Mother's Day is extra special for me this year because one year ago on May 10th, I was read my diagnosis and all I could think about was how I needed to continue being a Mom for my kids for many years to come. What a difference a year makes and I now feel like a new leaf has turned and a new chapter on my life. I have many strong women in my life. My Mother, Aalia who is my best support and my biggest fan. She overcame her own health issue with a diagnosis of MS many years ago, she was valedictorian in her High School, and the first female software engineer programmer that IBM hired. Also a trailblazer in her day in many ways and continues to be:) I am also blessed to have a Grandmother, Elizabeth who is still with me at 97 years young, and I just spoke with her today. I'm realizing her secret to longevity the more I talk with her. She published 2 books just last year and is still always looking for the next adventure! She is in a home and always laughs when her doctors ask her if she is sad or question how she is doing. "I'm just not the depressed type of person", she would say to me with a chuckle. And I also have a wonderful Aunt who keeps close tabs on me, Eileen especially since my Dad passed 5 years ago (her brother). I did have a Step-Mom for many years, Maria, and she was also a strong woman. I married a man with a great Mom who always remembers every occasion and is a fabulous Mother-In-Law. So as I reflect on all the amazing Matriarchs in my life, I realize that Mothers' truly do make the world go round! Strong, loving, compassionate, tough, fearless, nurturing ...great examples in my life.