Friend,

I am the woman I am today because of my grandmother and mother.

My grandmother didn’t know how to read or write, but she didn’t let that deter her from living the life she wanted. I would spend my weekends sitting with her for hours, writing letters to her sister for her and listening to stories of a life full of struggle, joy and determination. 

Because of my grandmother, I learned to be resilient in the face of adversity and to never stop finding joy in the smallest things.

My mother had seven children and worked long, hard hours as a maid. If she was exhausted, she never showed it as she nurtured all of my biggest aspirations, helping me see myself as someone who belonged in any space I wanted to be in – no matter if the space was predominantly white and male.

Because of my mother, I learned to never tire in my fight for good, even if I wanted to accomplish things that you wouldn’t expect from the daughter of a maid in the 1960s.

I met my husband, Jerry, in the Orlando Police Department, and we married in 1988. He knew that I wanted to have both children and the career that I had worked so hard to build. Most women in the ’80s couldn’t have both – but Jerry never tried to discourage me. When I tucked our three children in at night and then went off to work night shifts patrolling the streets of Orlando, Jerry was always there, supporting my career every step of the way.

Because of Jerry, my children and my grandchildren, I learned what it feels like to love so hard that your heart could burst – and how important it is to build the best country we possibly can for them.

Friend, I wanted to take a moment to wish you and all the people who have shaped who you are today a happy and special Mother’s Day. I hope that today, and every day, you feel loved and recognized for the hard work you do.

Thank you for letting me share this special day with you,

Val Demings