No.2: She's Smart

This is my mothers senior photo.

(Isn't she adorable? I have carried this in my wallet for possibly 15 years? 20? I love it sitting there for me to stumble upon over and over as I walk through all stages of my life. She is beautiful and so smart.)

My mother graduated from high school and never went on to pursue a higher degree. Yet, through years of commitment and hard work, she earner her way to a highly successful position in the extremely competitive, male-dominated, technology industry. She retired from Intel several yeas ago as an Operations Manager. That is huge. It takes determination, will and pure smarts to be successful with such a job description. My mother made it happen despite her competition: Males with degrees from Universities. She is smart.

No. 1: Her Laughter

I love my mothers laugh. She has always had a contagious laugh that turns into tears of joy. I remember being so young and having family tickle fights. My mother would just hold her hands above me, not nearly touching my skin, and I would howl. The best part was seeing her face looking back at me and listening to her laughter. We were all so happy just tickling and being a family.