Celebrating Mother's Day with Mama Ro

Happy Mother’s Day to all the mamas out there! This is one of my favorite holidays to celebrate because the mother figures in our life do so, so much when it comes to their babies. Whether you’re a mom yourself or you’re celebrating other moms in your life, there’s no denying that mothers are superheroes.

My mom is everything to me, and especially in adulthood, I’m realizing (even more) just how amazing she is! She is and has always been the mom that all my friends love to see. She’s known as Mama Ro to everyone around her because she’s such a mother figure to all. To honor Mama Ro, I’m asking her some questions about motherhood and her experience as my mom. It’s so fun to hear her reflect on raising my brother and I now as adults, and it just makes me appreciate her that much more! So here’s to you, Mama Ro, and all the mamas we’re celebrating today!

Before I get into the interview, I also want to take a moment and acknowledge those people who hold a heavy heart on days like this. To those who are missing a mother figure in their life, have a mother who is no longer with us, are unable to celebrate with their mothers this year, or are struggling to become a mother themselves. I am sending all the love your way and want you to know that your strength is also being honored today!

What accomplishment are you proudest of as a mom?

My husband and I wanted to instill in you and your brother the following 3 beliefs:  

1. You are responsible for yourself and your actions.  

2. Your main chore as a child is to get good grades in school and continue to learn throughout life.                  

3. You should always try help those who need help.  

I am very proud of both of my adult children (Dre, 39 and Jen, 35) not only because you have both accomplished a lot in life already, but I’m also so very proud that you both continue following the above ideas throughout your lives and are wonderful people.

What is the biggest lesson being a mother taught you?

My husband and I had to work together as a team and be on the same page in parenting, especially discipling, our children. We didn’t argue or disagree about most things but we both had to agree to the same parenthood/discipline plan. This is something I never would have thought about prior to having a child. Definitely teaches you to be flexible and open to change.

Were there any similarities between me and you as a child?

You and I both played a lot of different sports and participated in many different activities as young children. We were both very quiet/shy as young children.

What is the greatest piece of advice you can offer new moms?

Motherhood is one of the best relationships/love you can have. But Motherhood is HARD! Very, very hard. My husband and I didn’t know what we were doing when we had our first child and we were 30 years old. No one has all the answers on how to raise babies and children. You can Google parenthood and talk to other parents, but you must trust your gut instinct on how to raise your own children.   

What is the best Mother’s Day gift you’ve received through the years?

I have received many great Mother’s Day gifts over the last 39 years since becoming a mom. The gift that I have thought about the most over the years on Mother’s Day was the “coupon” book that you made me in elementary school. The coupons were “Good For” 1 back rub, 1 hug, etc. I still have the coupon book you made me, and yes, I am still trying to collect on all the coupons in the book!

My mom is simply the BEST. Happy Mother’s Day to you, Mama Ro! xxxx