It is that time of year again when Our Today highlights popular mothers on social media who have taken us on their journey of motherhood.

Mother’s Day is just around the corner this Sunday (May 12); a time to celebrate and honour mothers for their invaluable contribution to the family and society.

Today, we shine a spotlight on veteran Jamaican broadcaster and TV host Simone Clarke-Cooper.

Simone is a woman who wears many hats; she is a communication specialist, executive producer and host of her very own talk show, Sim Soul Sessions. Sim Soul Session provides individuals with a safe space to share their life journey and overcome real life struggle.

She is not only a career woman, but she is mother to her teenage daughter Aaryn Cooper. Being a career woman and a mother can be challenging for some, but a secret to motherhood that Clarke-Cooper has shared with her social media followers, is using every moment to create memories with her daughter.

“Parents. Think about it. We spend so much time dropping them here. Chauffeuring them there. Because of #MiniCoop’s schedule, my car is like our second home. So I use the time we’re in it, to create memories. Like this one, and the one you see when you swipe left😊. My eyes show the wear and tear of a super long day. But in addition to work and everything else, the time for these ‘run up and downs’ with the kiddos, adds up – to hours! Don’t waste that time.

Use it to talk to them. Reason ‘wid dem. Share with them. And especially, laugh with them. And take lots of pictures. The memories and the magic are often in the simple, seemingly mundane moments. Like, when you’re parked, waiting for class to start😊. Don’t miss out. ‘Cause before you know it, they’ll be asking for the car keys!😰😱😱😱😱 She can nuh badda even try dat! My answer is no!🙃,” Clarke-Cooper said.

A fear that most mother’s experience during the early stage of motherhood is not being around to protect their little ones during the 24-hour of the day due to the demands of their professional.

This was no different for Clarke-Cooper who shared: “I decided early on that I didn’t want children. I love too hard. I couldn’t stand the notion of bringing a little one into the world, and not being able to be there with my new ‘heart walking out of my chest’, every single minute of the day.”

But this all changed when she realised that she wanted a family, and made the choice. Today, she is the mother of little Aaryn, whom she described as a blessing.

“One day I realized I wanted a family, and made the choice. And this blessing is the gift that I received, 13 years ago. My sweet baba, I couldn’t have known when I held you as a child, how much tumult you would face. You’ve been through more in the last two years of your life, than most in their lifetime. Your name means ‘Mountain of Strength’, and now I know why. They tell me I’m strong, but they wouldn’t even know that my strength lies in you. You are my strength; the reason I’m able to get up every day and try again. I stay strong, to ensure you can be too.

You always tell me to make good choices. And I’m sad to say I haven’t always. But you are my best choice yet. I’m not ashamed of the bad ones I’ve made, because they’ve given me the lessons to give you the map, to avoid mine. So it was worth it. I’m doing my best to make good ones moving forward.

My sweet baba, I couldn’t have known when I held you as a child, how much tumult you would face. You’ve been through more in the last two years of your life, than most in their lifetime. Your name means ‘Mountain of Strength’, and now I know why. They tell me I’m strong, but they wouldn’t even know that my strength lies in you. You are my strength; the reason I’m able to get up everyday and try again. I stay strong, to ensure you can be too. You always tell me to make good choices. And I’m sad to say I haven’t always. But you are my best choice yet. I’m not ashamed of the bad ones I’ve made, because they’ve given me the lessons to give you the map, to avoid mine. So it was worth it. I’m doing my best to make good ones moving forward,” Clarke-Cooper disclosed.

Happy Mother’s Day, Simone!