Willow’s Mother’s Day Surprise

has no idea that I've been orchestrating this reunion. There's a crew that's gonna set up the gift right here. This is all happening like forty ft away from the Red Table. If my mom gets up to go to the bathroom or anything, we are all sunk. We are honoring a bunch of amazing moms, So you know there's about to be surprised. After surprised, there's people hiding all over the house. I gotta make my way to the play so she doesn't get suspicious. Wish me luck happy. Yes,

this is our TTS special holiday. It was the first time that we actually aired Red Table Talk. So this is the anniversary. I love that. Gam What has being a mother meant to you? There's so many levels to mothering. Yeah, and I think that at seventeen, I had no clue what I was doing. And then you know, it's no secret how difficult it's been for us. But the best mothering years for me have been once I came into recovery. And I think it started when I made the clear

and immediate decision to travel with you to Australia. Yeah, Willow, this is a question, wait were you shooting Matrix? She came with me to Australia to help take care of you and Jaden. I knew in my gut that this was like a redemptive moment for me, like she needed me and I was gonna be there, period, and it was so healing for us. It was My life was never the same after that. Yeah, that was awesome. It's just beautiful to see how your relationship has grown even

through all of the challenges that you've had. I was giving a perfect mother for the journey that I had. Yeah, So, good job, Adrian. So we've got some special moms joining the table today. First up, mother of five, Pam willis Hi. I welcome to the table. Welcome, Welcome. Yes. Like millions of others, AM started her day by scrolling through Facebook, and one day she saw this post that changed her life.

A family of nine was driving from California to Texas, ready for new life, when the suv carrying them and all of their belongings crashed into a median. The seven young children were thrown from the car and suffered major injuries. Both parents were killed on impact. What seven siblings, ages one through twelve, were now in foster care and in need of a permanent home. Oh my god, WHOA. When I saw the Facebook post, I just brought tears to

my eyes. My husband and I had been trying to decide what we were going to do next with our lives because our youngest of our five children was graduating from high school, and so we had this house that was becoming emptier and emptier as time went by, and I thought we could take them. I have I have realm, you know, and I can do this. And so I thought, Okay, my husband's gonna tell me I'm crazy, So I'm just gonna tag him in the post and let him read it.

Went to him that night and I said, hey, babe, did you see that post and I'm like, Okay, here it comes. He's gonna I'm gonna have to sort of, you know, sell it to him, and he said yeah, and then he just looked at me and said we should adopt them. Oh wow, I knew. It was one of those moments in life where you just you knew you married the right. You call them your second chance seven. Yes, that is my name that I came up with for my husband and I having a second chance at parenting. Yeah,

and for them having a second chance at life. You know, they lost their parents and that's honestly such a huge commitment. And for all of those children to be able to stay together, right, and that's the big thing. They probably could have easily separated them out and I'll find a home for these two and home for those two, but you know right away, you can't separate them. Let me

divine love and work. It really is. We were ready for anything because they've been through so much trauma, they were scared, they had lived with domestic violence and drug abuse and neglect. They had a lot to deal with, and then the accident and the grief. I still learned every single day, especially with the older ones and they're processing there. Obviously were more reserved with their feelings for longer because they have that emotional intelligence to withhold and

stay safe inside until Yeah. So you can have a three year old, they're just gonna let it all out. You know, there's gonna have temper tantrums and they don't sleep and all these things. But I knew how to take care of that. Now. It's learning from the older kids, from scolding one of them about schoolwork like I always would do. You know with my older kids, it's like you hit a nerve and you're like, oh, maybe I can't be that way with this one because it triggers something.

And so I'm learning just every day learning. Okay, let's back up and you know what did that do, and let's do that differently next time. Understanding who that child is, what that particular child needs. But they were just so great. We just connected with them like instantly, every single one of them. That's amazing. What are the ages fifteen, thirteen, nine, eight, seven and then five and four? Wow? So I have two teenagers. It's fun. Yes, So we call them the

bigs and the littles. And everybody doesn't have room in their heart for all those children, like, that's just not an easy task and it never ends. My oldest is almost thirty three, and I'm still worried about it. You've got a lot of points on the scoreboard. You got a lot of points. I just feel like God put me in my husband in this place to care for these children. I think that mothering for me is my purpose, and I think it's the most beautiful superpower to have.

Thank you. Your kids sent you a little Mother's Day message. Happy Mother's Day, Mom. I'm thankful for all the love you given me. Um. I love the adoption. It made me so happy to live here. I like when you hug us and played with us and Allie and Mom, damn me and King. One thing that I really love about your ma is uh, You're just fun to talk with. I love how you met made up so much plans for us and let us go to the beach happy.

