First up of course has to be my mother.
Debra Elaine Wideman is the most resilient woman I know. She is strong willed and determined. She is compassionate and loving. She is caring and giving. She is passionate about her faith and has dedicated her live to serving God.
Growing up, I didn't really appreciate my mother for who she was. I didn't understand the choices she made. It wasn't until years later after several open and honest conversations that I realized that surviving was the most powerful trait she knew how to grasp. My mom in the midst of trauma was able to succeed in business, raise her daughter as a single mom, remain committed to her church and focus whatever energy she had left trying to keep her head above water emotionally, mentally and financially. I didn't see it then but damn, my mom was amazing and remains so today. From constantly having to pay for all of my medical bills, dealing with an abusive partner and trying to manage the pressures of a demanding job, it boggles my mind to know that she didn't falter, cave and succumb to the evils that many unfortunately do.
Sitting on the other side of those days bring me so much joy. Traveling with my mom, working at the same company as my mom, talking to my mom everyday, and just having a true friendship with my mom is something I never imagined. She is an all star, the epitome of greatness and I feel so incredibly blessed to be able to say she's my mom.
So on this first Friday of Women's History month i'm choosing to recognize Debra Elaine Wideman, a former VP at Citibank and the VIP of my life.