The Heart of a Mother: My name is Tiana Schreiber, and today, I find myself compelled to share the story of a remarkable woman—my mother, Patricia Norris. While every mother deserves recognition for her sacrifices, my mother’s journey is a testament to the extraordinary lengths to which one can go to prioritize the well-being of her children over her own dreams. Patricia has always possessed an unwavering desire to help others, a passion that ignited in her childhood and evolved into a lifelong ambition to become a doctor.
Yet, life’s circumstances often direct our paths in unexpected ways. At the tender age of fifteen, my mother was faced with an unanticipated challenge—becoming a parent. Rather than allowing this pivotal moment to deter her aspirations, Patricia embraced motherhood with open arms, channeling her dreams into nurturing my siblings and me. In her eyes, the dreams she held for us far surpassed any ambitions she could have pursued for herself. This selflessness became the cornerstone of her identity, a narrative woven into the fabric of our family life.
Throughout my upbringing, I watched as my mother gracefully balanced the demands of parenthood and work. With the weight of responsibility resting heavily upon her shoulders, she navigated the complexities of life with remarkable resilience. There were times when she struggled, yet she never allowed adversity to extinguish her spirit. Instead, she became our guiding light, illuminating our darkest moments with love and unwavering support. Whether we were grappling with heartbreak, feeling lost, or simply acting out in our youthful defiance, my mother was always there, a steady presence that enveloped us in warmth and understanding. As a single parent, my mother has carried the burdens of motherhood, often sacrificing her own desires for the sake of our well-being. The hours she dedicated to working tirelessly, often exceeding sixty hours a week and multiple jobs, speak volumes of her commitment to us. It is this tireless dedication and her immense heart that have shaped the lives of my siblings and me, instilling in us values of hard work, perseverance, and compassion.
In 2024, at long last, Patricia received the acceptance letter she had longed for—it was an opportunity to attend Nursing School at Bushnell University in Eugene, Oregon. This program, however, is not without its challenges. It is an intensive twelve-month curriculum that forbids outside employment, a barrier that poses a significant financial hurdle for her. My greatest fear is that after sacrificing so much for our family, she may not seize this opportunity to fulfill her lifelong dream of serving others through healthcare.
Thus, I reach out today—not merely to share my mother’s story but to rally support for her aspirations. I implore you to consider her journey, reflect on the dedication she has shown to her family, and recognize the potential impact she can have in the field of nursing. Through fundraising efforts, we hope to alleviate the financial burdens that now threaten to overshadow her dreams. It is my sincere hope that by sharing her story, we can inspire others to lend a helping hand in making her dream a reality. Patricia Noris is not just a mother; she is a beacon of hope, resilience, and selflessness.
Her journey is a reminder of the power of dreams and the sacrifices made to realize them. As she stands on the precipice of a new chapter—one that has been decades in the making—I invite you to join us in supporting her as she grasps for the future she has always envisioned. Together, we can help her take that crucial step towards becoming the nurse she has always aspired to be, and in doing so, honor the incredible woman that she is. Thank you for your time and consideration.
