I LOVE this woman!!! Meet my mama, Mary Ann Fried (maiden name Apohen). Born in the Philippines and came to this country on a boat when she was only 3. Her journey took 30days, most of which she spent sea sick but remembers loving the french vanilla ice cream. Her father had traveled to America 11 years prior, searching for a better life for he, my grandmother and my uncle, but because of World War II, wasn’t able to return to the Philippines for 9 years. Can you imagine being separated from your family for 9 years at a time when writing letters was your only real means of communication? Once they were reunited, my mother was born, and the whole family finally made their way to the states.
Raised in Hollywood, California, my mom very quickly adapted to American culture, grew up going to Marshall High, became a cheerleader, and president of the Beatles Fan Club! She loved music, dancing, fashion, and so much of my passion for those things and love for life has come from her.
She ended up marrying her high school sweetheart and had my brother and sister at a very young age. Not sure how she did it, but she raised them at 24 years old as a single mother, working two jobs and trying to finish school. At 27 she met my father and 8 years later, they married and had me :)
Through all of her adversities, my mom remained so positive about life and always had an open heart to anyone who needed a dose of her light. Her smile and laughter is literally infectious and can fill any room with joy. And as a mother…well there’s just no one greater. Thank you mommy for teaching me how to love, value myself, strive for more, and to live life every day as if it’s my last. You’re the light of my life and I love you more than you’ll ever understand. xoxoxoxo 

I asked my mom what her favorite memories of us together were…Here’s what she had to say <3:

1. Snuggling in bed playing Mario Bros whenever my dad was on call working overnight
2. Mommy & Me classes at the YMCA
3. Singing songs by the Carpenters together
4. Watching you perform on stage and going on tour on the tour bus with you
5. Meeting you for the first time after you were born

Hope you babes are having a Happy Mother’s Day! Whether you’re mothers yourselves, or just spending time with your moms and grandmothers today, I hope you’re with your loved ones and take time to appreciate just how beautiful motherhood really is <3