💜Rhonda Baird (Washington)💜

I started out as a single mom with five children. I continued my education in nursing and moved through different careers to teach the children how to navigate life.

My best moment is being a grandmother and a great-grandmother. My proudest moment is that I don’t let anything get me down without learning and moving through life. The most important thing I’ve learned in my last 66 years is, don’t take anything for granted in life. You don’t know what you’re going to get, so make the best of what you have. Don’t look for someone else to give you something, but it’s OK to receive things. Be grateful for the moments and for what you have.

What I’ve learned along the way is that everybody is not always healthy. I’m on dialysis, and it takes a lot out of my life, but I put the kids first after I take care of myself. I’m in transition to get a kidney, and I’m grateful for each moment I have before one becomes available.

I am a foster parent to my two grandchildren. I have had them for five years. I have joined the grandparents club, and they help me take care of my health issues on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. I’ve grown close to one of them, and we do things together with the children. It has helped the children grow so much within themselves, being able to teach them and watch them grow.

My proudest moment is being able to still walk, talk, breathe, go to the restroom on my own, and remain independent. I would like other woman to know: Never give up!!! Every day is a new day. You woke up because God woke you up, so be happy and grateful. You have the strength to move and grow every day.

My motto is to always learn something different every day and always be kind.