In a heartwarming moment that had Sheinelle Jones wiping away tears live on air, the TODAY co-anchorâs three children made a special surprise appearance to celebrate the release of her first book, Through Momâs Eyes.
On April 13, Sheinelle was caught off guard when her childrenâson Kayin, 16, and 13-year-old twins Clara and Ucheâappeared on the set to show their support for their momâs big milestone. The book, which Sheinelle dedicated to them, captures her journey of motherhood and the lessons sheâs learned along the way.

With a bouquet of flowers in hand, Kayin stepped forward first, offering a heartfelt tribute to his mother. âWords canât even describe it,â he said, clearly emotional. âIâm so happy for you, mom.â Kayin then reflected on the years of hard work Sheinelle put into the book, which she began writing during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The project became even more meaningful after the tragic loss of Sheinelleâs husband, Uche Ojeh, in May 2025.
âIâm so happy for you,â Kayin said as he embraced his mom. âWeâve obviously gone through so much.â
Her son Uche, also visibly emotional, shared his admiration for his mother. âI feel like her compassion and kindness to everybody sheâs around just has such a good effect on everybody,â he said, hugging her tightly. âLove you, mom.â
The most touching moment came when Clara handed Sheinelle a framed quote that Sheinelle often attributes to her late grandmother: âIâm doing the best I can with the light I have to see by.â As Clara presented the gift, Sheinelle wiped away tears, clearly moved by the thoughtful gesture. âItâs the quote that you live by and that Gigi said,â Clara explained. âI wanted to give this to you.â
Through tears, Sheinelle managed to joke, âI love you guys so much⊠OK, now to school.â The moment was filled with love and deep emotion as Sheinelleâs children reminded her of the strength and resilience they share as a family.
Clara also gave her own personal review of Through Momâs Eyes, admitting she had read the book during a plane ride. âI actually really liked it,â she said. âI remember I was on the plane, and there were no TVs on the flight, my phone was dead, and I was just like, âIâm going to read your book.ââ
Through Momâs Eyes isnât just a personal memoirâitâs a collection of the wisdom Sheinelle gained from interviews with some of the most influential mothers of public figures, including Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, Lady Gaga, Tyra Banks, Matthew McConaughey, and more. One of the most poignant interviews was with Wanda Durant, Kevin Durantâs single mother, which now resonates with Sheinelle more than ever as a single mother herself.
Sheinelle shared her deep respect for Wanda, saying, âI had respect for her then, and I have a new respect for her now.â
The emotional dedication of the book to her children was a reflection of the powerful lessons Sheinelle has learned over the years. âI want my kids to know that they are my everything,â she said, her voice breaking. âTomorrowâs not promised. What would I want to leave for my kids?â With her life dramatically changed after the loss of a parent, Sheinelleâs book serves as a legacy for her children. âNow they have this book, and they know their mom through this book,â she added.
The emotional moment and the heartfelt words from Sheinelleâs children proved that the book is more than just a professional achievementâitâs a loving tribute to her family. Itâs clear that Through Momâs Eyes is as much a gift to her children as it is to her readers.


