Mom Salute: Christa Brower

Christa with her husband Jeremy and their four children, Eva, Ella, JJ, and Charlotte.

Christa Brower lives in Corvallis, Oregon with her husband and their four children, who range in age from twelve to almost two, two of whom have special needs. Her son has severe autism and her youngest daughter has Dandy Walker syndrome, hydrocephalus, and a variety of other complications. She is a stay at home mom extraordinaire and fierce defender of her kids. She also enjoys fashion (she once had her own fashion blog called Enstylpedia), running, and volleyball. 

Christa was nominated for a salute by her best friend Tracy, who shared this about her:

Christa is really one of the most amazing people I know. We have been best friends since the beginning of 6th grade (22 years ago!) and have watched each other go through a lot of highs and lows and throughout it all, she is always able to face whatever it is with a laugh and a sarcastic comment of some kind (which is why I love her so much. Sarcasm is my love language). 

She has four children, two of whom have special needs, and it has not been an easy couple of years for her. The best thing about her is that she is very honest and open about what it is like to be the mother of these kids. Some days she wants to run away from home. Other days she is over the moon about how amazing her kids are. Either way, she has a special ability to acknowledge the uniqueness of each of her kids and somehow she finds a way to parent each of them in the individual way they specifically need. She has taught me so much about how children come to this earth with their own unique personalities and how it is not our job to change them into what we think they should be, but rather help them reach their full potential with the attributes they came with (even if some of those attributes can irritate us to no end). 

Mostly I just want to say how grateful I am for Christa. I'm lucky to have had the same confidant for the last 20 years that I can bounce ideas off of, or go to with any of my happy or sad times and know that I have someone who will always be there to jump for joy or cry in despair right along with me. 

Christa's mom made it short, sweet, and from the heart:

Putting it simply, my daughter Christa is more mother, wife and friend than I will ever be.

Her husband gives us more insight into just how much Christa does for her family:

Moms are incredible! When I think of the perfect advocate for our family, I think of Christa. She has always been a great mother and wife since day one. She started that journey 12 1/2 years ago with the first of three daughters. A little over two years ago, we found out, in utero, that our fourth child (third daughter) had a major medical condition. Only after she was born did we start to see the entire picture of multiple diagnoses that were now going to be a part of this little girl's life and our lives moving forward. At the same time, our third child, a son, was diagnosed with autism. These two things completely changed the dynamic of our family and the way we now live and view life. Two years have passed and I have seen Christa grow into a "supermom." It's hard for me to desribe in a way that truly captures what I see in Christa, so I will put it in a list.

• School functions.

• After school functions.

• Therapies.

• Trips to OHSU.

• Keeping schedules straight.

• Christa attends/volunteers at many school functions. I don't know how she does it, but she is able to make it to each child's event. We have a 12 year old, a 9 year old, and a 5 year old in school. The 5 year old attends early intervention at a different school which requires even more participation of the parents. Christa is always there.

• Eva (12 year old) and Elle (9 year old) both have many after school events such as volleyball, cross-country, lego camps, plays, and the list goes on. Christa is always there.

• JJ (5 year old) and Charlotte (almost 2 year old) have many therapies each month. Charlotte alone has therapies in-home and at facilities. Christa is always there.

• Our second home is OHSU (a hospital 90 minutes away). Whether it be appointments with neurosurgeons, pediatric specialists, therapies, surgeries, or many follow-ups. Christa is always there.

• I am not sure how she does it but she keeps each child's schedule straight. She can quote off the top of her head the therapies she has that week, the school events, sport events, and camps that are all happening and the plan she has to make it to each. Christa is always there.

• Christa knows every detail and uniqueness of each child. It is amazing the attention and memory she has for her children and family. Everyone feels special and cared for. Christa is always there.

• Patience and caring.

• Battling for her children and family. Being a daily advocate for her family.

• Having children in general requires a great deal of patience as all parents understand. Having two young children with special needs requires a level of patience and caring that simply cannot be described, only witnessed. Christa is always there.

• We had the unfortunate experience of battling an insurance company to cover specific services for our youngest daughter. Christa was immovable in her determination. Due to Christa's efforts, a state senator and the state governor's advocacy group became involved which resolved the issue and finally provided the coverage needed. Christa is always there!

• Frequently assists other families with their needs.

• Supports her husband.

• Took the time to prepare to participate in a major running endurance event this year.

The list could go on and on, but the point is Christa has proven that even in that moment,when things appeared hopeless, impossible, and unfair, she met those obstacles with a strength I have rarely witnessed. I have the wonderful privilege of seeing these things accomplished each day and it gives me strength, and makes me a better person, husband, and father.

Wow, Christa, I am exhausted just reading about all you accomplish taking care of your family and their needs! You really are as your husband said, a "supermom", for always being there. There is no doubt that you deserve to be recognized with a #momsalute and so much more for giving all of yourself to bless the lives of those around you.