19/08/2026
My momma! She doesn’t want you to know how old she is, but you wouldn’t be able to guess anyway. She looks 50, at most.
I grew up with one of those moms that everyone thought was my sister. As recently as 5 years ago, someone saw me in the car and thought I was her. And honestly? Still a compliment to me!
I also grew up with Super Mom. She was born to mom and mom so hard. Her energy? Boundless. Her creativity? Sky high. Her generosity? Unlike anything I’ve ever seen.
She was the classroom mom, the crafty mom, the sports mom, the dessert mom, and the always there mom. Now that I have kids of my own, I ask myself literally daily how she did all of it with five kids. She spent 24/7 just going, going, going.
And though I am certainly not that kind of mom (who could be?!), I strive to be like her in the ways that come naturally to me. My childhood memories have one, singular soundtrack: my mom’s voice. Her insanely infectious laugh, her conversations with strangers everywhere we went, her constant encouragement to me, and her harmonizing with every song at home, in the store, at church, and LOUD AND PROUD in the car. Her voice in my memories signifies her constant presence. It’s happiness to me: joy, embodied.
And that is what I want for my kids. I want their memories to be loud and joyful, and feel full to the brim with how much fun we had. It’s not ever going to be perfect, but if the joy is louder than the rest, I’ll call it a WIN.
Patsy Ann! Thank you for the being the most joyful and encouraging and FUN part of my childhood. The foundation of love and kindness you poured into the five of us is now spread out across the country and in so many communities. It’s because of YOU! I’m so proud to be yours; love you so so much!
