I Didn't Want to Like Her, But She’s Exactly What We Needed

I’ll be honest—when I first met Ms. Cristy, I was guarded. We had played the game of loving a para and then having them leave. I was tired, My son was tired. Maybe it was the way I felt like no one could truly understand my child the way I do. Maybe it was just one of those “mama bear” things. But somewhere between her steady presence and genuine heart, I started to see it: she got him. Not in a checkbox kind of way, but in a deep, intuitive, sit-with-you-in-the-hard kind of way.

She’s become more than a classroom support. She’s become a person I trust with my son’s day-to-day. She doesn’t flinch at the meltdowns or the quiet days. She notices the small victories, like when he makes eye contact or initiates a conversation. And honestly? That means everything.

What really hit me recently was learning more about her story. Her son—following in the footsteps of his father—is heading into the Coast Guard. That kind of generational service and sacrifice? It stopped me in my tracks. It reminded me of all the families quietly holding it down while their loved ones protect the coastlines, including places like our beloved Anna Maria Island.

It made me think about how much of parenting is letting go in layers. Whether it's trusting someone else with your child for a few hours a day, or sending your child off to serve their country—it's all heart-wrenching and beautiful at once.

There’s something about the beach that mirrors that rhythm. The tides come and go, just like the seasons of motherhood. I often find myself standing on the shores of Anna Maria Island, watching families laugh and play, and thinking how lucky I am to witness and document these moments. It’s not just about photographs—it’s about belonging.

This year, I’ll carry her example with me. The way she shows up with grace. The way she honors her family’s story while helping mine navigate ours. And the next time I have that gut reaction to not trust someone new, I’ll remember: sometimes the person you didn’t want to like turns out to be the biggest blessing.

Family is everything—whether it’s the one you’re born into, the one you create, or the one you unexpectedly find in a classroom on an ordinary Tuesday.