Sarah & Her Mom: A Journey of Strength

My mother, Linda Johnson, has been my guiding light for as long as I can remember. Born in 1952 in a small town in Ohio, she learned early that life wasn't going to be easy, but she also learned that with determination and love, anything was possible.

When I was seven years old, my father left us. I remember that night vividly – Mom sitting at the kitchen table, tears streaming down her face, but even then, she was making a list. A list of what needed to be done, how we would manage, how she would take care of us.

"Sarah," she told me that night, "we're going to be just fine. We have each other, and that's all we need."

And she was right. Mom worked two jobs – cleaning offices at night and working at the local diner during the day. She never missed a school play, never forgot to pack my lunch, and somehow always had time to help me with my homework, even when she was exhausted.

The most important lesson she taught me wasn't about success or achievement – it was about resilience. "Life will knock you down," she used to say, "but you get to choose whether you stay down or get back up."

Today, as I watch her play with her grandchildren, I see that same strength, that same love, that same determination that carried us through those difficult years. She may be older now, her hair silver instead of brown, but her spirit is as strong as ever.

Mom, if you're reading this, I want you to know that everything good in me comes from you. Your strength became my strength. Your love became my foundation. Your wisdom became my guide.

Thank you for showing me what it means to be strong, to be kind, and to never give up. Thank you for being not just my mother, but my hero.