Happy 50th birthday to my queen!! My mom has been a pillar in my life ever since my Dad left and she dealt with everything with such pride and grace. She truly means the world to me and I don’t think I tell her enough how much I really love her. I love ya Mom!

Me & Mama at her bday brunch at Rabble! (I really hope I get her genes because who looks THIS good at 50?!)

5 Things I’ve Learned From My Mama

  1. To be an independent woman. To never depend on a man, but to allow people to love you and take care of you.
  2. To treat the janitor the same as you would treat the CEO. Treat everyone with the same respect.
  3. To work hard. Really hard for whatever you want. (I was 4 years old when she decided to start nursing school & I know she struggled. Having done nursing school with no child I can truly say I do not know how she managed, but she did it!!)
  4. Try to have a good time/laugh with everything you do. Even in terrible situations, Mom always knows how to cheer me up and make me smile.
  5. To sacrifice for the ones you love. I know she sacrificed a lot for me and still does. I know if I asked her for literally anything she would make it happen.

My badass mama graduating nursing!!!

The journey of single motherhood

I know my Mom faced her own set of challenges when my Dad left. She stood by me every step of the way and encouraged me to feel my own feelings – trust me, she never told me how to feel. Mom was always there to comfort me, laugh with me, and yes of course, fight with me at times! She handled being a single mama so well, even in the darkest of times. The journey of a single mom is a testament to resilience, courage, and unwavering love. It’s about turning challenges into opportunities, finding strength in vulnerability, and celebrating the beauty of every small victory – and she has celebrated all of my small victories.

The best compliment I will ever receive is “OMG you are so much like your mother”. If anyone knows my Mom she truly feels like sunshine, is always down for a laugh, and would do anything for you! Happy Birthday Mom, I love you forever and ever.

Love Hilary (your girl with the daddy issues)

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Daddy Issues is a digital community that redefines the narrative around absent fathers, offering a platform for sharing, healing, and empowerment. It’s a place where personal stories of struggle and resilience illuminate the path from past hurt to present strength. This space exists to connect those affected by father absence, providing support, encouragement, and resources to transform individual experiences into collective resilience.

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