May is all about celebrating the incredible moms in the 305 who make life a little sweeter. Join us as we honor “Buzz-Worthy Local Moms” all month long — each week, we’ll spotlight a Miami mom who has us absolutely buzzing! We are proud to shine the spotlight on Mirels Davila – a dedicated mom of four, former judicial clerk, and fierce advocate for love, presence, and perspective in parenting.
Mirels is raising her young family right here in the Magic City, where she and her husband returned to be close to the ones who matter most — their parents, siblings, and lifelong friends. As their family has grown, so has their love for everything Miami has to offer: the beaches, parks, gardens, and, of course, the community. Whether cheering from the baseball sidelines or jumping through puddles in the rain, Mirels embraces the beauty in life’s unplanned moments.
With a legal career on pause while she focuses on her growing family, Mirels brings thoughtful wisdom and warmth to motherhood. Her mantra? “Motherhood does not require perfection; it requires love and presence.” And that’s exactly what she gives — in abundance.
What do you love about being a mom in Miami?
My husband and I initially returned to Miami to start a family because our parents, siblings, and closest friends were here.
As our family has grown, we have come to truly appreciate everything Miami has to offer for us as a family with young kids (and for us as adults in those moments we can sneak away). It’s hard to beat the ability to quickly drive to a beach, a tropical garden, amazing parks, and delicious restaurants.
Additionally, we treasure the relationships we have formed in our new communities by meeting other parents at the kids’ school, volunteering at events, and interacting with others at the children’s infant music classes, dance studios, and on the baseball field.
What’s a piece of advice or a mantra that keeps you going on tough days?
Motherhood does not require perfection; it requires love and presence.
I tend to overthink things, plan out too many details, and stress about having each moment come out perfectly. And, let’s face it — things are NOT going to go exactly as planned, especially when kids are involved. Overzealous attempts at having the “perfect” experience, outfit, photo, vacation, etc. have led to frustration not just for me, but for everyone involved. And, then to make matters worse, I subsequently feel guilty for not reacting in an understanding way.
When I am able to be flexible and okay with the messes that will inevitably happen along the way, then I am able to really enjoy the moments together. I can focus on the time we are spending together and loving one another. I am happier as a mother to them and as a person generally. I am pleased with the example I am setting.
And interestingly, many memories my kids reminisce about the most are the unplanned ones and, oftentimes, the simplest ones like splashing around in puddles while it is pouring and retrieving mail from a P.O. Box.
They want our love and to have us around. And that is what I want to give them – my love and my presence. I hope that they will want to do the same for each other as they grow up and one day for their own children.
What’s one thing about motherhood that surprised you the most?
I understood motherhood would be the most challenging thing I ever took on. However, I did not come even remotely close to accurately envisioning it.
Incredibly, despite how frustrating and exhausting my children can be, they bring an immeasurable amount of joy and I love them so much. There are many times (including when they have me dizzy) that I see them and just cannot resist the urge to hug, kiss, and tell them I love them.
