Okay, I start getting a little misty when I begin to talk about my daughter, Patti. I just know in my heart that I would not have challenged myself as hard if it weren’t for her entering my life. God sure is a smart being. He knew exactly what he was doing. I faced many a challenges and obstacles throughout my life but knowing Patti exists is all the reason to continue persevering in my dreams.

So therefore, Patti deserves her own page. After all, she is the main reason for my success. All one needs is to have a strong motivating factor to begin the conquering of our goals. Aside from God and my parents, Patti has always been the foundation of strength for every obstacle I face. To begin to tell you about Patti, is to begin the energizer bunny that won’t quit until the battery is done. Okay, I’m gonna keep it short and sweet.

Patti was born in 1980 in Chicago, Illinois. After having gained so much weight and topping well over 170lbs, I gave natural childbirth to a little girl weighing 6 lbs. 8 ½ ounces on October 28th. On that day, she was certainly the talk of the hospital delivery room floor. My daughter had immediately lifted her entire head as she was placed tummy down on my chest. All the attending physicians were amazed at the musculoskeletal strength of this little girl. They said to me “you have a real strong girl here”. Boy, they weren’t kidding….

When Patti was 12 years old, she and I went to see one of my nephews play hockey. She immediately indicated a desire to try figure skating. I took her to a public skate session and immediately she was hooked. She had this natural talent that allowed her to flawlessly skate at her first try! It amazed me because I can't even stand on ice in my boots. Within less than a year, she was at freestyle 5 and ready for competitions. She had her own figure skating costumes and professionally custom-made figure skates. Unfortunately, she found that moving up in the world sometimes means losing friends along the way. I don’t think Patti enjoyed this part. Patti reluctantly moved on alone as she was the only one suited for the next level of lessons. We continued onto the next step and enrolled into figure skate camp where she was there all mornings for either power skate, scribe skate, group skate and competition routine training and rehearsals. It was during this time period, that I became an obsessive coach mom. I guess because I had switched my work hours to fulfill what I thought to be her dream. I now had to work shifts from 11am to 7pm or 1pm to 9pm. It was taking its toll on me and maybe Patti knew it. She opted to not compete and shortly thereafter figure skating lessons were completely out. Patti continued to figure skate on some weekends at public skate rinks. She was truly one of the gifted figure skaters with such talent.

Nevertheless, Patti has always managed to amaze me in so many different ways. She has served as a real comforter and teacher to me. I remember us taking our first flight to Disney World in Florida. I have this great fear of flying which she puts to rest when I’m with her. She was only 7 years old when she comforted me on my first flight. She sat by the window and told me everything she could see outside. She knew I was afraid and knew that if she let me know she was fine then I would feel a lot better. It’s funny how that works. Even your kids know how to play you.

On another occasion, we were in Wisconsin Dells vacationing when she realized I had this fear of putting my head underwater. She held both my hands and told me it would be okay. That I should hold my breath while underwater and open up my eyes and look straight at her. She quickly made me feel comfortable and the fear of sinking my head in water quickly vanished. She was always quick to protect mom from any fears. It’s amazing how children are fearless and Patti certainly fit that mold.

All in all, Patti’s mere existence gave me the courage to try and tackle my own fears in order to more fully enjoy life. She had me ride my first small roller coaster (Magic Mountain) at Disney World. Hey, that was major for me. Today, I don’t go on any roller coasters bigger than that! I still enjoy watching my daughter’s fearless character. The last roller coaster for her was in Vegas, New York, New York. I think she said that particular one might have been the scariest for her. She enjoys the rush, speed and heart dropping feeling. I just don’t get it!

Anyhow, vacationing with my daughter is the best time ever. Whether it is at a club on a cruise ship, Vegas, New York, New Orleans or South Beach, Florida – we’re there and Patti doesn’t stop dancing until the DJ shuts down for the night. You gotta love it. At this point, I’m drinking water and ready to hail a cab down. It takes major recovery for me when getting back home because I typically sleep at 9pm and live an entirely different lifestyle. You could say my daughter gets me out of my shell. It’s great to have a daughter who is your friend, your confidant, your protector and still your spoiled little girl who knows mom breaks down only for her.

You know, as I look back at when I was raising and disciplining my child, I find that the values and examples I set for myself – my daughter begins to apply them in her own life. There was a time of major turmoil for my daughter and me during her teenage years. That is typically a time when kids seek advice and acceptance from their peers. I did not falter or compromise my authority. I was her mom and made certain to continue the job of motherhood that was handed to me. We made it through the rough times and that has only made our relationship stronger. A relationship with mutual respect for one another’s wishes, desires and dreams. You know, the best way to teach your loved ones is through example. We still quarrel over stuff like healthy nutrition and exercise. But today, I let Patti be herself. She is her own individual. She’ll acclimate just fine and do it when she’s ready. Patti, no doubt, has her own dreams and I can only hope to be her biggest supporter to route her on her way. I am so proud of her.

She is my rock, my lighthouse and the love of my life.