I am proud to say that I am a mother, wife, daughter, god- daughter, granddaughter, god-mother, daughter-in-law, niece, cousin and an older sister to five siblings.

Being the oldest of six children was not easy. Nonetheless, I gained an immeasurable sense of confidence and leadership through my experiences with my parents and siblings. They were times of joy and sadness, but most of all I remember the love, encouragement, laughter and faith.

Sometimes in life we take for granted how blessed we are to have such incredible and amazing people in our lives. Unfortunately it may take hardship, loss, or tragedy, to allow us to open our hearts to all that God has given us.

This past year as I have been suffering and feeling lost, my parents, grandparents and siblings have been instrumental to my healing process. They were right there beside me for every step of my journey; spiritually, emotionally and physically.

They have been incredible teachers of wisdom and faith. Even through I was suffering, I was reminded that I have been given a great deal and much is expected of me. They were there to help me pause in the past year and absorb my gifts of love, strength and faith.

My husband and children have been a light in the darkness and my greatest strength. Everyday, watching me rediscover who I am and guiding me with love as I find out how I fit in this world.

Being a mother has given me the greatest joy. I never could have imaged that I would learn so much from my young children. My five year old daughter is so wise and daily amazes me with her strength, love and courage. My two year old son is so fearless and forgiving. They have given me the courage to wake up and fight another day, through their continued outpouring of unconditional love, insight into life, laughter and joy.

Thank you God for giving me these amazing people and being able to experience life though their eyes. Their wisdom, love, faith, strength and courage astound me each day and are an inspiration.