Shhhhhh! 

As quiet as it’s kept, there’s a celebrity living in my neighborhood. Yes, I know you are racking your brain to see if you recognize her from the photo above. And the second thought is “What celebrity would live in a middle-class suburb of Atlanta?”

Okay, so it’s like I made you look. Or read in this case. But I’m not fibbing because MzStefanny AKA Ms. Stephanie is a real, live celebrity in our house. She is our sweet neighbor who Jessa deems a VIP and she’s a household name that is spoken all the time. For the sake of Mother’s Day and all, I think she passes muster for the definition of a celebrity.

Ms. Stephanie is here! Ms. Stephanie is here! are real words shouted numerous times in our house throughout the week.

We’re not really into pop culture around here. I don’t know if Jessa could NAME a celebrity; unless Doc McStuffins or Princess Sofia count. But if you ask her what Cocoa (Ms. Stephanie’s dog) is up to; or what Ms. Stephanie did on her vacation, she could give you vivid details. Seeing Ms. Stephanie through my daughter’s eyes has taught me a lesson in motherhood and the importance of a sweet, simple relationship that helps my daughter blossom.

You see, Ms. Stephanie is the type of icon that I WANT my daughter to admire. This is a woman who works hard to take care of her own family, and then finds the time to help nurture mine. On any given day, you may find the two of them casually strolling down the street. Jessa gives Ms. Stephanie an earful of kindergarten happenings as they walk Cocoa or meet her daughter at the bus stop. She showers Jessa with treats and surprises JUST BECAUSE.

“Ms. Stephanie is here! Ms. Stephanie is here!” are real words shouted numerous times in our house throughout the week. Jessa can see her through the front window and can hardly contain her excitement when she encounters a sighting. Lamar and I take it in stride, and if we are not too busy, we stop to join in on the viewing with something like “Yes, Jessa it looks like Ms. Stephanie is mowing the grass.” Or “Yes, Jessa Ms. Stephanie is getting her groceries out of the car.” There’s no paparazzi following Ms. Stephanie when she’s doing these everyday things. But, to our 5-year-old, she is witnessing her hero in action!

I’m glad when she does. Their relationship has become a constant and I feel good knowing that Jessa has another woman in her life to love her, listen to her and encourage her. Now I’m not knocking celebrities of any genre; film, music or athletics. My heart is happy knowing that my 5-year-old is not taken away by someone rich or famous; but someone who is pouring into her life in such a small but impactful way.

Is there a Ms. Stephanie in your neighborhood? Or perhaps YOU are the Ms. Stephanie on your street. Whatever the case, let’s make sure to celebrate moms and women everywhere who make our lives and world a better place.

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