Happy Mother’s Day!

In honor of Mother’s Day I would like to celebrate my mother, Jeanne Bapov. As a single mother, she worked hard to support our family and provide for us. I remember when she moved us from a two bedroom home, where I and my brothers shared one room, into a three-bedroom home. That is huge. Looking back now that I have my own family I understand the significance and sacrifice of it.

She took on the task of raising three hyperactive boys and did her best to ensure that we would have a bright future. She is an over comer. I appreciate her tenacity to advocate for us. This is seen helping my older brother have what he needed to get into a performing arts school and for my twin brother, John and I do get the learning support we needed. She made sure to work with our teachers to help reach our potential. Even when we didn't cooperate, she didn't give up on us, and John and I got into — and caused — A LOT of trouble. Her determination allowed all three of us to go onto college and graduate despite personal challenges with learning in a traditional way. I went from barely graduating high school, to graduating college with a 3.8 GPA. This is a testament to what she taught me about working hard and staying with it.

Now as a grandmother she helps me navigate the parenting world, thinking through the best way to care for my son, Ray. He has learning and medical issues, delays and differences and my mom reminds me just how special he is and how we are the perfect parents for him. God's pick. She is a reassuring presence and a wise counselor as I am on this adventure called parenthood

I am thankful for how she’s always prayed for us and asked God to work in our lives. Her faith changed our lives and the story of our family. It's from her that my love for Jesus began and she helped to cultivate a hunger for God's word. She still sends us Bible verses to read and prays on my behalf. She would share with our youth pastors and leaders about how having a male figure would do wonders for us. Little need she know that decision would plant in me and my brothers a vision that the local church could be an incredible force for good in the world and the local community. She continues to serve the local church I grew up in. I am thankful for her love for the local church.

She taught me the value of being compassionate to people around me and to see them and care. Her example would lead me to be an advocate for others and myself by using my voice and asking. She lives out “you have not because you ask not.” That has been very helpful in my leadership journey.

I am so thankful for this woman who is worthy of honoring and celebrating, and a woman that I happen to call: mom.

—Joe Velarde