With Mother’s Day coming up this weekend, I’d like to give a shoutout to my wonderful mom, who has done so much to shape me into the person I am today. 

My mom, Jeanne Meador, is a brilliant example of a selfless, intelligent, resilient and hardworking woman. She is one of my fiercest advocates and closest confidants, and I could not be more grateful that God blessed me with her. Now that I’m an adult, we get to bond over our shared hobbies and interests like cats, sweet treats, books, TV shows, puzzles, going for walks and more.

I think back to my childhood and relish the special moments of her playing with me, reading me stories as I fell asleep, chauffeuring my friends and me to all kinds of fun excursions and always supporting me in my passions. 

She showed me how important it is to take care of yourself in order to take care of others. She showed me that it’s okay to make mistakes and to change your mind about things as you get older and learn more about yourself and the world. She showed me that the best way to go through life is with love and patience, even when times are tough. 

From beating cancer twice, giving birth to two children and raising two others as if they were her own, competing in triathlons, creating lasting memories, sacrificing her career to be there for my siblings and me, and so much more, my mother is a beautiful example of unconditional love that I cherish deeply. 

I don’t have any children as of now, but if I do find myself wearing the title of “Mom” in the future, I hope to develop a bond with my own child that is as strong as the one my mom and I share, and I know they’ll have the best Gigi there is. 

To all the moms out there, I hope you are celebrated this weekend with f lowers, chocolates, activities and anything else that brings you joy, because out of all the jobs in the world, being a parent must be one of the hardest.