It takes a village

Without my mom, life would look a lot different.

She’s not just a grandma—she’s our lifesaver when it comes to child care. Thanks to a schedule shuffle between my partner, my mom, and me, we’ve been lucky enough to avoid the high cost of daycare. And anyone who’s looked into child care help knows just how huge that is.

I can’t say it enough: thank you, Mom.
For the rides, the meals, the diaper changes, the playtime, and everything you do without ever making it feel like a chore. Your support isn’t just appreciated—it’s something I’ll carry gratitude for, always.

They say, “It takes a village to raise a child,” and I couldn’t agree more.
(Fun fact: I actually wrote a college paper on this concept during my psychology studies, and my professor said it was one of the best in class. I guess when something really matters to me, the words just come naturally.)

But this isn’t a paper. This is real life.
And in real life, the only way we make it all work is because of the steady presence of the woman who raised me—and now helps raise my son.

My mom has always taught me to be strong—not through silence, but through speaking up.
She’s the kind of person who makes sure she’s heard, who stands her ground, and who doesn’t shy away from being seen. Through her, I learned the power of using my voice. We might go about things differently, but that fire? I got it from her.

We’re different in a lot of ways.
She’s the comic relief in most situations—always cracking jokes, making people laugh, and lightening the mood. I’ve always been more introspective and reserved, but from her, I’ve learned that humor is its own kind of strength. Not everything needs to be so heavy.

She’s also incredibly stubborn (and I say that with love). Once she’s made up her mind, that’s it. But there’s a quiet power in that too—knowing who you are, standing firm in your beliefs, and being someone others can rely on. She’s the kind of grandma support you can count on without question.

She’s been there through every version of me—when I didn’t have a dream, when things didn’t work out, or when I was just trying to figure it all out. She never once told me something wasn’t possible. That kind of unwavering belief in me? It’s something I carry into motherhood now.

Even when we don’t always agree—on parenting, people, or life in general—there’s one thing I deeply admire about her:
She treats people with kindness. Whether she understands someone’s choices or not, she shows them respect. She leads with decency and a wide-open heart.

Her intentions are always good. Even if we don’t see eye to eye, I know her love is constant. She shows up, gives generously, and never expects anything in return.

And yes—she never stops talking. Sometimes, it drives me crazy (you knew that part was coming, Mom). But I know it’s her way of showing love, connection, and care. Okay, maybe she’s a little coo coo—but the best kind. (Kidding. Mostly.)

When it comes to her grandson? She’s all in.
No hesitation, no second thoughts. Watching their bond is one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever witnessed. The way she loves him—fiercely, fully, and without condition—is one of the greatest gifts I’ve been given as a mom.

Happy Mother’s Day, Mom.
Thank you for being my loud, loyal, golden-hearted village.
You’re the reason we’re able to do life the way we do—and I’m endlessly grateful.

You can read more heartfelt stories like this on my blog at opalbri.com