I'm not a betting woman, but if I was, I would bet that if you're reading this you know the journey that someone must undergo once they discover they're diagnosed with cancer. The medical bills will increase, their amount of hair will decrease, but the motto must stay the same for all patients and family members who hold their hands throughout these series of unfortunate events: stay strong.

To my mother who I have watched for years overcome troublesome situations and hardships with grace and never-ending love for my brother and me:

I would like to remind you to always stay strong. This crazy life is unpredictable and can sometimes make us want to question the reasoning behind it all, but you always told me that everything happens for a reason; I think I told myself that so many times I just stopped questioning the inevitable.

I hope you know how much I admire your ability to push through the difficult times that are thrown your way, and your ability to undergo such hardships with the best attitude possible. I am surely proud to call you my mother. But I know sometimes you get tired, so please stay strong.

I hate seeing you sick; it is very difficult for me to sit back and watch you suffer through painful days; I wish I was able to cure you. I wish I was able to crawl into your lap resembling the child I used to be when I was young and able to lay on your chest with comfort. When the world as I knew it was pure and innocent, there were no fears or worries. If I could have one wish it would be for us to go back to those days. But I am older now, I can see the world as it is and I can only hope to be half the woman you have raised me to be.

You have a beautiful soul, one that only sees the good in others. One that has enough joy to lighten up a room, to bring a contagious smile to a stranger's face, comfort to the unsettled, and affection to those who feel overlooked or forgotten. Take the advice you often give others, stay strong.

You are going to make history while overcoming this bump in the road, as I have seen you move mountains. You give me the strength to overcome so much in my life, I only hope you are able to continue to find that strength in yourself. So hold on tight, you're almost there. Stay strong just a little while longer.

Sincerely,

Your Daughter