History is largely told as a chronicle of great people doing great things. But, for most of us, life is not made up of big moments, it’s made up of small moments. And with every small choice, with every small decision, we are defining ourselves. Are we honest? Are we faithful? Are we proud of ourselves or are we disappointed by who we’ve become? Life rarely turns out the way that we’d planned. The unexpected happens, and it surprises us with new and exciting possibilities. But, sooner or later, reality hits you in the face.

My mother never imagined having to start over as a single mother with two grown kids, but when the unimaginable happened, she adapted, she found strength, she moved on. And I hope that when my life doesn’t go as I planned (which it certainly won’t), I can handle myself with the same grace and strength that my mother has taught me.

She may not be an Olympic athlete or a world leader, but my mom is definitely my hero.