Mother’s day moments |

This weekend marked the fourth Mother’s Day weekend without my mom.

And like in the three years which have passed, I tried to make this a memorable weekend of reflection, kindness, positivity.

Saturday was the 4th annual Jogging for Judy even at the Miles for Moffitt 5k race. It was a beautiful day to remember my mom and others who have lost their lives or who are currently fighting against cancer. As a team we raised over $600 for Moffitt Cancer Center and enjoyed the morning out at USF. Family, friends, and even some Orangetheory buddies came out to support #TeamJudy.

On Sunday we woke up bright and early to make a special delivery to the mothers currently residing at the Ronald McDonald House in Tampa!

Many families stay at the RMH while their child receives critical care at nearby hospitals. Making their mother’s day a little less stressful, and a LOT more special by providing them with a small token of love is definitely something in the spirit of #TeamJudy.

We’ve been organizing this project since early April, collecting donations to help us put these baskets together. Last week a group of us gathered together to build the baskets in preparation for Mother’s Day.

Early Mother’s day morning, Brian and I got up, loaded up the car and delivered the baskets to RMH. While we were there, a mother was sitting in the dining room with her two young children. One of the RMH volunteers whispered to the son to take one of the baskets and give it to his mom. He looked SO excited and ran towards his mom with the basket. It was a very sweet moment that I’ll never forget! <3

After our special delivery we met up with Brian’s brother and mother and treated her to a fresh bouquet of lavendar, tulips and bacon< In the form of breakfast at Cracker Barrel! 😉 Before we headed home we made a stop at the local farmer’s market and now I’m enjoying the rest of this Sunday watching the Rays, playing with the chickens and enjoying a breezy and sunny day in Florida.

Mother’s day will always be a bittersweet day for me. And although I wish I could spend it with my mother, I’m able to remember her in so many meaningful ways. So much good has come from her passing. I know that sounds like a terrible statement to make, but we have truly found a way to spin this loss into something positive. Since forming #TeamJudy, we have been able to give back thousands of dollars benefiting organizations fighting against cancer, create an awareness of the importance of self-checks and prevention, and give back to those in need. My mom was such a giving person, and to be able to continue her positive energy is something I will continue to do for as long as I can.