Phyllis Palmer: Grace for the Balancing Act

I am an education professional. I was a high school English educator and Activities Director at Sidney Lanier High School, and I also taught at Park Crossing High School and within the Department of Youth Services school district. I also served as the District Career Coach with Lowndes County Schools and Pike Road Schools. Currently, I serve as an Admissions Representative at South University. Outside of my career, community service is very important to me. I’m an active member of the Jack and Jill of America, Inc. Montgomery Chapter, and also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

I grew up in Tuskegee, where my mother and sisters still live, so being close to family means everything to me. Growing up surrounded by grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins shaped my childhood in such a positive way. Now my children get to experience that same love and support from both sides of the family. I truly believe it takes a village to raise children, and living in the River Region allows us to stay connected to that village. The legacy, love, and support of family make this area incredibly special for us.

My husband and I have three children. Our firstborn and only daughter, Malea Amber, passed away as a baby. MJ, whose full name is Markus, is 14 years old, and Landon is 11 years old. Both boys attend Saint James School.

Motherhood is easily the most challenging and rewarding role I’ve ever had. It comes with worry, pride, joy, exhaustion, and unconditional love all wrapped into one. Being a working mom has taught me the importance of balance, flexibility, and grace. Honestly, without those things, I would lose my mind. Much of our life revolves around our boys’ activities, from school events to baseball tournaments and football practices. There are long weekends, packed travel schedules, and demanding seasons. I view it as a meaningful part of investing in my family while pursuing my professional passion and purpose.

MJ and Landon are both heavily involved in baseball and football, especially travel baseball, which keeps us on the road a lot. MJ also enjoys music and plays the drums, which has been wonderful to watch.

As parents, my husband and I are deeply involved. We travel for tournaments, cheer from the stands, support coaches and teammates, and ensure our boys stay balanced and grounded. Some of my favorite memories are simply being present and watching them do what they love.

The joys are watching your children grow, building a legacy, and experiencing unconditional love. Seeing your children grow into the individuals they are destined to become is one of the most rewarding experiences as a parent. The challenges are the balancing act, the worry, exhaustion, and what we all call “mom guilt.” There are moments when you question if you’re making the right decisions for the little people who depend on you so heavily. But motherhood has also taught me resilience, patience, and the importance of giving myself grace.

Before marriage and children, I loved theater, concerts, and the arts. These days, much of my joy comes from supporting my family and cheering on my boys. But I’ve also learned the importance of taking care of myself. A spa day is one of my favorite ways to recharge, and sometimes self-care is simply ending the day with a glass of wine and a quiet moment to breathe. I’ve realized that taking care of myself helps me show up as the best version of myself for my family.