On November 7th my Mom turned 80 years of age. It’s a remarkable feat for anyone to hit this milestone but considering the turbulent path that she has endured since coming to this country in 1969, it deserves special recognition.

She immigrated to the United States from Jamaica at the young age of 25 not knowing much about Minnesota and its weather. She experienced what I would like to call the “strenuous life” that no blog could do justice covering in totality.

To me a strenuous life means someone who embraces challenges as stepping stones and is committed to striving for the best for themselves and others no matter the circumstances. The term was first introduced by Theodore Roosevelt during a speech he gave in 1899 while he was Vice President.

I’m proud of my Mom’s ability in intentionally championing life despite the challenges as a single parent, raising three kids by herself in St. Paul, Minnesota.

She was always immaculate at hosting get-togethers and entertaining family and friends with cuisine she prepared in her home. I believe her talents in this area have been exemplified by my older sister, the Founder and Chef of Dine4Dinners. This business provides amazing private dinners, with some proceeds going to charities on a mission to combat hunger.

My Mom pursued a career as a nurse and was a role model at mastering the art of patient-oriented care. She was always about the patient no matter their condition. This quality I believe had influence on my twin sister who is now a leader in the pharmaceutical industry with a special emphasis on inclusive medicine for all.

My Mom was always a proponent of pursuing an education and even worked full time as a nurse while going to school to get a bachelor’s degree in counseling. Her passion for education certainly had an impact on me as I’m now continuing my studies while working full time.

It was a great day that we were able to gather as a family to pay tribute to her on her 80th trip around the sun. It was a special memory that we will always have and it is a reminder how important it is to cherish the times we have together and appreciate our history. It is also my hope that I can live a strenuous life as she did.