JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. -- Mother’s Day is here and one of our very own Reserve Citizen Airmen shares her experience with being a full time mom and military member.
Master Sgt. Thersha Lewis is the Transition Assistance Program counselor with the Airman and Family Readiness office, 459th Force Support Squadron. She is a mother to one son, Jasiri Amari Lewis, who is 5 years old.
“A fun fact about my son’s name, our last name, Lewis, means fighter, so for his name, I googled different words and changed the language. Jasiri means Brave in Swahili and Amal is Arabic for Hope… so he is a Brave Hope Fighter,” she said.
Lewis, like most mothers, must create a work/life balance, and with her career as a full-time military member, she admits that although it is challenging at times, it’s still doable.
“Jasiri and I go for walks throughout our neighborhood, we enjoy being silly, we dance (he stands on my feet and holds my waist… it’s super cute) while listening to music, and we watch Disney movies together. Our current favorites are Ron’s Gone Wrong, Encanto, Soul and Good Dinosaur.”
When asked what her favorite part about being a mother is, Lewis reflects on seeing life from her son’s point of view.
“I like seeing life from his vantage point,” she said. “Jasiri notices the birds and planes in the air, the ants and bugs on the ground and everything in between. It’s a nice little reminder to slow down and take it all in.”
Lewis shares that her and Jasari plan to video chat other mothers and catch up on teacher appreciation week gifts.
Not only is Lewis celebrated on Mother’s Day, but she also finds time to celebrate herself.
“Whenever I can find time, I do photography, paint, card making and creating something that brings me joy,” she said. “I find these activities to be therapeutic, relaxing and it reduces my stress”
Lewis shares a message for mothers everywhere.
“You’re unique as are your children, so have the journey that was meant for you and allow them the freedom to have the journey meant for them and not someone else. Wherever that journey takes you, do the best you can, when you can, while you can. Trust and believe you are doing an amazing job!