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Motherly Inspiration guides path |
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 Spirituality, perseverance, graciousness, humility and resilience are qualities that Twin Cities Habitat homeowner Michelle Smith learned at an early age. Her mother Alice raised seven kids as a single parent working two jobs just to keep food on the table. Alice embodied these traits day in and day out as Michelle grew up.
“I’ve always tried to model myself after her,” said Smith. “My mother is just the best person in the world. She has always been there for me.”
Michelle knows that she could never be the mother she is to her own children, Tatayana and Corey, without her mother’s strong presence in her life. Fourteen year-old Tatayana is a high school freshman who enjoys working with children. Michelle is grateful that Tatayana will be returning to her job at a local recreation center soon. She believes it keeps her grounded in meaningful work. Michelle’s son Corey works hard at being as typical a seven year-old boy as he can be in the face of challenges. Corey has special needs due to his severe hearing loss and developmental disabilities. Though he tests two grade levels behind kids his age, Michelle has seen steady progress.
“This is a child who at age one couldn’t hold his head up,” said Smith. “There were times when he would even run into walls due to his poor balance.” Those enduring values Michelle learned early in life from her mother have proved invaluable every day as she parents a child with special needs.
Michelle’s day begins early and ends late. She works as a cook at an elementary school in St. Paul. When she gets home from work her job as a mom begins in earnest. Corey’s special needs require constant supervision which means Michelle seldom has a moment to herself. Simply crossing the street with Corey can be an anxious moment because of his inability to comprehend the danger.
Michelle’s February move to her rehabbed Habitat home was truly an answer to her prayers. After experiencing recent living conditions that included steep rent payments and personal safety issues, she is ecstatic to have a safe place to stay. From her home on Garfield Street in St. Paul Michelle can walk to the bus stop, take Corey to the nearby park, and finally feel comfortable with her surroundings.
Michelle has several goals now that rent isn’t eating up such a huge portion of her paycheck. She wants to open a savings account and eventually know the security that comes with having some money put aside for a time when she may need it. She would also like to occasionally do some special things for the kids. Just that little extra money to be able to give Tatayana the special things teenage girls need and to be able to take Corey to the Children’s Museum will be so cherished.
“I couldn’t have imagined a better situation. I feel at home.” said Michelle. “I prayed for a better life and I am so fortunate God answered my prayers.”
Contributed by Patrick Dunn
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