The Golden Phoenix

I know it's not mothers' day, but everyone should be thankful if your mother is still alive and with you. Today marks the one year anniversary of my mother's passing. She lost a long battle with breast cancer.

It was an inspiring battle, and the strength she exhibited throughout the entire ordeal was unlike anything I've ever seen. Here she was, with this deadly disease that was ravaging her body...and she knew she was going to die, yet she put on a strong facade for myself and my younger siblings. I remember being the oldest and knowing that she probably wasn't going to make it, and my mom was even stronger than I was even though it was her life. She told us it would all turn out alright, and that she would always be with us even if she was forced to leave this world.

I didn't fully understand what she meant right away. I was too sad and angry at God/fate/destiny whatever for allowing my beautiful mom to face such pain and suffering. I remember sneaking to the door of her hospital room one night and seeing her crying in from the pain of the kemo and everything...but bless her heart, she never wanted us kids to see that.

I learned so much from my mother during my life, and I learned even more from her battle with cancer. I learned that love and friendship conquer all! I learned that bad things in life can bring people closer together and eventually make those who face these tough times stronger and better people. And most of all, I learned about what it takes to be a strong and kind-hearted person from her.

I remember all the times through my childhood to my early teen years when I didn't respect my mother as much as I should have...and I sort of took her love for granted. But believe me, I don't do that anymore. I miss my mother dearly and I think of her every single day, and it makes me sick to my stomach to think that there was a time when I didn't appreciate her being there for me.

I plead to all of you out there...if your mother is still alive and around, that you appreciate the beautiful gift you have. I know kids/teens tend to want to not hang out with their moms, and argue alot with their parents. This is normal, and most kids go through this, but just understand how much your parents love you.

And if you have lost your mother (or any close relative or friend), like I have, just remember that her life and her memory is carried on by the way you, her child, lives life.

I love you mom. Miss you. Your legacy will live on forever in my heart...as corny as that sounds.