🌻 The Gift of Adult Children 🌻

This year, my daughters reminded me once again of the beautiful and complex journey of motherhood. Mariko celebrated her 45th birthday, and Brittany turned 38 this past June. Realizing that I have been a mother for 45 years is both humbling and amazing. The little girls I once cared for are now strong, independent women navigating life on their own terms.

I have learned over the years that my role as their mother has shifted. They don’t need me to parent them in the same way. Instead, they need my love, support, and encouragement. They are their own women now, and I respect that deeply. I don’t interfere in their choices or try to carry their burdens. I’m here to love them, to listen, and to stand proudly by their sides.

🌼 Mariko’s Path

Mariko has built a career in the medical field, dedicating over 15 years to serving others in different roles. She has also raised her daughter, Kimora, with strength and grace—giving her the freedom and confidence to explore life as a young Black, hearing-impaired, neurodivergent teenager. Watching Mariko balance motherhood and her career while nurturing Kimora’s independence has been inspiring.

🌼 Brittany’s Journey

Brittany, my youngest, has followed a path that reflects her passion for health and wellness. She is a certified BreathWork facilitator and a lymphatic body sculptor, and while she continues to work a regular job, she is also building her entrepreneurial dreams. In her, I see my own desire for independence and creativity—the drive to carve out a life that is uniquely her own.

🌼 Reflections of Myself

In both of my daughters, I see myself: strong-minded, deeply caring for our people, and learning with time how to protect our energy and redefine relationships. We are homebodies at heart, but when we step into community, we embrace it fully.

🌼 The Dance of Motherhood

Having adult children comes with its challenges. Sometimes they want to take on the parent role with me, and while I value their feedback, I also set boundaries when needed. It’s part of the dance of being a mother to grown daughters—we all continue to grow and learn from each other.

🌻 Today, I can say with certainty:

I have no more babies. My girls are beautiful, resilient women who have figured out how to create lives that work for them—even when they don’t fully recognize their own strength. I am proud of them both. And I am equally proud to be “Nanny” to Kimora, my granddaughter, who carries forward our family’s spirit into the next generation.

Motherhood has been my greatest blessing. It has shaped me, stretched me, and continues to remind me of the power of love, patience, and respect.