I moved to Charlotte having never set foot in this intriguing Queen City. I had a six-week-old baby and was nervous, anxious and desperate for friends. Within a few days a leader from my church congregation was at my door. Her name was Peggy Scott. She was there to make me feel welcome and loved. She told me of her similar experience. She had lived in Salt Lake City, Utah her entire life. She went to college there, raised her family there and the whole shebang. Her kids were all grown and living near her and suddenly her husbands job took them far from everything she knew. I found her story incredibly inspirational. It seems we spend our entire life trying to settle down with our family…but you just never know when life will throw you a curve ball. Lets meet Peggy Scott and hear her journey in Charlotte.
Smarty Mom Peggy Scott
Smarty Mom Stats:
Married to: Steve Scott for 36 years
Children: Four (three girls and one boy – all grown and parents of their own)
Lived in Charlotte: 4.5 years
Hometown: Salt Lake City, Utah
Tell us how you wound up in Charlotte and how you made this place home.
When Bank of America bought out Merrill Lynch, we knew it meant things would change for my husbands career. When we got the news that we’d be moving to the east coast we felt inspired that this was a new adventure and mission for us. Even though it meant we would leave behind all of our family (oh, those precious grandkids) and friends, we were both excited for something new. We decided to jump in with both feet!
I had a dear friend that I met the first week here in Charlotte. She had moved here as well from Nebraska. We became fast friends. She was overwhelmed at how fast I made friends and had connections in Charlotte. I realized that it was the family I had at church. It doesn’t matter what religion you are, when you join a congregation you have an instant family. Being a Latter Saint I knew that the first thing we would do was became a member of a congregation. We immediately had friends and service to do in the community. Opportunities to serve help you be happy where you are.
Has it been hard to be away from family?
Our children have endured many trials over these last couple of years. It was amazing for me to see that my relationships with some of my children have become much stronger living far away. We’ve learned how to love. Our children have been blessed with angels around. These angels have impacted their lives in ways I couldn’t. This has been the greatest blessing for me as a mother, to watch others help my children become their best selves.
What advice would you give to moms (no matter what stage of life) that are moving to Charlotte?
First, get involved with a church organization! Our church congregation has sustained us through it all.
Second, think of a passion that you have and connect with the kind of people that have the same interest. I had gone back to school at 35 to become a nurse. I finished at 40 and when my children were all grown I was really able to throw myself into another passion, cystic fibrosis. This move meant that I would also leave behind that wonderful career I had worked to create. At first I tried to submerge myself in nursing but I kept hitting roadblocks. I refused to be defeated. So as an empty nester I thought, ‘what would I like to do and where would I like to get involved?’ At that point I knew, I would love to garden! I’ve always had a garden since the first year of our marriage. I saw a sign to volunteer at Winghaven’s Annual Sale and I jumped right in. I am now the Chairman over the annuals at Winghaven (after just four years). I’ve also become a Master Gardner and volunteer with the North Carolina Extension Master Gardner’s program. Find a place where you can make a difference. You will be blessed more for your service more than others will.
We always want to hear the wise advice of mothers who have “been there, done that.” What advice would you give to mothers who are busy raising their children?
Put aside any expectations for what your children should be or do. Make it a goal to help them realize what their full potential is. A lot of people want their children to do certain things based on their own personal experiences. Our children come with certain gifts or talents. Our goal is to help them reach their full potential. Let go of your preconceived ideas of what your children should be. Seek to help them reach their full potential as human beings.
I have a grandson with special needs and it has been so great to see him reach every little milestone. Instead of mourning over what he won’t be or won’t experience we are celebrating every little achievement. We find such joy in his finding full potential.
Peggy has been an inspiration to me to always look on the bright side. She’s taught me to get involved with my community and always be on the go. I love her words about helping our children reach their own personal potential. I cherish her wise motherhood advice. Thank you Peggy!
