Today my heart is heavy as I am remembering my mother on her birthday. It has been 11 years since she passed away. Sometimes it feels like she was here just yesterday and other times it feels like a life time ago. So much has changed in my life since she passed away, especially this last year. I feel like I have grown in so many ways, from the way I see the world and the way I see myself, to my deep roots of being a teacher. As a child I always knew I would be a teacher. I started teaching fitness classes as a teenager and I am still doing it to this day. In my life I have taught medical billing and office procedures, Physical Education, all types of fitness classes, and yoga. Teaching is so much a part of me that I would be lost without it. It is deeply rooted in me. Today, I find myself reflecting on my mom and what she meant to me. She always inspired me to teach and often told me how proud she was of me. She was such a compassionate, giving, and funny person. She loved a good joke and would laugh until she cried. Her love is deeply rooted in me and she continues to inspire me to teach. I know in my heart that I am doing what I meant to do and that through teaching I am helping others to find their roots and cherish them.

Happy Birthday Mom. Thank you for always loving me and inspiring me.