‘My One and Only Inspiration! My True Motivation!’

Breathe in, breathe out, move on.

This is more than just a Jimmy Buffet song title, but the mantra by which Tanya Cox lives her life. No matter what gets thrown her way, she will look at it, take a deep breath, and figure out the next step. She is not one to dwell on the past or get annoyed with things, but instead she handles everything with such grace and wisdom.

Her family truly appreciates her for this, as well as for so much more. They know that Tanya is the voice of reason in the family, as well as the lifeblood that keeps them moving.

And it does not matter who you are talking with. You could ask her parents, her little sisters and half-sisters, her husband, her three sons or heck, even her four fur babies, and they will all tell you the same thing. They will tell you life would not be nearly the same without Tanya.

Tanya is the vacation planner, the listening ear and a sense of direction. When you are around her, you feel something different, and it is more than just the ability to be your genuine self. It is the fact that she is just super selfless and makes you feel heard, loved and cared for.

Her sons (two of which are teenagers) can certainly attest to this. Kane, Evan and Gavin all know how much their mother has always been there for them and how she has always provided them with everything they need. She is their source of comfort and their sense of strength, and even to this day, all three of them rely upon their mother for so much.

“Tanya places the happiness, security and success of her children above all else,” her husband Jay said.

The boys are all striving for greatness because of their mother, and they all know they are capable of so much because of her. She has encouraged them to reach for the stars and set high goals for themselves.

Tanya is also there for her boys with whatever they need, and she helps satisfy their wants. She does what she can to provide for them in any way, and she is the hands-on mother who is also the chauffeur and the advice counselor.

“She is caring and loving to my grandchildren,” Tanya’s mother Virginia said. “She takes the time to talk and listen when the kids need her. And she supports them with all her heart.”

Tanya is truly just there for her children, and in much the same way she is there for her husband at all times. Jay first met his wife at a band competition all the way back in 8th grade, and he could tell even way back then that she was special. She was this sweet little trumpet player with a big heart, and Jay has not looked back since.

They have come a long way as a couple since Jay made Tanya pay for herself on their first date, and they strive to make one another happy. Tanya is the kind of wife who always has Jay’s back and is there to support him in all his dreams and desires, much like how she is as a mother.

“She simply exists, and it makes me a better person,” Jay said. “If I need to talk, she listens. If I need advice, she provides it (good, bad or ugly). When I am lost, she is my lighthouse. When I know my way, she enjoys the ride. I would not be able to be who I am or lead the life I have led if I did not have her by my side! When times are miserable, she makes it bearable, and when times are great, she makes them extraordinary!”

Tanya is Jay’s better half and his equal partner who complements him every step of the way. She is never not there for him, and that speaks volumes about her character.

She is never not there as a dog and cat mama either. Zoe (the princess), Razzle (the sweetest), Nala (the baby) and Storm (the elder stateswoman) are also her pride and joy, and Tanya certainly spoils all four of them beyond belief.

Of course, as a friend, Tanya is someone whose love for you never wavers either. She has a big heart and is super loyal and reliable. She cares deeply about everyone in her life, and she makes sure the people around her know they have someone in their corner.

“She has become an amazing woman that, when I look at her, my heart swells with pride! She’s a true friend and has a huge heart,” Virginia said. “Tanya always makes sure to spread her time with all her family.”

Tanya has the keen ability to treat everyone equally, but also as individuals. She does not compare anyone, and she gives people the benefit of the doubt.

She also knows what every single situation needs, as she is able to read a room and read a situation better than anyone.

“I admire her unwavering ability to be in the right place at the right times with the right things to say! Her amazing ability to find a positive in most situations! The way that she supports me, her family and herself without compromise,” Jay said. “Her ability to bring me back when I am lost!”

Jay also admires how much his wife inspires him (and so many others), and that she has an unbelievable smile. Her optimism is contagious, and she spreads joy wherever she goes.

Tanya is just an outstanding woman with a huge heart, and it is no wonder she is Jay’s high school sweetheart. She has only become even more amazing with time, and he is looking forward to spending the rest of his life with her by his side.

“Life simply would not be worth doing if I could not do it with you! There are more words than I know in the English language, but not nearly enough to tell you how much you mean to me! I love you!” – Jay