Trade As One

The Trade as One team has been blessed with some wonderful moms. We’re going to be profiling (read: embarrassing) them here on the blog this week. Next up is Rachel’s mom: Joanie Karpanty.

Trying to articulate my feelings about my mom is not an easy task. How do I put to words gratitude for the person who selflessly raised me? So mom, know that I won’t be able to capture it all and know part of what made you such an incredible woman was the fact I don’t know all of the things you did along the way for me!
When I think of my mom, the first thing I think of is her big smile matched only by a bigger heart. When she enters a room, she brings with her joy. I remember as a kid stating that I didn’t quite know what my mom “did” but I wanted to be like her when I grew up. From a now adult perspective, I realize that what my mom “did” (and still does!) is love people well. Regardless of who you are, she will look you in the eye, treat you kindly and love you where you are. This would sound cliché if not for the truth of the statement and the fact that I have dozen of witnesses. It always cracks me up that in the town where my parents live, everyone just knows my mom by her first name. Joanie! We like to tease her that she’s right up there in name recognition with Oprah, Cher or Madonna.
I also love that she puts other people first and says hard things to help other people become better. I have watched people’s lives be changed by the words she has spoken to them. While she is courageous and probably seems very brave at the time of speaking truth to people, I know from living with her the price she pays for that. It doesn’t come easily to say things to people that have the power to transform them if they are open to it but the power to ruin a relationship if they don’t. But, she always sees the bigger picture and acts accordingly.
This past weekend, my parents visited from Michigan and one of my favorite things was hearing my mom laugh hysterically. When I was a kid, I remember her laughing so hard and so loudly that people would turn to stare but eventually laughed along with her. There is nothing better than laughing so hard you cry, snort and smack your knee (a family trait passed down from my grandpa!)
Thanks mom for living a life filled with sacrifice, integrity and joy. Your generous heart has blessed not only me but every person whose path crosses yours! I am grateful for your example, for the ways we are alike and different and can now appreciate why people always wanted (and still want!) you to be their mom. Glad you’re mine!

- Rachel