I love you. That's amazing. They are. They're wonderful, they're great, we're flexed. I get that have a tissue. You can tell how love they feel. It's such a blessing to know that our home provided safety and security so that they could feel that. You know, it's a privilege. You know what, come on out, kids, you know they're are This is wonderful goodness. You see how the cameras He's like, WHOA, what's going? Well? Gary? I have to tell you you get made your point. How do you know how you

did it? I don't know how you did it. How you made this a surprise for her? You know it was difficult. I was wondering why he wasn't answering my text about their schooling today, like he must be really overwhelmed. I need to get home now. Which one is Ruby? I am? You had something special that you wanted to say. I just wanted to thank my mom for all the love she's given all of us these past two years. I love you very much. Have your mother's saying I

love you, love you. This is amazing. You guys are amazing, Pam. You and Gary have five adult children as well, and they're here too. This is great. You dear, got me good. Not a peeple. That is so Alexa, you've been elected as the spokesperson at here. What would you like to say to your mom? Mom? We are just so grateful for you. We're grateful that you made us your entire world. You're gonna make me cry. You just love each and every one of us so uniquely, and we're just grateful

for the life that you've given us. We're grateful for the bond that we all have because of you, because of the family that you've created, and we're just so blessed to be loved by you. Yeah, okay, super mom power. I never get all of them together. She lives in Utah, she lives in Nevada. Like they get all of them together at the same time. This is the kind of energy that we love to celebrate at the Red Tape.

And we've heard you've built up some credit card debt after kid's weddings and getting the kids everything they need. So for your big heart and your big, giant, beautiful family, we are going to give you a whole lot of cash. We're talking fifty little thousands. This right here is what like is about on deep this pleasure Mother's Day. Thank you for coming. That was amazing. What is happening to me? That's what I need to figure out. Nothing, You're just

the vibes game. You're getting all soft, just feeling okay. Next up, josephine Es as a single mother of three who sacrificed everything for her children. When she was twenty seven years old, Josephine made the painful and taboo decision to leave her arranged marriage in Nigeria. She was pregnant, already had twin toddlers, and was headed for America with nothing but a single suitcase. For decades, Josephine worked tirelessly, often three jobs at a time, to provide for her children,

who all say she's their hero. Welcome, tell us about your journey. Hey, what's a difficult decision to leave my marriage, which is not acceptable in my culture? Divorce? He said, no, No, I don't want my kids to live in their culture where women both in the back. Yeah, so it was difficult to leave every and that I know, with nothing, no money, living paycheck by paycheck and start blaming myself. Why did I take my kids and put them in

a position where it's really hard? At the point I was trying to give up, I said, you know, Josephine, given up is not my option. I have to fight for these kids. I have to provide for them. Sometimes I will go inside the romance cry better. Have to pick myself up. I have to be a role model for my kids. I decided to start a business. I was able to give them the education they needed, paid everything. I have a wonderful kids. God, it's good. So your daughter Brenda, she and the Navy name h yeah, Oh

my goodness. Yeah, so, oh my case. They're wonderful and Brenda is exceptional. Well your daughter. Um. She wanted the world to know what an amazing woman you are, so she sent us a little video for you. What him have your Mother's Day. I'm sorry I can't be there to celebrate it with you. I'm stuck out to see

you again. But I just wanted the world to know what an amazing woman you are and all the sacrifices you made for Brian, Shawn and I. It's been over seven years since the last time we spent Mothers Say together, and over a year since the last time I received your hug and miss and I love you. Have your Mother's Day. Oh, it's been a long time. It's been missed her. She went on deployment. It's hard. Yeah, this is the red Table. So of course we pull some strings with the Navy to make sure you had a

great Mother's Day. Come on out here, Brenda. Oh my gosh, oh, oh my goodness, Oh my god, thank you, love you. Oh man, what a wonderful mother. Welcome to the Yes so much, thank you for everything, Thank you for your service, thank you. Yes, this is you you. Oh my goodness. So it's been a year since you guys have seen each other. Yeah, we went out to see for like some exercises and then COVID hit. My goodness, and it's been seven years since you guys have been able to

spend Mother's Day again. We have to say to your mom, you made everything seems so easy. But my mom like never complained about anything. She was working three jobs. She would come in and then she'll make our food for us and provide for us if like something bad was happening, we never knew about it. That in itself as a gift. She just kept trucking, She hustled. She yeah, So she gave you an amazing work ethic and on top of that education with no loans or expenses to have to

work at. So that in itself, Mom, that's one of the biggest things that you can do for your child. She's wonderful and your your busses was telling me how super superstar. I'll kid, she said that. She said leader, and I say, I'm proud of her because she knows what she wants. She never deviate. It has to be so beautiful for you as a mother, with every bit of sacrifice that you have made, to see that it

was all worth it. Yes, that's the biggest payoff for mom. Yes, your son's Brian and Sean want to wish you a happy Mother's Day. Hey mom, Hey, Happy Mother's Day. You raised three kids, and these were three kids that were like, we're a big handful. When you put yourself aside and say I'm going to do everything for my kids, you are my shield, you are my sword, you are my protector. I love you so much. Happy Mother's Day. Happy Mother's Day. Mom.

