In honor of Mother’s Day, we’re bringing you a series of blog posts from the Five Moms’ children about why their mothers are so special and how they have impacted their lives! This post was authored by Five Moms' Christy's son, Ryan Crandell.

My mom is an extraordinary woman and has had an overwhelmingly positive impact on my life. Through thick and thin, my mom has always been there for me. She served on PTA boards, chaperoned school field trips, cheered for my brother and I at every sports function and helped us with homework when we needed it. In addition, when I chose to detract from the values from which I was raised, my parents tried absolutely everything to dissuade me from the wrong path I was headed: meeting with high school teachers, therapy sessions with the psychologist and both outpatient and inpatient substance abuse counseling. When I was unpleasant to my mother, she was kind to me. When I betrayed her confidence, she would trust me again. When I directed hurtful comments to her, she said nice things back. My mother loved me when I was undeserving and finally, when my wrongful actions brought disgrace upon our family, she forgave me. Unbeknown to my parents and under the influence of cough medicine and marijuana, I was arrested for armed robbery.

Instead of giving way to despair, my mom sought to raise awareness of the pervasive effects of drugs in our community. Furthermore, my mom went on to author a book and open a non-profit substance abuse rehab center. Countless people have been helped on account of my mom’s unrelenting pursuit of teenage drug prevention and treatment efforts. Innumerous parents have contacted my mom and have found solace in her comforting words. Her loving and compassionate nature is unparalleled. For these reasons, my mom continually makes me want to be a better person. Now, I have been sober a decade and am enrolled in graduate school at CSU Dominguez Hills.  Without my mom’s encouragement and support, this would not have been possible. To say that my mother has been a significant influence in my life is an understatement. I am truly blessed to have her in my life.