Central Texas Mother is the Glue That Holds Her Family Together

When Dalton Hester first met the love of his life and the future mother of his children, he was in fifth grade. There were not many words exchanged between the grade school versions of Dalton and Shangrila. But after reconnecting via mutual friends years later, conversation flowed, sparks started to fly, and now the couple are parents to 4-year-old Asher and 1-year-old Parker.

As Dalton reflects on how much Shangrila means to him and the Hester children, he cannot imagine life without his wife. 

“She is the glue that holds her family together,” Dalton said. “She’s always giving and expects nothing in return. No matter what time of day she always has patience, kindness, and love to give her kids.”

Shangrila “Sissi” JoAnn Hester (Pathak) was born on February 28, 1992, in West, Texas. Raised by Rebecca Peyton, Shangrila has an older sister, a younger brother, four nieces and two nephews. 

Shangrila graduated from Whitney High School in 2010, then she moved on to the University of Mary Hardin Baylor, graduating in 2015. Now, she’s a junior high math teacher who prioritizes spending time with her family, going to sporting events, playing volleyball, and traveling when she’s off work.

“She truly cares about her students and wants them to succeed,” said Dalton. But more importantly, “she loves her two baby boys more than anything, and she is kind to all she meets.”

Dalton and Shangrila’s oldest boy, Asher, was born on January 31, 2020. Parker was born on June 29, 2022. Shangrila loves playing with her kids, and Asher and Parker communicated that their favorite activity with their mom is going to the beach and zoo.

“I love when she lets me have dessert and when she lets me watch TV,” said Asher. “I love when she is a tickle monster, when she gives me hugs and kisses, and when she plays with me.”

Dalton cherishes the memory of seeing Shangrila become a mother, as he was present for the birth of both the boys. He admires his wife’s unwavering love for her kids and how she overcame struggles early on in her life to become the woman she is today.

“She’s taught our kids how to count and helped them learn their letters with phonetic sounds, learn their colors, and, most importantly, learn how to be kind,” said Dalton. “She’s taught me to love, and to want to be a better person.”

Dalton said that since Shangrila deserves the best, he strives to be the best for her. He remembers their first date at Tres, and their most important date at the rodeo. He smiles when he thinks of Shangrila trying to rap, and he treasures the visits the couple have made to nine different states and three countries.

Above all, though, Shangrila’s role as a mother and wife is what Dalton values most.

“She loves our kids and loves our family,” said Dalton. “This Mother’s Day, I want her to know that she is loved by me and the boys, and we appreciate her.”