From Sunday morning breakfasts to countless trips to Rainforest Cafe (where her husband and son often play credit card roulette) to Yaya’s basement being turned into a total kid’s play zone, there is no question how much of a priority Tammy Bien has always put on family time.
Tammy has been present at all times in her kids’ lives, and she is now doing the same thing in her grandchildren’s lives. She always wants what is best for them at all times, and the entire Bien family tree is entirely appreciative of this.
“She’s kind of everything,” Tammy’s daughter Ashley said. “I’ve always thought of her as my best friend. She’s my number one supporter in all things. Mom is the first person you want to ask for advice. She’s just always there. We’ve had a good relationship my whole life.”
Whether you are talking about her own kids’ lives or the lives of others, it is clear YaYa makes an impact wherever she goes. She is beloved, and her kids and grandkids adore her for good reason.
Tammy is a very quiet person, but she has a strong personality. She is a true mama bear who keeps her cool, and she is a model of consistency and steadiness.
Tammy is also an exemplary role model for her children. From teaching her children how to be kind to teaching them how to open up their hearts to others, Tammy certainly lives her life by example.
“She taught me everything there was about being honest,” her son Kevin said. “Living with a degree of integrity. “Mom taught me how to create relationships and be very humble and appreciative. I’ve got to give Mom all the credit.”
Kevin said his mom, along with his father Robert, are responsible for he and Ashley being the open and honest adults they are. They have taken after their mother in many ways, although while they can try to live like her as much as they want, they know the mold was broken and there will never be another Tammy Bien.
“She was always the person that was there for everybody,” Ashley said. “She was present at every dance recital and soccer game. Mom’s been our number one supporter. She would help my Dad in every way. He traveled a lot for work, and she always made sure he had everything he needed.”
Ashley said her Mom was not just her and Kevin’s Mom either, but she was a mother figure to a lot of their friends growing up as well. If you got yourself into a jam, Tammy was the go-to person to help you out.
In that way and many others Tammy is a great friend. She will take care of her own, and this definitely includes her grandchildren. She loves being a YaYa, and it is something that she would not replace for the world.
“She’s totally selfless. She puts the grandkids in front of everything,” Kevin said. “She’s just non-stop wanting to surround herself with the family and the grandkids. She steps up and can’t get enough of these guys. We’re super fortunate to have her. She’s always first to raise her hand when my sister or I need a babysitter for our kids.”
That’s just who Tammy is. She is completely loving and has a huge heart. She is there at all times for everyone, and she is appreciated for everything she has ever done for anyone.
“She is the queen of selflessness,” Robert said. “Everyone else’s issues, problems, et cetera, she is always there to lend a helping hand. She is an awesome multitasker; she can juggle so many balls in the air at once and still keep an even keel. She is always looking for the positive things in people and in situations.”
On top of everything else, Tammy always has a smile on her face. She has such a great outlook on life, and she sees every glass as half full. She is the type of person you want to imitate your life after, and that is what makes her special.
Her personality is top notch, and Tammy’s husband, kids and grandkids all love and admire her for who she is and for all that she has done for them.
“There’s no way I could really thank her for all she has done or given me,” Ashley said. “I love and appreciate her more than she could ever know.”
“I want her to know how grateful I am for everything she did for me growing up,” Kevin said. “She made myself and my sister such a priority and gave us opportunities growing up. I really, really appreciate having those opportunities. Being the rock and our safe place. I was never being judged, no matter how bad I thought I messed up. It’s something I don’t think anyone else could’ve ever given me. She’s got true compassion and now I know how to raise my family the right way. I’ll be forever grateful.”
“Happy Mother’s Day, YaYa! You’re the best!”