For Rosie

It takes a village to raise a child.  If you’ve been around my journey of motherhood, you’d know that I’ve always loved the idea that the entire community helps to raise our children into the people they will become. Lucky for Jack and Cooper Callahan, we have the most amazing village possible. Truly. I wholeheartedly believe that there is no support system like the one we have helping to raise our boys, and our village starts with our amazing family. My next few blog posts will be about our village of warriors. And no credit taken from the fathers in our life, but strong families start with strong women.

Family is everything to me - and it is completely due to the way I was raised. Growing up a Clay Avenue, we were raised in a household filled with love. My parents were those amazing parents that are almost too good to be true. They told us they loved us and were proud of us constantly. We woke up by my dad yelling “Laaaadies!” from downstairs and we quickly ran to sit at the breakfast table for our cereal. Every night we ate dinner together and talked about our day. I won’t pretend that every moment growing up was absolutely perfect, but I can easily confirm that there was never a moment that we didn’t know we were so incredibly loved. I take the lessons I learned from my parents and apply them to my boys. They will grow up in a house knowing that they are so very loved each day.

When we got the news that we needed to rush to Danville for Jack, our parents were with us without question. Dan’s mom, Maggie, keeping care of our sweet Cooper while my parents came to Danville with us. I know I am a full-blown adult (despite the fact that I get to color with kids for a living), but I still needed them. And I’m pretty sure they knew this from the get go. My Mom would be there to help with the medical jargon that used to be so foreign to us, but now we know by heart. And my Dad would be there to help remind me how to be tough. While my dad and sister have made HUGE sacrifices to help us with Jack and Cooper, being that today is Mother’s Day, this next part is for Rosie.

Since we became adults, my sisters and I have lovingly referred to my Mom as Rosie. I know that it could be disrespectful to some, but it has never been that to us. In fact, it’s because she fully embodies her name with her rosy disposition. If you’ve had the pleasure to know my Mom, you’d know how amazing she truly is. My mother is the most selfless person I know. Being a nurse her entire life, she has been a caretaker for so many. Whether it was one of her patients, her own family, or various kids in the neighborhood, so many look to her to make sure they are okay, and Rosie comes to the rescue each time. But that’s not where her selflessness end. My Mother, like most moms, always worked while we were growing up. However, like most moms, I can honestly say that I don’t remember my Rosie missing a single thing. She was there for everything...and then some. She was on the board of the PTA, she coached us in cheerleading (and still probably can do toe touches better than any of us), and she got us everything and everything we ever needed. She did it all without complaint, because that’s just what moms do.

Today, my Mom is retired but of course still working, helping to raise our kids, part of multiple book clubs, a devoted member of the YMCA 9AM workout group, and drives to Danville absolutely any time she can to help with Jack. She cries every time she talks about him. That’s right, my strong, tough as nails, Mama breaks down into tears all the time. We joke with her about it, but I know why. My Rosie doesn’t just have the weight of Jack’s diagnosis on her shoulders, but she also has the weight of worrying about me. But Mom, read this next part over and over again when you read this. Then wipe away the tears and read it again. I am okay. I am okay and Jack will be okay. I know this. I know this because I have YOU. Whenever I’m tired, sad, or scared - I have YOU. 

Whenever I don’t think I could do another ride in the car or bear to see Jack cry when he’s getting another procedure - I think of YOU. My mantra through this whole thing has secretly been, “ What would Rosie do?” I think of you and your strength and I know it’ll be okay. I think of the sacrifices you’ve made your whole life, and I know I can do the same. Because of you, I am strong. Because of you, I know it’ll be okay. I love you, my Rosie. Thank you for showing me what a strong mama looks like and for continuing to be my hero. Happy Mother’s Day.