Mother's Day

The last 2 weeks have been rough. My mom went from living independently to severe headaches to a stage IV cancer diagnosis in 11 days. She is living with us and will begin aggressive treatment on Tuesday. If there’s anything to be learned, it’s to enjoy every moment of joy. We have watched funny movies from our childhood, enjoyed ice cream, identified birds with the Merlin app, binged Four Seasons, eaten every meal together, taken scenic drives, visited Valley View Farms and the Dutch Market for flowers & pie, shared stories and photos, and have tough conversations about death. All this amidst doctors appointments, scans, lung biopsy, a trip to the ER, a scary fall and finalizing details of her will. 

Mothers make the world go round. They give birth to us, raise us, and then they need us to be strong. I am so grateful for my mom for all she’s done for me, A LOT. She always put me first. She taught me to be kind and smile at everyone you meet because you never know what they’re going through, to enjoy the simple things in life because eventually they will become the big things, to be independent in thinking and living, and to stay positive even in times of despair. I never thought these would be the qualities that would help me through this really difficult chapter of life. Thank you, Mom, for being my mom. I still don’t know what I’ll do without you. ❤️