Happy Mother’s Day to the Amazing Moms in My Life

Happy Mother’s Day!

It is hard to believe we are already in the middle of May. This time of year always feels like the perfect backdrop for Mother’s Day. The trees are full, everything is green again, flowers are blooming, and there is just something about spring that feels full of life, care, and renewal. It makes this holiday feel right at home.

Today is a day to celebrate the moms who have shaped our lives, supported us, and loved us through every stage along the way. I have written before about how fortunate I am to have two wonderful moms to celebrate, and that is just as true this year as ever.

Mom and Oliver from November

Happy Mother’s Day to my mom, Nancy. Thank you for your love, your support, and for all the things you did for us growing up that probably seemed ordinary at the time but mean even more the older I get. The older I get, the more I appreciate the steady presence, encouragement, and care that moms provide. It is not just the big things. It is all the little things over the years that add up and stay with you.

Mom Shirron
from Family Pictures

Happy Mother’s Day to Joan as well. I have been lucky to gain another wonderful mom in my life. Thank you for always being thoughtful, caring, and generous. Family time, meals together, checking in, and all the many ways you show up do not go unnoticed. I am grateful for you and all you do for our family.

Oliver and Carrie

And of course, Happy Mother’s Day to Carrie, who is absolutely Oliver’s mom in every way that matters. Oliver is lucky to have you taking such good care of him, spoiling him, snuggling with him, and making sure he is always loved. I am pretty sure if Oliver could write this post himself, it would mostly be a thank you note for treats, attention, and a preferred spot on the couch. I am also pretty sure he would include a few kisses and then wander off for a nap.

Mother’s Day is also a good reminder to reach out. Call your mom. Visit if you can. Let her know you are thinking about her. Do something special, even if it is simple. A phone call, a card, lunch together, or just spending time means more than we sometimes realize. And try not to make today the only day you check in. That is a good reminder for all of us.

To all the moms out there, Happy Mother’s Day. Thank you for the love, care, patience, strength, and support you give to your families and the people around you. I hope your day is filled with love, appreciation, and maybe a little time to relax too.

Have a great Sunday and a wonderful week ahead.

Lessons, Leadership, and a View from the Capitol Dome

Topeka Capital

This past Friday, I attended my second to last Leadership Greater Topeka (LGT) class. We have one more class, which is a half day, followed by graduation. My time in LGT has flown by, and I cannot believe the end is already approaching. We have covered so much through these classes and learned a great deal about the community where I live and work.

On Friday morning, we spent time talking with leaders from local and state government, including Kansas Representatives and Senators. It was an engaging day of listening and learning as they shared their journeys into public service and described what a typical day looks like when they are in session.

Washburn in the Distance

Friday afternoon was spent at the Topeka Capitol, a place I have visited a number of times. However, I had never been to the top of the Capitol. On previous tours, the top was closed, so I made it a point to go all the way up this time to see the view. It was an incredible experience to climb more than two hundred stairs and look out over Topeka from the top of the Capitol.

Spiral Stairs to the Top

The journey to the top was challenging. The guide mentioned several times that anyone who wanted to turn back could do so, but asked that they let her know so she could account for changes in the group size. There were three different locations where people could peel off and not continue. A few people decided they had gone high enough. I am very glad that I kept going and was able to take in the view of Topeka from atop the Capitol.

Looking Up

During the tour, the guide also shared a few ghost stories, which were interesting. She explained that while she had never experienced anything herself, there have been reports of banging or unexplained noises near the top of the dome. When officers investigate, they never find anything. When we were up in the dome, it was extremely quiet, which felt a bit odd. There was no sound of wind and no noise from below. It was not until we started our way down and reached the third set of stairs that I began to hear the sounds of people far below in the Capitol participating in other tours.

It was a wonderful way to wind down the LGT experience. I have truly enjoyed the LGT journey and look forward to nominating others for future classes.