Celebrate San Diego Moms

Happy Mother’s Day! Celebrating San Diego County Moms

We’d like to give a big shoutout to moms everywhere, who have stepped up to the plate in amazing ways as they’ve navigated family life, work commitments, schooling from home and much more. We asked local moms three questions: 1. What surprising benefits have you seen or experienced as a result of being in a pandemic? 2. Is there something you’re more grateful for today that you may have taken for granted before? 3. If no restrictions, how would you be spending Mother’s Day this year? Here’s what some of them had to say (thank you to everyone who responded).

Carin Hall, Fallbrook

It took motherhood in a pandemic to reevaluate what’s important in life. For me, it meant changing career paths. I started working on fun, creative projects and caring less about my job title. I’m grateful for boredom and all its uncomfortable feelings. In it, I’ve sought outlets that led to creative expression and comfort from friends that brought us closer.

Nichole Daley Markson, North Park

I’m grateful that communicating virtually has given my children the ability to connect with extended family.

Lindsay Strong San Marcos

For Mother’s Day, I would love to visit (and have brunch with) the multiple generations of mothers in my family.

Melissa Lanza Rancho Bernardo

I’m so grateful for our daily family dinnertime. We didn’t make it a priority before the pandemic, but now we dedicate the time to each other (with no technology)! It’s an opportunity to connect every day.

Michelle Silva Rancho Peñasquitos

It has been inspiring to see various frontline workers find ways to work in a safe manner. As a pediatric nurse practitioner, we promptly learned telemedicine to reach out to our vulnerable patients.

Cassie Jimenez, Clairemont

I would love to take my daughter to Australia to visit my mom and her husband while exploring a different country.

Amanda Arnold Rancho Peñasquitos

You don’t realize how much a simple smile can tell you about a person’s day when it’s covered by a mask. I will be happy to start seeing daily smiles again.

Maggie Worthington Coronado

My husband is deployed for Mother’s Day, so it’s just me and my girls. I would love to have a spa day and hang out at the pool all day with my kiddos.

Jennifer Coleman, Point Loma

I will celebrate Mother’s Day by having brunch [at a restaurant]. I wish my grandma could join us. Not being able to hug my grandparents has been tough. I’m thankful for FaceTime!

Jamie Nangpi Harris Rancho Peñasquitos

I would love to throw a Mother’s Day tea party at my home for my mom, mother-in-law and all my mommy friends.

Carolina Santiago, Eastlake

Previously, I took our outdoor patio space for granted. Now I am super grateful for it because we have had many dinners and game nights out there.

Marzena Poniatowska Carmel Valley

There is a silver lining in everything. For us, homeschooling three third graders (my daughter and two of her friends) in a home setting has been a blessing. The kids love it and so do we parents.

Veronica Medrano, Oceanside

I would love to take my family on a weekend cruise that leaves from San Diego. It would be our first time going on a cruise together, but as long as we’re together, that’s what matters most!

Corey Miller, Mira Mesa

I joined taekwondo with my daughter (9), and together we competed in virtual tournaments all over the world and won multiple titles! I’ve come to realize how important staying fit and healthy are, not only to care for my family, but for my own emotional well-being.

Daniella Slewa, El Cajon

I’ve grown closer to my faith and my family. We understand each other now more than ever. I didn’t think it was possible to learn more about them (or myself). For Mother’s Day, I’d love to have a picnic at the Torrey Pines Gliderport!

Erika Hamson, Valley Center

I would love to fly home to Saipan (US Territory, Pacific Island) to surprise my mom. She is the strongest, most generous and most beautiful person I know. I haven’t seen her in four years (she’s never met my toddler in person) and I miss her so much!

Chrissy Sampan Chula Vista

A surprising benefit of being in a pandemic is finding out that I am a great barber! Who knew that YouTube tutorials on cutting hair would actually pay off?

Misha Stone, Lakeside

I was surprised to find so many spots in San Diego to avoid quarantine baby blues. I couldn’t imagine a more peaceful, beautiful place to enjoy my first pregnancy. For Mother’s Day, I would love my family to visit from L.A. and Texas so they can meet my baby.

Mariecel Ocadiz-Garon, San Marcos

For Mother’s Day, I’d love a spa day and brunch with my mother-in-law and my mom because they help take care of my boys while my husband (law enforcement) and I (registered nurse) work.

Kirsty Mitchell Encinitas

Everyone in the world was forced to stop, slow down, read a book, do a puzzle or spend precious time together, going on walks, gardening or baking. There’s pure beauty in spending quality time with my kids, instead of living in half moments, absorbed in technology or working.

Ana Mendoza, Rancho Peñasquitos

As a preschool owner, last year was a wake-up call. I learned to think quickly and came up with a solution, instead of waiting for help. I obtained a home daycare license and continued to provide services to families needing childcare and distance learning. I’m thankful my husband supported the idea of bringing the school to our house.

Stevie Trujillo, Blossom Valley

My family’s bond has grown. We reconnected by spending so much time making memories together in our backyard.

Jenna Nascimento, North Park

I feel way more grateful to live in San Diego. People often say that the rents are high, but hey, so is the quality of life! I bask in gratitude to be able to spend time at the beach with toes in the water, watching magnificent sunsets, picnics in the park, and all that this city has to offer.

Kari Niehuus, San Diego

We’ve definitely taken advantage of our love for the outdoors! Almost every week you can find us on a different trail—it gives me so much happiness.

Erin White, Linda Vista

(A message to my daughter.) “This past year I got to be your teacher, but I ended up learning a lot from you. You make today and every day special to me. I am so lucky to be your mom.”

Photo credit: Linsey Middleton Photography

Karin Rubesh Rancho Peñasquitos

Before the pandemic, I was traveling a lot for work. With the shutdown, I was able to spend every day at home with my kids for five months. It was a blessing!

Salena Ausonio, Poway

Today I’m more grateful for moms. My mom and mother-in-law used to help with childcare and enrich my children’s lives, but we have hardly seen them. I still need a good mom hug—and sometimes long for one.

Vidhya Pandi, Torrey Highlands

The quarantine has certainly helped my family be closer. My first grader who would generally answer my questions with one or two word answers, now talks to me candidly about her fears and worries on Zoom, about her friends and about us.

May 2021 • SanDiegofamily.com • 23