In the past year, I have made countless new friends. I am forever grateful that they are in my life and that they entered my life when they did. You are probably now wondering why I think that when I wish more than anything that they could have met my wonderful mother. A year ago, my mom was sick with cancer and if I would have met my friends any sooner, they would have only known my mom when she was sick. Her personality was still glowing and she was just as beautiful as she was before she got sick but it wasn't easy to see her that way.

I will always remember these qualities about my mom and one that stuck out to many was her warm personality. My mom was so welcoming and easy to talk to. She was one of those people that could have a meaningful and sincere conversation with anyone and everyone. That is one thing that I admired most about her. She was so slow to judge or anger and I find it so inspirational. She had such a big heart and she cared for so many people no matter what their past was, she would still love them and put them before herself.

She showed her love of Christ through her glowing personality. She taught me that you can share Jesus through your actions. She had the opportunity to share the Gospel simply by being happy all the time, no matter the circumstance. The Joy of the Spirit was overflowing in her and it was so uplifting. She was God-fearing. When she was sick, she never had a doubt that God was with her. From the beginning, she showed more faith in Jesus than I had seen in my whole life.

She used John 16:33 as her motivation; it reads: "I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world."

I would ask her why she wasn't worried and she would just sweetly tell me to read this verse and always remember that no matter what was thrown at us, we can get through it because we have Jesus inside of us and He will overcome anything.

I have never known someone as social as my mom, she had tabs on people that I wouldn't even consider her to know. She knew what was going on in my friends' lives, her friends' lives, our extended family, the cashier at the grocery store - everyone. Some may consider this to be nosy, but she wouldn't share a word of anything with anyone, she was also the most trustworthy person I knew. She didn't gossip; she kept to herself and encouraged others around her.

We had the same humor. We loved to mess with our friends, loved ones, and anyone we cared about. She taught me that you can show love through humor. Our relationship consisted of pulling jokes on each other and endless laughter. There was never a dull moment with us. Even when she was sick, she never failed to mess with me or my family. She could take what she dished and had the best laugh.

My mom had the most beautiful personality. Very few, if any, had problems with my mom. She was one of those annoyingly liked people. She was far from being fake; she was everyone's friend. I think that is what made her sickness and passing so much harder. I didn't realize how many people she touched until I saw how many people were hurt by the lack of her presence.

You wouldn't have guessed that my mother was sick because the cancer wasn't going to stop her. She remained to work hard, support me and my brother in everything we did, and she wouldn't tell you how bad she was feeling. My mom didn't complain; she sucked it up and went on. This obviously caught up with her, but I still admired her strength. She was the most stubborn person I knew but she was strong willed and nothing would get in her way of doing her job or seeing her kids fulfill their passions.

I am told that I am just like her and I have been told that my whole life. She was my very best friend and always will be. I wish more than anything that she was still here to bless this world with her charming presence, but it is so peaceful to know that she is no longer sick and is now praising Jesus all day long. As a whole year approaches without her, I am missing her more and wishing more that my friends could meet her and listen to her cut up with them. These are the greatest qualities of her and the ones that she should and will always be remembered as.

Rest in Peace, Kerry Swag.