You have demonstrated your love to us and your grandkids. We love you with all our hearts. We thank you for everything you have done, and we pray and hope that you're blessed beyond measure. Wow, and the tears will not stop. Oh my goodness, You're important to us, So, Josephine, we wanted you to have a very special Mother's Day present from the Red Table, and we know how important creating memories is, so we're giving you a special trip

for two Our friends at Moon Palace. Can't Cool are giving you an all inclusive stay for four nights at their four star flagship resort. Mother's Day. Yeah, Happy Mother's Day. My heart is just like swell, thank you so much for coming. Wow, that is awesome. Yeah. So I have to say his mom died, She says, one woman stepped up and pulled her through. My name is Sada K Jackson, and I live in Los Angeles with my husband and my two beautiful boys, Kendricks is four and Creed is

eleven months. Pretty much all of my close family is in Kansas City. This is my favorite picture of my mom. My mom, Eilena Watson, was everything to me. She was strong, very loving, very nurturing, very tough, but also honest and real. I was one of those kids that call your mom three times a day. Even though we were miles apart,

we were always very, very close. It's very hard for me to express how I approached my journey through motherhood without getting emotional because my first Mother's Day was my first Mother's Day without my mom. I lost my mom in two thousand and sixteen. She passed away when I was entering my eighth month of pregnancy with my first baby. It's very hard trying to navigate through emotions of the saddest thing that you've ever experienced and the happiest thing

that you've ever experienced happening simultaneously. As I've been navigating through this grief, my aunt Gwen has been a beautiful light in my life. She stepped up in a way that has given me that warm, motherly type of love that I've missed so much. There she is, she's the caretaker of the family, just a phone call away. We just have this bond that's unbreakable, and I'm thankful for it and I want to give her her roses while she's here. Yeah, welcome. So tell us about the woman

you wanted to honor today. Well, my aunt has been a rock for me and my baby's you know, they love they call her Auntie. Kendricks has seen her a few times because he's four, but Creed only knows her through the phone. She's my mom's only living sister, and so that's a piece of my mom. It's been a

year since you've seen your aunt, over a year. She's older, and just like you, don't know how much time you have with your elders, like right, So the R T T team has been working with you to surprise your aunt. When why does she think she's coming to the table today? So my aunt is very inward, got it? And she does not go anywhere. I don't know when's the last time she's been on a plane. So for her to be here is like you got It's so out of

her comfort zone. The way I pitched it was like, you know how like shows have like Mother's Day specials and it's like moms and the audience like I dominated you. I kind of just told her, you know, breathing the blessings you deserve. This. This is just my way of letting her know she's loved and appreciated and seen. Because she's so you're gonna love her? Well, is it okay? If we ask you to hide? I would love to

do that. Yes, okay, you say this hiding? Okay? So now we're gonna need you to go get this Gwenn? Got it? N Hey, Hey, hi, do you want to come follow me? Yes? Awesome? Hello, welcome to the table. You all look so prinny. You come right there? Okay, how was your flight coming here? All the way from Kansas. Well up on it packed, folks is like we out. Well, we're glad to have you here. Thank you. First, can you tell us about how you lost your sister. She

had breast cancer and mother had breast cancers. Yeah. Yeah, she was ten years younger than me, so it's been hard. When my sister was diagnosed, I stayed with her one year m hm, and she didn't want nobody else to be there. I had to see or go through so much, and I said, if anybody needs to be here, it's your daughter. And Sada got to spend that time with her. Well it sounds like you have a special relationship with Sada. Yes, I do. When she was born, my sister wouldnt let

nobody hold Sata about me. Well, yeah, that's your gift for you. Right now, we have someone who wants to wish you a happy Mothers Day. I'm a very special person. Who what is it? Let's see, let's see. I'm so proud of you mothers say thank you, happy about this day I got you here. Oh, it's been a long time since we've seen each other. Yea, yeah, I just

