By Amber Harsin

Why My Mom is the Best Mom

My mom probably would not, in a traditional setting, win a “Parent of the Year” Award, however in the hearts of her children she takes that title every year for the courage she found when I was in the third grade to make a life altering decision, that would save her life and her children’s.

My mom started having kids at 16 years old, by 24 she had 4 daughters and was in a relationship built on fear, abuse, instability and outright terror. After 8 years of wondering if we would all survive the next day, she decided enough was enough. In the middle of the night she took 4 kids and fled. She struggled for the next 5 years, working sometimes as many as three jobs to provide us safety and security. While I cannot say that we did not struggle financially or emotionally through these times, I can say that she never, ever gave up. Showing her four daughter’s what dedication and perseverance really means.

Each daughter has grown into their own, with college degrees and successful relationships of their own and our mother has stood faithfully at our sides through it all, sacrificing herself for her kids.