kindness is known and respected in her community and she is loved by many.

It is common to hear a woman to say she hopes she will never be like her mother, but in my case it is the opposite. I hope I can be half the person she is.