What an honor to be raised by a warrior.

We share the same genetics, the same taste for food, the same drive and focus and the same fire (look out, world!). There's no knocking her down and I dare you to even try. Maureen is also known as Ma and now all the grandkids call her Moma. Not only is she quite petite, she’s fierce as hell. Tell her she can't do something and watch what happens. Moma will prove you wrong every single time.

My mom has always been my constant for as long as I can remember. She's that fan who shows up to every game decked out in full garb, screaming and cheering and believing in you while you play the game of life. There have been so many times in my life where her voice alone has made it all better. 
 

 
Last year she told me she admires me for being self-actualized. She said it was something about me that she always thought was so amazing. After everything she's given me, everything she's survived, everything she's built — she said that to me. That moment will lives in my chest every single day.

She modeled what a strong woman looks like before I even knew I was watching. She raised three kids on her own, went back to grad school in her 40s and became a principal before she retired. For years we lived 3000 miles apart when I was across the country in San Francisco. These days she's up the street, only a five-minute drive. I never knew how much I would treasure a home-cooked meal together or grabbing a bite. Some things have a way of working out exactly right.

She taught me to be fiercely independent, to care for myself no matter what life throws my way. She encouraged me to start this business and stood by me through every tear and every beautiful chaotic moment.
 

 
I love you, Ma. I’m so damn grateful that I was blessed enough to be your daughter. This one's for you.
 

I want to hear what the word mom means to you. Leave a comment below!
 

xo,
Colleen