I normally have the subjects of my features sign a release prior to sharing their stories. In this case, I am making an exception in hopes of empowering a young woman that means the world to me. I call her Jay.
Jay recently reached out expressing her gratitude for her family support network and share she has been truly struggling.
Not only does Jay normalize vulnerability and speaks out when overwhelmed, but she also lends herself to support others as well. Jay will periodically reach out and make me cry with her unexpected messages celebrating my achievements, or just to say that she loves me. She has a tough yet gentle nature.
Jay reinvents the saying, “you can’t pour from an empty cup.” Her cup must be reinforced with abundant blessings. She has lived through things she will never share and has made it through alone. She may tire, she may fight, she may second-guess herself; she may cry and may battle with a million demons, but it seems she grows stronger with each blow.
My hopes have always been that Jay learn so see herself the way that I see her. She has always been a different type of girl, seemingly fearless, loyal and independent. She has never let rules dictate her path; her journey is hers and hers alone.
As a mom, Jay deserves the credit most moms will never receive. She has four children, ranging from sixteen, to one. I don’t know how she does it! I don’t think she realizes just how amazing she really is. She protects her family with tooth and nail, and I am sure, would give her life if she had to. Her children are beautiful and healthy, as well as cared and loved for. Each of them has their own distinct personality, but each carry something of their mother. They have the freedom and safe space to be themselves and express their views.
She is extremely protective, supportive, and encouraging; a mother hen! She cries with every passing birthday, every milestone, every achievement her children accomplish. Jay works tirelessly to give her children a life in which they have everything they could possibly need, and more. She is a responsible and hard worker, whose motivation stems from her children. She makes sacrifices she believes go unnoticed to ensure their happiness, often playing both mom and dad. Not to mention, she stepped in to help my son during his time of need. For that I will forever be grateful to you.
For years I have watched Jay as she grew from a free-spirited wild child to a vivacious, beautiful, and still free-spirited woman. I have often prayed that Jay would realize her worth…that she would not give discounts and truly highlight her value.
To me, this world is a better place because I have Jay as my baby sister. I joke that I am the baby, but it’s not true. The secret is out! It’s easy to play the part when she enjoys playing the role of my father at times and is so much taller than I.
Jay, we have come a long way since we formed our initial bond during your bottle feedings, to my cleaning your room and organizing your toybox every day. You remember you invented the duck face? Today, we laugh and cry over wine, complaining about and celebrating this crazy journey we call life.
I hope you never forget how important you are to me; how valuable you are as an individual, and how amazing you are as a mom!
P.S. I am extremely jealous of your green thumb!
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