In honor of Mother’s Day, Orlando Family Magazine asked local moms to share what motherhood means to them.

Lisa Bowman, MSN, RN – Chief Nursing Officer at Florida Hospital for Children – Mom to Emmi (6) & Ethan (4)

Why are you grateful to be a mom?

It’s one of life’s most important blessings. I had the privilege of learning from a mother who successfully raised 3 children. Although it wasn’t easy and my mom made mistakes that we learned from, she inspired me to be the best mom possible. It is key for me to share my experiences, successes, and failures with my kids to help mold and guide them through their own lives. The unconditional love for a child is like no other. My kids are my heart and we have so much fun together!

Proud mom moment?

Just a month after entering kindergarten, my shy Emmi was named Student of the Month ─ the first for the school year! She earned the recognition for her hard work and positive attitude. I felt such pride and knew her confidence was lifted.

Ethan started to have potty accidents at school and wasn’t listening to his teachers. Noting that his behavior changed when his teacher started to leave during nap time to eat lunch, she modified her schedule and, with positive reinforcement, he began to sleep during nap time without accidents. For weeks, the first thing Ethan screamed when I entered the classroom was, “I didn’t pee my pants” and “I was a good listener!” He was proud of himself, which made me proud.

Jess Cearley – Fashion Advisor – Mom to Crosby (2 ½) 

Why are you grateful to be a mom? 

Motherhood gives me a sense of value & worth. I may never foresee the magnitude of his potential, but it allows me to see that all of his accomplishments are successes. Whether he becomes the President or lives a modest life…that success, in part, started with me ─ the same person who was there when he took his first step and said his first word. At the time, that’s all that mattered and such successes will continue to be as fulfilling in each next chapter. But in the beginning, he needed me.

Proud mom moment?

Anytime I use my instincts with the reward being that it pleases him. Be it making him feel better, understanding something he said, or giving him a drink of water just ‘cause I know he’s thirsty.

Kari Conley – Director of Community Relations at Orlando Health – Mom to Carson (11) & Camryn (10)

Why are you grateful to be a mom?

Being responsible for two young lives is a privilege and a daunting task. I am inspired by their talent, creativity, character, and the joy they bring to us. I am looking forward to seeing what God does in their lives and how they will impact the world.

Proud mom moment?

I have many…from athletic events to school plays to good grades, but I’m always proud when I hear from others about how they have been kind or stood up for someone who was being bullied.

[Image of Kari Conley courtesy of Marcie Fry Photography]

Laura Diaz – Co-host of Johnny’s House on XL 106.7 – Mom to Norah (10 months)

Why are you grateful to be a mom?  

I’ve watched my sister struggle with infertility for more than a decade, so I know how lucky I am to experience motherhood.

Proud mom moment? 

We have an English & Spanish bilingual household. It made my heart melt when she said “Papi” just the other day! Until then, Norah had only said “Da-da.” And, of course, I’m still waiting on “Mama!”

Sarah Grafton – Financial Advisor at Grafton Wealth Management – Mom to Ryder (5) & Bobby (3)

Why are you grateful to be a mom?

Motherhood is the greatest gift I’ve ever received. Every day I get to see them smile and grow into these incredible boys. There is nothing like the unconditional love a child can give! I am at my best when they are with me.

Proud mom moment?

I love watching them work hard and succeed at something and then share it with me. Whether it’s a look into the stands after scoring in a game or running over to show me how they spell their name ─ their excitement gives me so much pride as their mommy!

Amy Kaufeldt – Anchor at WOFL Fox 35 – Mom to Kate (8), Caroline (6), & Colton (3)

Why are you grateful to be a mom?

Motherhood is a gift that comes with responsibility ─ more than I imagined. I count my blessings that my children are healthy, happy, and surrounded by love, but I am also reminded about the challenges of motherhood. Are they eating healthy? Am I shaping them into good human beings? Will they be able to handle the challenges ahead? It’s a lifetime responsibility and I’m grateful for all the special moments and the silliness. I can’t imagine life without them. But if only there was an easy answer for potty training!

Proud mom moment?

I am proud when I see my children do the right thing when “no one is looking.” I love being told by another parent/teacher that they used their manners, remembered to say please & thank you, were great listeners, and followed the rules.

Maritza Martinez – Vice President of Community Relations at the University of Central Florida  – Mom to Juliana (10) & Mariana (8)

Why are you grateful to be a mom? 

Experiencing motherhood was an essential part of my definition of fulfillment and personal success. It has added exponential meaning and purpose to what I do, and to what I choose to invest my efforts and time in.

Proud mom moment?

When meeting with my girls’ teachers, they provide official validation (via report cards and other objective evaluations & metrics) that my girls are as bright and as awesome as I think they are!

Marni Stahlman – President/CEO at Shepherd’s Hope – Mom to Lily Mae (6)

Why are you grateful to be a mom?

After two miscarriages, I was diagnosed with a genetic disorder that would require Assistive Reproductive Technology (fancy words for IVF). With a combo of hormones, depression, and surrounded by loved ones who seemingly had families without struggles, ‘failure’ was exactly how I felt, especially after multiple attempts. After 3 years, countless tears, and exhausted expenses, we stopped trying. Just 33 days later, I learned I was pregnant at 43 – the old fashioned way! My pregnancy was challenging, with high doses of medication, gestational diabetes, and more. But, in Jewish tradition, a female child is given her name by a Rabbi within 7 days and we welcomed Lael Meira (Lily Mae), which translates as “light of God.” Her birth announcement read: The most amazing thing about Miracles is that they happen.

Proud mom moment?

When I opened my notebook at the office, I found a note which read “Mom, I love you. Lily” with a chocolate gold coin. It’s her favorite candy treat and she shared.

Secily Wilson – Director of Financial Development at Central Florida YMCA – Mom to Chrissy (24) & Nicole (13)

Why are you grateful to be a mom?

Motherhood is the greatest gift God can grant to a woman. That means he has given me the ultimate responsibility to love, care for, and shape his precious angels. And for that, I am extremely grateful and blessed!

Proud mom moment? 

My proudest moment to date was hearing my daughter Chrissy say, “I admire you, mommy, for all that you are and do.”

Casey Wohl – TV Correspondent, Travel Guru, and Founder/Author of GirlsGetawayGuide.net – Mom to Yale (6 months)

Why are you grateful to be a mom? 

I feel so grateful each morning when I reach into the crib to pick him up…and he smiles at me!

Proud mom moment? 

Since Yale is so young, tons of proud moments are happening ─ his first bite of baby food, his laugh, and seeing his face light up when I pick him up from daycare. I’m proud to be the new mom of a happy baby boy!