and the priorities of her family.

Annalee’s life when not working was pumping and catching the odd hours of sleep. Pump, fly, shower, pump, sleep, fly, eat, pump, eat, fly, sleep … again and again. One of her first trips back on the job from her time at home was a flight to Paris. While in France, she continued to pump on her regular schedule but was informed that she wouldn’t be able to get back through Paris airport security. There would be no liquids at all; breast milk was out. However, throwing away all that “liquid gold” was absolutely not an option. After asking around she found a loophole: She would be allowed to transport the breast milk with a doctor’s note. One of her fellow gentleman pilots (most all airline pilots are male), volunteered to fly for her to give her more time to get her doctor’s note. She had just barely got her note and flew the next flight. However, it ended up being a non-issue because the milk was frozen when they went through security. All that fight for nothing!

Now her daughter is 5 years old, and Annalee has a certain level of seniority at work. There have been many times where she’s had to advocate for herself and the priorities of her family. She shares a calendar with her husband, calls home often, and adjusts her schedule to ensure that she’s home during the important events and milestones—a feat that is much easier as her children continue to grow.

This modern mom has learned to balance everyone’s needs and aspirations, including her own, and relies on the support of those who see, listen and understand her. “I rely on my faith in God and am thankful for my husband, who is the foundation of support for our family,” says Annalee.

Today’s mother may look a little different. She may navigate new challenges and overcome new hurdles, but she’s not alone.

This Mother’s Day, let’s be the children, the men, the friends, and the women who support mothers everywhere. From us to you, Happy Mother’s Day.