Briana S.

Five months ago, I became a “mom” to three kids all at once! Alex, 7, Cassie, 5 and Nickolas, 3 are obviously not newborns, so I didn’t have the normal nine months available for planning before they arrived! The reason: Their father died unexpectedly of a heart attack, causing their mother to hit rock bottom due to depression and alcohol addiction. My boyfriend, their uncle and I decided that someone had to step in, otherwise the kids would quickly lose sight of happiness, as well. I have learned so much about myself from these little people! I appreciate their kind hearts and compliments at the exact time that I need a pick-me-up! They are the most loving kids and I am lucky to have been given this opportunity. With that said, it is hard! I have a newfound respect for my own mom and have quickly realized what it means to feel drained and unappreciated. These kids are amazing and considering everything that they have already been through in their lives, I could make excuses for them and allow them to screw up, knowing that they have been traumatized. But instead, I have realized that they are little angels and they have been successful in changing my life forever.  I feel as though they have grown to look at life differently just from being in a positive environment for a change. I currently have the American Record in the 3000m Steeplechase and run professionally for Nike, but I am nursing an injury that has kept me out for nearly a year. Competing was my life and my identity before these kids. I was just “Briana, the runner.” Now I proudly go by “Aunt Bri”, something I cherish more than any title or trophy. I hope you consider our family a true inspiration. I know we sure do!