She is a remarkable woman who has gone through a life of adversity. She dedicated much of her younger years to studying Hematology and Oncology with some of the nation’s best doctors because she has a desire to help people with blood disorders. She has a photographic memory that I wish I had! She had a wonderful opportunity given her exemplary grades to pursue a career in medicine only to choose instead to begin her family. Though she had an opportunity to become a doctor and follow her dreams she decided that it was more important to raise her children and guide them with full care at home. She is someone that I admire because of her ability to overcome heartbreak and hardship with life lessons. She endured the loss of her mother at a young age and unfortunately less than 25 years later lost the love of her life to Cancer, a disease she spent years studying. The thought of her losing my father was something no one could’ve imagined – they were two peas in a pod, side-by-side. They taught their children how to love fully, give openly and how to navigate the waters of relationships. We thought for sure that without Dad in her life she would not be able to stand on her own two feet. She surprised us all – not only did she stand, she walked and as the world moved forward she did too. Every day a struggle – but everyday a blessing, that was the way she looked at it. My Mom has a Theology degree and is a devout Catholic but has a daughter that she stands by, stands for and stands with. I am not going to say that our younger years together and the coming of age were not tough but it was something we did together. Now, I am 2 weeks away from a wedding and my Mother is the biggest supporter. She has taught me that no matter who you are, what you do or what you believe, as long as you have faith and a positive attitude you alone lead the way. I could go on forever about her! Just watching my Mom go through the 5 months of standing by my Dad suffering; and move forward after he passed made me realize how strong she is.
