Happy Mother’s Day to all you mom’s out there! Where would any of us be without you?

I know my own relationship with my mom has flourished as an adult and I can’t imagine going through life without her wisdom, compassion and infectious giggling.

Raised in the southern mountains of Poland, she came from a farming family that was the namesake of her region, Zubrzyca. One summer in the early eighties she was on holiday from veterinary school and decided to fly to the States to see what all the fuss was about. Little did she know how much her life would change. She met my father, a handsome dark Eastern European who had a well known name and charm she couldn’t shake. She found herself drawn to him after a two week courtship and chose to stay in Chicago to start a family with him – which is where I entered the picture!

I was raised by a woman who had the courage to begin a new life in a foreign country where she didn’t know the language, let alone the cultural backdrop. My mom’s strength and determination were evident then and are a core part of her to this day.

Her and my father are currently in Poland on a missions trip – looking to revive the hearts and faith of their fellow nationals. And though she’s thousands of miles away this Mother’s Day, I know she knows we’re thinking of her and will be celebrating upon her return in late May.

Wszytkiego najlepszego mama – kocham cie!!!

How has your mom inspired you? What’s her story and how has it impacted you?