love seeing the love between you two. A lot of we've been through a lot, you know, like that first year of grieving was very hard on both of us, and I just called her one Christmas crying on a voiceman said, Auntie, I need you. And she's been there ever since, you know, and her boys Kendrick. I just love it he calls me Auntie. That means the world to man. Yeah, so sayda I hear. There's a song called I Remember Mama that Aunt Gwen used to ask you to sing to her. There's so many memories where

she would have me singing. Oh, gospel songs, Shirley Caesar and well, Gwen, one of your favorites of all time, must say hello when she is Yeah, I want to say Happy Mother's Day to Auntie Gwen. You and I also want to say Happy mothers They told all of you around the table and especially to say that that God has put into the heart of her Auntie Gwen. God bless you and this is for you. Auntie Gwen. Thank you. I remember Mama move Hello that she gave.

Needn't I have bedside. I can't steal her. Mama say the people are the candy on you don't get ahead of him down. I remember and I have way I remeb my mama and I had to be way. I give anything to hear my mama. Pray again. Mama is liet man in the bosom of Jesus crying, Get up some high. I know she's smiling on me right now. One day I'll she hug. How happy happy? Yea, I have never and I happy. Oh I've been father and a happy way. Thank you little legendary. Yes yes, hallueen,

thank you queen mother, thank you for that. I don't think that's something very often, so that's an honor. Indeed. Oh my goodness, So Gwen, you've never met baby Creed? Am I correct? Don't you tell me he's here? Can you help us out? Likeness? Oh my goodness, you know what? Happy hard? I love that cute little before hey creat I haven't got any kindred and creat and katy an he's never let me, but just so FaceTime looking he's just your little beautiful ladies. You're doing so good well.

You guys have a beautiful family. Thank you, thank you. We've been so are your family, and we're so thankful and I'm so honored to meet all of you. God well, we were honored to have you here. Thank you soking the blessing. It's so good a blessing. Thank you you bless yes, thank you. So you're welcome your water. Do you guys want any water or anything? I do? Yeah, okay, I got you. This is awesome. So I really didn't

need to get water. The crew has been building for a while now, and I just wanted to come out here and see how everything is going. Because of about three minutes, I'm going to bring her out here and give her the surprise. So I'm just so excited. Okay, cool, are you ready? So Mom, there's one more Mother's Day surprise. Okay, let's uh roll the tape. Then, oh, let's roll the tape. Then, hey Ma, you might be a little suspicious recently because I've been cooking up a little something on the side

for this beautiful day. And I'm not going to tell you right now, but give you some hints. So when I was I want to say, about three or four, I went on tour with my mom and her band, Wicked Wisdom. Wicked Wisdom was split. This is the music that I grew up around. My mother was superwoman. She was a rock star. She was a warrior and a nurturer. All in one so unapologetically why badass. I remember being on the tour bus with Jaden when I was six or seven and we got the opportunity to clean the bus.

That was one of the most like, purely exciting experiences. I was my mom's biggest fan. Every night I wanted to ride on the security guards shoulders and watch her perform. She was a rock star and I was living for wicked wisdom. I felt like it was only right for me to pay homage to a time in her life because she showed me what woman ing up really is about.

So for Mother's Day, I'm about to reunite with some of my mom's old band members to do one of my favorite songs by my mom, which is called Bleed All Over Me. She's going to be floored. I'm really excited about its. It's honestly been years. I was too still in diapers when I met Pocket Britney Spears tour. Wow, I know that you and my mom were super close. On tour, I got to witness the really beautiful point in her life. That's why I just want to honor

her bad ass nous. We're just hoping for one tier, just that one tier is your turn. I know, I hope. I really don't want to mess up the song. Yeah, let's do it. Mom. I just love you so own much, and I just want you to feel a tiny little bit of the gratitude and the love that you have given me throughout my entire life and continue to give me. And I just want to say Happy Mother's Day. And you're just always going to be superwoman and badass bitch in my So I love you. Oh man o, my goodness,

come with me, have more to show you. Okay, you look so nervous. Don't look so nervous. Okay, what is happening here? Have some surprises? Good? I don't Oh my god, what is happening right now? Okay? So mam has been in the works for a couple of months. Pocket when we've been rehearsing all week? Why more love? I won't go to know what side up? All set? I pray your dad, and I was so san I pray your face because I was only pray. And I love love.

Oh when I love my own my own world. Oh got your to play cat touch your for I love all then my lover lay lo. I know, I know, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, oh my gosh, yes that was Oh my goodness. Yeah yeah, this is perfect. This is perfect, This is beautiful. Thank you somorrow. Are you than you to join the Red Table Talk family and become a part of the conversation. Follow us at facebook dot com slash red table talk.

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