Everyone believes that their mom is the best, but my mom honestly is THE best. My mom was diagnosed with stage-four ovarian cancer when I was really young, just entering the third grade. I can remember watching her shave her head when her hair started falling out from chemotherapy treatments, and seeing her wear wigs or fearlessly rock a bandana around her head out in public.

My mom is a very private person and hates to be the center of attention. I have memories of her straightening my hair in the morning and putting on a little bit of makeup for me whenever she had no hair or eyelashes. She still woke me up for school every day even though I knew she was exhausted from the chemo.

Even when she was going through hell, she had a smile on her face and always thought of her self last.

During my sophomore year of high school, after a few years in remission, my mom had to have a second surgery and undergo another round of chemo. She had to miss some of my volleyball games and absolutely hated that she could not be there to cheer for me. Whenever I was just going into my sophomore year, my mom wanted to take me shopping for clothes. However, our trip was cut short because we later came to find out that, due to the chemo treatments, her contact lens had scratched her retina whenever she took it out. She also dealt with a blood clot later that same year. Despite it all, I rarely saw her cry. Even when she was in tremendous pain or just completely exhausted, she fought on.

My mom has to have another surgery soon, but no chemotherapy treatments. She has always stayed in shape and works out every single day. My mom is the embodiment of grace and strength. She is humble, reserved, and absolutely selfless. She is also beautiful inside and out. Her faith is a big part of her life, and watching her trust in God in the midst of terrible circumstances is truly admirable. So, thank you, Mom. You are my greatest inspiration and the reason that I know how to push through difficulties.