Michelle Todd

She protects the family. Happy Mother’s Day to our protector, Ella’s fiercest defender, @MichelleTodd. There was a moment last year when it was clear something was off with Ella’s happiness and love of life. She just didn’t seem her buoyant self. This was not physical health related but it was still serious because it was mental health related. And with a teenage girl, that can be rocky territory. I quickly assumed the worst and really just made things worst. But not Michelle. She found a sixth- and seventh gear in her motherhood. She focused even more on Ella. She went so far as to change out the table in the kitchen so she could sit there with Ella and work with her on her homework. She talked to all of the people in Ella’s life. Eventually Ella found her way during a middle school year that could have gone bad. No one would be surprised if a young girl had a rough time growing into adulthood. Instead, Ella will tell you, despite the increased expectations and rigors of 7th grade, she had the happiest year. Ella is, as all who know her, about as happy and kind as a kid gets. She’s not perfect. But she is someone we can be proud of. And that flows from Michelle. So Happy Mother’s Day to the horse mom, the chauffeur, the nutritionist, the confidante, the tutor, the incredible role model that is Ella’s Mom.