I dedicate this Mother's Day to my awesome stepmom, Sandy. Sandy came into my life when I was 11-years-old. By this time, my dad had been married twice and entered into their relationship with me and my brother from another mother. Together, they had a beautiful daughter, Amy - my sister from yet a different mother.

Sandy sacrificed so much to raise me — she is a saint! She has put up with so many 10%s over the years and continues to love unconditionally. She was the first person to teach me how to see the 90%s in my life.

When I got my first apartment at 18-years-old, she flew out to help me set it up.  During my failed relationships, she was there to rescue me. Throughout Darren’s depression, she was the only one who would send me notes of encouragement saying that I had what it took to get through it all. She was a constant support and light in my life.

In my office, I have a shrine of Mother's Day cards and gifts that my children made me (these have since tapered off now that they are teenagers), and I owe it all to Sandy. I am the mother I am today because of her.

So if you are a mom, a step m, a foster mom, or an honorary mom, know that you play a huge role in the lives of the children that you get to raise; you are impacting them with your words, actions and spirit. You can choose to see that role through a positive 90% lens or a 10% one.

Happy Mother's Day!