The February Momma of the Month Victoria Coman-Jackson is unapologetic about being a momma bear when it comes to those she loves. I hope you’ll enjoy getting to know the freelance writer and Birmingham City Schools paraprofessional.
Tell me about yourself.
My name is Victoria L. Coman-Jackson. I am a 46-year-old (March 18, I turn 47) Birmingham native. I have two boys; Victor, 18; and Christian, 17. I serve as a paraprofessional at Birmingham City Schools’ P.D. Jackson-Olin High School, but I am also a freelance writer. My thirst for writing is leading me to write a book as well.
God has blessed me with two young men who are living with autism. While many would consider that to be a curse, I have learned through prayerfully mothering my sons that autism is merely a way of living that calls for thinking outside of the box when it comes to learning and navigating life.
What are the best and worst things about living in Birmingham?
The best things about living in Birmingham are my strong family ties and enjoying the city’s beauty and traditions. Birmingham, in my opinion, gets shorted by so many people; most painfully its own residents.
There is so much rich history here besides that of the city’s Civil Rights events. While that is most certainly important and worthy to be preserved and shared, Birmingham also has a rich musical, geological, architectural, and social history. So many times in my lifetime I have heard visitors say how beautiful the city is and how friendly its people are to them. Birmingham is an unappreciated jewel.
If you could change one thing about Birmingham, what would it be and why?
I would change its residents’ appreciation for the city. We as Birminghamians can do so much more to learn about our city and what it has to offer in the way of arts and entertainment, for instance.
What is your proudest mom moment?
My proudest mom moment is watching my sons perform in bands. Victor and Christian have performed with the Huffman and P.D. Jackson-Olin high school bands. Both bands, especially Jackson-Olin, have proud traditions of showmanship. It is hard for many people to be able to keep up with music, dance performances, field formations, and work as a team with fellow musicians.
What advice do you have for women raising kids with special needs?
Pray often, lean on family and friends for help, breaks, and good third-party advice about rearing your children. Also, do not take life too seriously because there will most certainly be funny moments that are healing to the soul when basked in and appreciated.
What advice do you have for women who have lost a spouse?
Be honest about your feelings. When my beloved Dennis, a veteran U.S. Army Reserve Sergeant, passed about three years ago, I did not truly feel any healing until I admitted that I was angry and hurt that God would allow him to die. How could, why would the Father leave me alone with two autistic, impressionable boys at such a critical time of their lives, I thought. When I actually verbalized it, I was finally open to getting the understanding that God is way bigger than my anger and hurt.
I still believe that things, even Dennis’ death, were a part of His plans for showing us how He can show up if we just trust Him. While I still have my moments (even now I wipe away tears as I write this), I have experienced God using me through the pain to help others who have lost loved ones.
What’s next for Victoria Coman-Jackson?
Getting my book edited, published, and marketed. I pray that it is the first step on a path to a fulfilling, successful career as an inspirational author.
Is there anything you would like to add?
I pray, too, that my sharing with you and others will somehow help someone else who may feel alone in a similar situation.
