Mom. It’s not a title on my business card and security concerns with activists limit sharing our family on social media. But motherhood remains as one of the most defining parts of my legacy. I frequently share with audiences how I learned that celebrating the promise of agriculture is about finding your own legacy. That’s different for everyone. As we celebrated Mother’s Day, I wanted to pay tribute to my little legacy – and the many lessons I’ve learned as a mom.

• Being your biggest advocate and fan is an honor. That also means helping you learn from mistakes, even when it’s not fun.
• Eating healthy can be fun for kids. “Raw spinach” seems to get just the response you want whenever someone asks you about your favorite food.
• Challenging your little brain is becoming increasingly more difficult. Who knew that “chrysalis” was so entertaining to spell?
• Standing up for what’s right so you know it’s O.K. to do so.
• Biting my tongue when a coach screams at you in the middle of a soccer field. Life isn’t always fair. As much as I would like to take your shots, that’s not reality.
• Judging dairy cattle can start at a very early age, as can oral reasons- as you’ve chosen on your own.  I hope your good eye continues.
• Conversing while eating should not involve open mouths. And dinner time will frequently include “please take your feet off the table.”
• Discovering that little people have your own drama on the playground – and can still be good friends when the dust settles.
• Figuring out that addition rarely captures your interest, but multiplication is motivating (you’re on your own when you get to Algebra).
• Listening to you play piano is incredibly relaxing. You may inspire me to learn someday.
• Bundling you up seems to ignite your “furnace.” How did you get one of those when I’m always cold?
• Letting you fall off the bike and then pushing you down the hill so you can do it again is tough on your parents. I hope it’s easier to let go when bodily harm isn’t involved.
• Finding that our society has determined teaching to the average is acceptable. It’s not. Learn at the level where your brain is.
• Flying kites makes windy days fun. And dandelions can be considered beautiful bouquets.
• Playing basement basketball games involves screaming and keeping you from climbing my legs.
• Understanding that you’re more O.K. with me not being at every game than I am. Mommy guilt strikes again. I hope you never have it.
• Introducing animals to people sometimes involves a detailed explanation of their role in the food chain, even when you’re four.
• Looking down the road and wondering what agriculture will look like when you’re my age is both overwhelming and motivating to keep on doing what I do.
• Traveling with you is far more entertaining than going solo. You show me little things adults miss  while we’re rushing through life.
• Protecting your innocence in this society is proving to be more difficult each year.
• Developing life skills isn’t necessarily in an educational system that focuses on meeting state standards.
• Learning to play games like Angry Birds sometimes requires little hands teaching mommy.
• Running through the hay field and pasture can be considered a backyard. I’m glad it’s your norm.
• Giggling and screaming in the barn seems to be the favorite past time for every little friend you’ve brought over.
• Saying no when I really want to say yes is hard, but necessary.
• Answering to you and your extremely persuasive abilities gives me a taste of my own medicine. And it’s not always so tasty.
• Helping hands come at a very early age. Your generosity of spirit is enviable.

Being a mom has made me a better person. And for that, I’m very grateful. I hope and pray that you will someday look back and see that  – along with the importance of finding your own place in the world.

Do you know your legacy? Have you shared it with others? It’s one more way to connect human-to-human.