My Inspiration; My Mom
Interviewer: Ryan MacDonald
Kathy MacDonald (My Mom)
Dedication
Mom, you mean a lot to me, you've always been there for me whenever I needed anything, ever. Your family truly does mean the World to you and I could never repay you for all you have done for me. That is why you truly are my inspiration.
Interview
10 Questions
- What are you most afraid of?
“Not being able to breath, or small spaces.”
I knew that she didn't like that because she will occasionally tell stories of "nightmares" she has about being in underwater and not being able to breath. I also knew that she doesn't like small spaces because she gets nervous in crowded elevators.
2. Where did you live as a kid and what was it like?
“Well, my Dad was in the Navy so we moved around quite a bit. I was born in Hawaii, then we moved to Maine, then we moved to Beaville, Texas. We then moved to San Diego, California and then Arlington, Texas. “[Moving around a lot] I got an opportunity to make new friends all the time. My brother and I learned to adapt and make friends and I would say I had a pretty good childhood."
My grandpa always tells stories about his 20 years in the Navy. They traveled a lot as a child which is why I think she enjoys vacations a lot. My Mom is super outgoing and I think that can be attributed to her moving around a lot, she was always the "new girl" and to make friends she would have to be outgoing and start conversations as she does now.
3. If you could live in one place where would it be and why?
“Right now it would be Austin, because my family is down there. My parents, and my brother live down there. So, someday.”
Almost every holiday we travel south to Austin to see my grandparents and my uncle. We all love it. As she says, she only has one brother and though we are 3 hours away, we are a super close family.
4. If there was one word to describe you what would it be?
“Well, our family’s been through a lot these last couple years and if I had to sum it up I would say, strong.”
I would agree with her. These last few years have been tough for our family and she has definitely been our "rock."
5. Do you think you are a role model for other people?
“I really hope so, I try to live my life as a role model for my children and their friends.”
My mom is definitely a role model to all of us children. I imagine in 20 years we will strive to live our lives just as she has.
6. What do you do when you don't have anything to do?
“I do not have much free time, if I did have free time I would like to spend it with friends and family.”
Though she has many, many friends she is right, between driving four kids to millions of activities there is little time for herself. She always says, right now you guys are my job. After you leave to college, I will care about myself. I think this is amazing.
7. What does family mean to you?
“My family is my World. We provide support for each other, we love each other. It’s the basis of every friendship. I would also say that your close friends become your family. I have friends here in Coppell that don’t have family around here so they are my extended family."
This could not be more true. Our family is very close to each other and she is the main cause of that.
8. What were you like as a child?
“I was athletic and very close to my brother.”
My Mom has been able to maintain that strong bond with her brother. My Mom also loves soccer, so she was able to bond with her brother that way. She is very athletic as she went on to play College Soccer at San Diego St. University.
9. Who inspires you?
“Probably my Mom. She has been through a lot and never complains. She is loving, and caring and giving. It would have to be my Mother. She has come over in my great trials and kept a positive attitude."
My grandma got in a terrible car accident about a year and a half ago and is still recovering. Her and my Mom talk every day. They have a special bond. They are both going through tough times in life which allows them to lean on each other.
10. What traits make a good role model?
“Integrity, passion, respect and acceptance of others, strong faith and ability to inspire others.”My Mom thrives on integrity and doing the right thing all the time. I can't tell you how many time she has stressed this to us kids. We also go to church a lot and through this hard time, she has relied on God which I truly admire.
Dear Mom,
You were born in Hawaii in 1970,
But little did you know that it wouldn’t be
The place you end up.
You weren’t scared, you simply sad ‘sup.
Your Dad was in the Navy so your family was constantly on the move
But, you don’t fret you stayed calm and kept your groove.
You grew up very talkative and athletic
The very opposite of pathetic.
You worked hard and got an education
Which helped to build a solid foundation
You went to San Diego St.
and turned out great.
You grew up absolutely loving soccer
So, when it turned out to be my love too, it wasn’t a shocker.
Today, you are a fantastic Mom, always having a listening ear
Which lets all of us know, you are always here.
These past couple months have been kind of rough,
Which has shown us that you are tough.
How you’ve handled hard times
is why I’m here making rhymes.
I love you Mom,
You’re the bomb