Celebrating the Light of My Life: My Mom's Birthday

Introduction:

Hi friends! For this blog, it feels only fitting to celebrate the special person who inspired me to start writing in the first place: my mom. Yesterday, we celebrated her birthday in our favourite place, Walt Disney World. Looking back, though, it’s not just the location that makes these moments unique but also the memories we’ve created on our trips here throughout the years. This trip felt particularly full circle because I’m finally starting to live my dreams. My mom has never made me feel guilty about chasing those dreams; I know my dreams are hers, too. Two years ago, I moved away for school, and since September, I’ve taken an even more significant leap by moving to a whole new country for a year-long contract. It’s been hard not having her physically by my side, but no matter the distance, I feel her unwavering support and strength wherever I go. My mom often brings up a conversation we had before I moved, where I was upset and told her she wasn’t “accepting my voice and the person I’m becoming.” She’s held on to that moment, using it as a reminder to appreciate my voice and the voice it has now given her. What she doesn’t realize, though, is that she’s the reason I was able to find my voice in the first place. I can’t wait to dedicate this blog post to her. Happy Birthday Mom!

A Tribute to My Strong Single Mom

My mom was a single mom for my entire upbringing, and I like to think of us as the real-life Gilmore Girls. Last year, she took a leap of faith and moved into a new home with her partner, a step she never felt ready to take while I was growing up because her sole focus was me. Nothing about our bond has changed despite her new chapter and my move to a new country. When we’re together, we still find ways to go shopping, order takeout, or curl up in our pyjamas to watch crime shows. She wasn’t just made to be my mom; she was destined to be my best friend. I joke that I call the shots in our relationship, but she was the one who taught me independence. With her working late nights as a principal, I’d “cook” dinner (boil water or put the chicken in the oven) and eagerly wait for her to come home so we could eat together in our PJs while watching TV. It was like being roommates, but it was our special thing. My mom has always been a hardworking role model, teaching me resilience and independence while clearly trusting me completely. She believed I could do anything I wanted; wow, did it ever pay off! At only twenty, I’ve moved away from home three times, solo backpacked through Europe, and adopted my puppy, Moose. Her unwavering support has always been my safety net, and I know that no matter what happens or who I might disappoint, she’ll never stop believing in me because she knows and loves the real me. One of her favourite sayings is, “Why be vanilla when you can be tiger-striped ice cream?” She’s probably never had tiger-striped ice cream, but it’s stuck with me forever. It’s a reminder to embrace my uniqueness, a lesson she lives by and has passed on to me. Just yesterday at the park, a cast member told her, “I think you might be my favourite guest today.” That’s the kind of energy my mom radiates, and it’s the same energy she’s instilled in me, helping me achieve so much in just twenty years. Looking back and celebrating my accomplishments this year, I can’t help but think of my biggest cheerleader. She’s always the first to hear my news and probably always will be. And you had better believe she’ll be giving me away at my wedding if I even keep things traditional because one thing we aren’t is traditional. It was hard growing up watching my friends live in nuclear families, but my mom more than made up for it. She didn’t just make up for two parents; she made up for a whole village. No matter where life takes me, I know my mom will always be my anchor, inspiration, and the greatest gift I could ever ask for.

Believing in My Dreams

This year, I paused my studies to accept an offer to work at Walt Disney World as a Canadian Cultural Representative. If you knew me before my Disney journey, you’d remember that I was pursuing a top science degree at the #1 university in Canada, yet I didn’t feel fulfilled or successful. I kept asking myself, “What’s next”? and I couldn’t see a future I was excited about. It wasn’t until my mom encouraged me to apply for my first Disney International Program that I embraced change and growth. That experience completely shifted my perspective. I changed my degree to the Creative Industries at a school where I feel comfortable expressing myself. Then came another life-changing moment: my offer letter to work at Disney for a year. Well, almost. There was a hiccup. I originally applied for a three-month college exchange program but received a rejection email. When I called my mom to tell her the news, she refused to accept it as the final answer. She told me to find the right person to listen and give me another chance. Her belief in me gave me the courage to persist. I kept reaching out, sharing my passion, and explaining why this opportunity meant so much. Finally, I got my answer; I was accepted into the year-long Disney program! When I shared the news, many people asked, “What about school?” But my mom and I saw the bigger picture. She understood my dream, and her support gave me the strength to pursue it wholeheartedly. This year has been incredible. I’ve built connections with cast members from all walks of life, inspiring my next steps when I return to the city with my loyal sidekick, Moose. For those who know me, you know I’m open to life’s detours, always exploring what the world has to offer. This program has opened so many doors for me, and it’s why I’m so passionate about working for the Walt Disney Company. Reflecting on my journey, I know I wouldn’t be the person I am today without my mom. She often tells me she struggled with confidence at my age and finds it remarkable to see me thriving, but what she doesn’t realize is that my confidence comes from her. Her hard work, vulnerability, and honesty about her insecurities have been my guiding light. Thank you, Mom, for always believing in me and encouraging me to chase big or small opportunities. You’ve given me the wings to fly, and because of you, I’m stepping into this new chapter of my life with courage and excitement.

A Relationship Beyond Borders

Since moving back to Florida for my second Disney International Program, my mom and I have kept our bond strong, even across the miles/kilometres (For both my Canadian and American readers, haha). This most magical place always has a way of bringing us closer. Every time I return to Disney, I’m reminded of our first trip here together, when my Nonni, battling stage four cancer, took me at the age of five. That trip sparked a magic in me that has lived on ever since. Now, as an adult working for the company, it feels so special to share this experience with my mom and keep the magic alive. We continue many of the same traditions, with slight changes. For example, Splash Mountain, our favourite ride, has transformed into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. I’ll never forget when we rode it with Nonni; she lost her wig during the ride! Funny enough, when we rode it this time, it happened to be on Nonni’s birthday, and we were sitting in the same boat. As we reached the end, our lap bar in the log was the only one that didn’t want to move; it was just another magical moment that felt like a message from her. Moments like these, filled with nostalgia and new traditions, keep Disney such a special place for us. Even when we’re apart, we stay close through calls, visits, and the traditions we’ve built over the years. My mom’s guidance continues to shape my choices, pushing me to chase opportunities and embrace every adventure. No matter how far apart we are, I know we’re always together; she’s my invisible red string, always tethered to me through every milestone and journey. Thank you, Mom, for shaping me into the woman I am today. I can’t wait to keep growing, making you proud, and creating more magical memories.

Conclusion

Mom, you are the heart and soul of every milestone and memory that means the most to me. Your love, resilience, and unwavering belief in me have been my foundation, giving me the courage to dream big, embrace my uniqueness, and chase after the life I’ve always imagined. Through every challenge and triumph, your guidance has been my compass, and I wouldn’t be the person I am today without you. Whether encouraging me to take bold leaps or simply reminding me to enjoy the moment, you’ve always been there, shaping my journey with your wisdom and care. As we celebrate your birthday in the most magical place, I hope you feel how deeply loved and appreciated you are today and every day. You’ve given me a lifetime of memories to cherish, and I look forward to creating even more as we continue to grow and explore together. Here’s to you, Mom, my biggest cheerleader, best friend, and most incredible gift. Wishing you the happiest of birthdays and a year ahead filled with love, laughter, and endless adventures. I love you more than words can ever say.