There is a peculiar ache in having people call for “Mom” all day while some part of you still longs to call your own. Losing my mother was one of the most significant turning points of my life. It changed my identity, my faith, and the way I mother. Years later, I’m learning that grief and healing can coexist—and that moving forward doesn’t mean leaving her behind. In many ways, I’m only now beginning to understand the woman my mother was, the sacrifices she made, and just how much of herself she left in me.

I became a mother at 19, which means I’ve spent virtually my entire adult life being Mom. Now, at 40, I’ve found myself asking questions I didn’t expect to be asking about identity, ambition, faith and the woman I’ve become along the way. We often tell mothers who feel like they’ve lost themselves to “find themselves again,” but what happens when motherhood began before you really had the chance to know yourself as a woman? This is an honest reflection on growing up alongside motherhood, learning the difference between ambition and proving, and discovering that knowing who you are doesn’t require becoming someone other than Mom.

Life’s seasons bring both challenges and beauty, and in this post, I share how faith has been a constant through the highs and lows of motherhood and wellness. From battling postpartum depression to navigating my journey with adenomyosis, I've discovered the power of faith to heal, strengthen, and transform. Join me as I explore how embracing our unique stories and nurturing our bodies and souls can lead to deeper healing and connection with God.