Who has been impactful in your journey as a mother?

Jesus Christ, number 1, has had the most influence on my mothering. As a single mom for 16 years, I believe the Lord strategically placed people in my life to help me. When my two and three-year-olds wouldn’t sleep through the night, a friend suggested I sleep with them. After prayer, the three of us shared a bed for a couple of years. The lesson is to not despise the messenger when it’s based in truth. When my girls were teenagers, another wise soul gave me advice about their rebellion and they became the most behaved, well-mannered teenagers.

What continues to inspire you in your motherhood journey?

My oldest daughter had moved away for college and in 2022 her new family decided to move to Boise from across the state. My daughter knew firsthand how I had taught myself how to drive a long UHaul and car trailer across the country as a single parent. I volunteered to drive their UHaul at 60-something years old, with my daughter beside me like before. Overcoming the fear of moving my family to a new town many years ago allowed me to be an example and resource when my daughter was faced with the same decision later in life.

How has being a mom shaped your life?

When my son was attending school, I was working part-time. During the beginning of his life, we missed some key signs that our son needed more help and attention. I started practicing being more present when he got home from school. We started our quiet reading time, where we would sit together and I could read to him from the Bible while he listened. Being a mother has increased my awareness and ability to cater to the needs of others. This has also increased my capacity as a friend and leader of a community non-profit for single parents.

Share one of your favorite stories from motherhood.

My daughters learned how to set goals for themselves. I didn’t think my youngest would choose to attend college. But we debated and searched for a program through junior and senior high school years. She found what she was looking for in a baking program. My eldest daughter, who had already decided on engineering, wanted to conquer her fear of public speaking. As a Freshman, she accepted every speaking invitation she was given. After about a dozen speaking opportunities she was asked to introduce the President of the United States when he gave a speech at Boise State University.