Moms. Everyone has one. She’s the person who asks about my school day, celebrates my little victories, encourages me when I’m down, forgives my mistakes, understands me, values me, and notices the things that makes me, me.

My mom isn’t like any ordinary mom; she’s different. She always tells me to be unique and be who I want to be.

Parents don’t always do what they say. They might say, “Don’t eat any cookies; it’s past your bedtime.” Then they turn around and eat a cookie. They like to use the excuse, “We’re the parents.”

In my case, my mom didn’t just tell me to be unique, she was unique herself, to prove that anything is possible. She was a bodybuilder.

Who can say their mom was a professional body builder? I can.

People once told me woman bodybuilders are gross and not right. I didn’t listen to them. I am proud to say my mom was a bodybuilder. It’s neat to know my mom is unique compared to other moms.

After a student leadership luncheon one day I spoke to Mr. Cochran and I mentioned that about my mom. He said to me, “Who in this high school can say their mom was a bodybuilder? Probably none.”

I thought about it and he is right. My mom went to competitions and won trophies. She didn’t work out to stay fit or to look good; she did it because she loved it. She worked out six days a week and ate grilled chicken seven days.

My mom’s bodybuilding career was before I was born, so I didn’t get to see her at competitions, but I saw plenty of pictures. She won a second place trophy at the Lone Star Classic meet in Ft. Worth in 1989.

After she had my sister and me she didn’t compete anymore since she had two little girls to take care of. She still worked out with her bodybuilding friends, so I remember the times I got to go see her with them in the workout room.

Most gyms had a day care, which I loved. If my mom took me early in the morning or late in the afternoon, the day care wouldn’t be open and I would get to sit and watch her.

When she took a two-minute breather and a drink of water I would grab a one pound dumbbell and stand in front of the mirror and work my muscles as she smiled and started again.

She was inspiring to watch, even as a young kid. I could see in her eyes the determination, I could see in her sweat the strength, I could see in her smile the joy and excitement and I could see in her heart the passion.

The ability she had to keep going was unfathomable. Her mental process was stretched so far she could do anything. I wanted to be just like her. Everyday she inspires me to remember to never give up and that anything is possible.

Her dedication and love is more powerful than words can express. I will never forget the hard work my mom put into each workout, as she puts into being a mom, she is my hero.