“Somewhere, over the rainbow, way up high
There’s a land that I heard of once in a lullaby,
Somewhere, over the rainbow, skies are blue
And the dreams that you dare to dream really do come true.”
– Lyrics by E.Y. Harburg.

The deepening violet clouds spread like wild fire across the gray sky as the winds made a fierce entrance. You could smell it through your nose. You could feel it in the air. A storm was heading our way fast. Ready to take cover inside, I rallied up my dog Shadow to move from the backyard into the safety of our house. Within minutes, lightening and thunder made their arrival bringing the rain crashing down.

As quickly as the storm came, it went. The winds quieted down with the rain dropping to a light drizzle. Curious to see if more were to come, I looked outside my patio. And there it was… a beautiful, majestic rainbow.

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“Desire is the key to motivation, but it’s determination and commitment to an unrelenting pursuit of your goal – a commitment to excellence – that will enable you to attain the success you seek.”
– Mario Andretti

During the black belt test while sitting on the testing board, I was blessed with the opportunity to watch my martial arts instructors perform an amazing Aikido demonstration. As husband and wife, they worked as a team throwing each other around in front of the board and a small audience. It was a thrilling and educational event showcasing over 25 years experience leading up to earning their 6^th Degree Master black belt in KiMudo. From raising children up to college and beyond, working full-time on top of running and owning a martial arts school to multiple injuries and sickness, receiving this honor reflected the ultimate dedication and perseverance.

Following my instructors’ performance, the rest of the black belts and black belts-to-be began their three-hour grueling, exhausting and exhilarating black belt test. But there was no shortage of dedication here. Included in the group was our 17 year-old prodigy who rocked it by throwing, punching and kicking her way towards earning her 3^rd Degree black belt. It was 12 years in the making starting at five years old. At first, she was a shy and timid girl but worked hard never giving up fighting her way to badass status. Now grown up, she has become a fierce martial artist with a force to be reckoned with.

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“Motherhood: All love begins and ends there.”
– Robert Browning

Three mothers. All of us over the age of 40 built from a tub full of life’s experiences. We’ve all been there, done that and seen that. On road trip to a friend’s baby shower, Krazy stories of love, loss, trials and tribulations gave way to an exciting drive filled with laughter, joy, sorrow, and encouragement. But even though our stories were Krazy, within our discussions the underlying theme involved the beauty and challenges of being a mother. Not enough words could express much love and commitment we have for our children. Unanimously, we all agreed being a mother is God’s greatest gift of all.

Motherhood is an emotional roller coaster ride with highs and lows, twists and turns while suddenly going upside down. Sometimes the ride is smooth and slow. Other times it’s fast jerking you around into unexpected directions. But whichever the way the roller coaster goes, it fills you with fear, excitement, exhilaration, wonder, love and joy. Once you get off the roller coaster, you desperately want to get back on crying, “Again, again!”

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