My great-great-grandfather started our insurance company. At 27, I sit where my 90-year-old grandfather once did.

Tech Insider : Business, Sports
Evan O'Dowd headshot
Evan O'Dowd left his job to join the family business.

Courtesy of Evan O'Dowd

When I was younger, being present was easier. Now that I have kids, I'm rethinking what it means to me.

Tech Insider : Business
A mother exhausted on the couch while two kids play.
The author (not pictured) had an easier time being present before she was a parent.

Thanasis Zovoilis/Getty Images

While other moms carried their kids' backpacks, I handed mine a wrench. It taught her independence.

Tech Insider : Business, Style
Woman posing for camera

Courtesy of the author

My closest friendships came from motherhood. They didn't last.

Tech Insider : Business, Sports, Technology
Old photo of mom
The author doesn't speak to her mom friends anymore.

Courtesy of the author

I spend Mother's Day at my son's grave. It's the only place I feel like a whole family.

Tech Insider : Business
The author and her two kids at the grave of her son, William.
The author and her family spend Mother's Day at her son William's grave.

Courtesy of Susie Shaw

My son couldn't use his phone on a school trip to England. He didn't miss texting or scrolling — he missed taking photos.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Technology
The author's son looking out at a view while on a hike.
The author's son missed taking photos while on his trip most of all.

Courtesy of Kristina Wright

My grandmother stepped in when I needed her. I stepped up for her later.

Tech Insider : Business, Style
Family photo
The author took care of her grandmother as she got older.

Courtesy of the author

I moved back in with my parents at 24. It made me grow up way more than renting with friends.

Tech Insider : Business
The author packs up the contents of her apartment before moving back in with her parents.
The author, shown packing up her apartment, said that she was initially embarrassed about moving back in with her parents.

Courtesy of Eliza Pepper.

I cashed out $60,000 from my retirement account to pay for my child's education. I have no regrets.

Tech Insider : Business, Environment
mom and child wearing masks
The author has no regrets about draining her retirement account.

Courtesy of the author

I'm an aunt to 12 kids. Staying close to them as teenagers takes more effort than I expected.

Tech Insider : Business, Sports, Travel
The author wearing a beanie and standing in the snow.
The author has 12 nieces and nephews.

Courtesy of Camilla Richardson

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