I have a confession to make, hive. There’s a big part of my life that I haven’t yet divulged to you. But it being Mother’s Day, and with other things weighing on my mind, I wanted to put it all out there and recognize the person in my life that has always been there for me: My mom.
When I was a younger Sparkler, I lost my Dad. I’ve already told you that he was a Marine, but what I didn’t tell you was that he was a test pilot. This very honorable career was also very dangerous, and one July, while co-piloting a flight of the V-22 Osprey, he made the ultimate sacrifice.
Dad and me… waaaaay back in the day.
In the blink of an eye, my Mom was left alone with a growing family (my youngest sister was only five months old).
Instead of giving up, sending us to live with our grandparents for a while, or surrendering to a deep depression, my mom stepped up, determined to give us the lives that she and my dad had always wanted for us.
She made sure we continued to have ballet classes, karate lessons, and summer vacations. She moved us closer to my dad’s parents so we would still have a part of him in our lives, and she constantly reminded us of how proud he would be of our accomplishments.
As we got older and moved into high school, my mom worked to guarantee that each of her five kids had the opportunity to go to college. She stood by our side and supported each of our successes, while at the same time making sure we were strong enough to stand on our own. As if taking care of me and my siblings wasn’t enough, my Mom took a job at the Marine Corps headquarters, helping veterans and other military families who have experienced the same loss that we experienced.
Me and Mom, at “The Bean”
A few weeks ago, I had a talk with my mom about my decision to walk down the aisle alone. She, of course, supported my choice 100%. But, mom, I realized something. While I might be walking alone to reserve that space for dad, the reason I’m able to take those steps is because of you. So I want to thank you. For sacrificing so much of your life to make mine full, for helping to make me the strong woman I am today, and for instilling within me, the confidence to walk alone, without someone to lean on.
Happy Mother’s Day. I love you. 
Me and Mom Sparkler on the water 
Are you walking down the aisle alone? How are you gathering the strength to do it? I’m still a little nervous!
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