Every memory from my childhood of my mom is happy, loving, warm, caring, compassionate and all around genuine. When I was growing up, I didn’t realize that all moms are not as dedicated to their children as mine was. I thought everyone’s mom baked cakes and cupcakes on birthdays or special occasions. I thought everyone’s mom made time to be at every single event, no matter how big or small. I thought everyone’s mom could sew and was the best cook around.

The older I get though, the more I realize how lucky I am to have a mom who gave me absolutely the best of everything she had to offer. She is still my number one fan and continues to support me in everything that I do. I realize now how everything is 100 percent connected. How all of the love, self-confidence, passion, and playfulness of my childhood shaped and molded me into the person I am today. I attribute all of my strength, success and determination to my mom’s devotion to our family.

I had a “perfect storm” of an environment that allowed me to truly blossom into who I was meant to be and be on the path that was set for me. If my mother had not been courageous enough to choose to adopt a baby girl who was given up because of her differences, my life likely would have unfolded much differently.

She was always open and honest with me regarding the fact that I am adopted but it was never discussed in a way that ever made me feel less loved or different. Mothers are shaping and molding the future of children of the world every day. I must say that when it comes to mothers, I hit the jackpot because my mom chose me to be her daughter!