Candi got to be her Mom's Maid of Honor!

Growing up with a mom who had such an extraordinary career and dynamic life truly shaped my perspective on strength and dedication. From living on a military base overseas to hearing about her secretive work on projects like the F-22, her life was nothing short of fascinating. I remember how she managed to juggle high-level responsibilities, including holding a Top Secret clearance, while still being there to drive me to church choir rehearsals. To me, this was the perfect example of work-life balance before it was even a buzzword. What made our bond even stronger was how I eventually moved closer to the Pentagon, just so I could spend more time with her in person, long before video calls were a thing. These moments helped us deepen our relationship beyond the formalities of her demanding career. Being able to serve as her Maid of Honor felt like a natural extension of that closeness and respect we built over the years. For anyone who also has a parent working in roles full of mystery or high responsibility, cherishing the personal moments often matters the most. These experiences taught me the value of honoring and celebrating our mothers not just on Mother’s Day but every day, recognizing their sacrifices and unique stories. It’s those little shared memories that make the bond so meaningful and unbreakable.