The foundation also strives to provide positive role models for kids and teach that violence is never the answer. The organization’s work is a tangible way for Ganther’s son to know his father. “I will never forget him, and I want people to feel his presence through me, through my son or through things the foundation does,” said Ganther. “We have babies that need us and we can’t afford to give up. That goes for those who’ve lost a partner, parent, grandparent — anyone important. These babies feel that loss — they might not be able to communicate it but they can feel it, and it’s our job to make sure they are the happiest kids they can possibly be.” Jessica Ganther In addition to managing the foundation, Ganther works full time at Tinker Air Force Base managing contracts and says her team there is like extended family. She’s been with the organization for four years but started a new position just before the pandemic and then had to work from home while learning her new job and being a mom. “Everyone on my team is a parent and they welcomed me with open arms,” said Ganther, grateful for the support especially during a difficult year. Ganther also launched her own business just months before the pandemic hit, Party With Jess, through which she plans and styles unique, inventive parties in the evenings and on weekends. Using her creative eye to transform spaces that capture a child’s favorite character or personality is extremely fulfilling, and she most enjoys watching kids’ eyes light up when they see her creations. Her work, her family and friends have been constant sources of support, and Ganther also credits counseling with helping her move through the stages of grief and challenges of working and parenting during a pandemic. In addition to a handful of supporters who nominated Ganther for Awesome Moms, she regularly hears from strangers who say she is an inspiration and motivation. “People say how strong I am, even when I don’t feel like it,” said Ganther. “I hate that it has to be like this; I never thought I would be a motivation for other people because of this, but maybe this is my purpose.” Even in Michael’s absence, Ganther says she doesn’t want to disappoint him and she constantly hears his voice in her head, saying ‘get up, Jessica’ when her strength is failing. She knows many parents can relate to some form of loss over the last year and that oftentimes there is no choice but to keep pushing forward. “We have babies that need us and we can’t afford to give
HUNTER CONOVER PHOTOGRAPHY
up,” said Ganther. “That goes for those who’ve lost a partner, parent, grandparent — anyone important. These babies feel that loss — they might not be able to communicate it but they can feel it, and it’s our job to make sure they are the happiest kids they can possibly be.” It’s Michael Jr.’s sweet smile, his excitement to play and his joy in looking at photos of his daddy that motivate Ganther to be an intentional mom. “I want to make sure the only void my child has is the loss of his father,” said Ganther. “I can’t change that, but I don’t want him to want for anything else.” The lessons she most hopes to convey to her son are those her late partner and Michael Jr.’s dad taught her: love hard, forgive quickly, be a hard worker and treat others well. “I don’t care if he is a doctor or manager at Chik Fil A or the next Lebron James,” said Ganther of her son. “Success doesn’t matter if you have an ugly heart. I want him to be a good person.” Visit myoungfoundation.org to learn about opportunities to volunteer with or support the Michael Young Foundation.
METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / MAY-JUNE 2021 29
Made with FlippingBook interactive PDF creator