Many years ago my mother claims that her whiny children held her back from fully exploring Ellis Island. I think I was around ten or twelve. Last year on our trip to NYC my mom got her chance to go back and fully explore. Look at the excitement in this woman’s face! My momma was freezing cold, and she was ecstatic to be standing in front of Ellis Island.

In the 26 years my mom has been a mom, she has given up on many things she would have rather been doing. She is an adventurer by nature, and she likes to check out random and unusual things. Her three whiny kids weren’t always so cooperative. My mom has shown me the meaning of patience, kindness, and what it means to grow as a human being.

I love her. Happy Birthday lady.