Senior year, what is supposed to be the best and stress-free year for most people, it was not for me. Being a senior and still not having my own car, I could always count on my mom to pick me up so I did not have to take the bus. Yes, thank you mom. One day, what I thought was just going to be a normal car ride with our normal random conversations, I could tell that when I got into the car that something was wrong. My mom was very quiet and did not say much. Right before she dropped me off at home she finally decided to tell me what was wrong. As she looked at me with tears in her eyes I knew it was something big.

On September 27, 2014, my mother was diagnosed with stage one breast cancer and needed to have surgery within the next couple of weeks and start chemo and radiation. Trying to process all this information, I could not even talk to her or anyone. I quickly got out of the car and went straight to my room and just laid in bed. I could not understand why this had to happen.

After hours of just thinking, I realized that I needed to be strong. I needed to be there for my mom because all she needed right now is love and support. As 2014 came to an end, the new year brought us challenges that we fought and fought hard. After my mom had surgery, she then faced 6 months of chemotherapy followed by 3 months of radiation. Through the first 6 months, she had to face many changes but she never showed that she was affected or hurting. Every day, she still continued to pick me up from school and even go to work. My mom never showed that she was in pain or feeling sick.

The day I graduated high school, it was not just a celebration for me and my classmates. It was a celebration for my mother, who finished her 6 months of chemo. I was lucky enough to get my diploma and see my mom in the audience cheering me on and taking many, many pictures like she always does

On September 15, 2015, my mom finished all of her treatment and was now able to say she was cancer free. When she told my siblings and I, the relief that went through my body was something I will never forget. Knowing that my mom did not have to go through that pain anymore was amazing. My mom was on the road to recovery and I was so blessed to know that she beat this awful illness.

After this year of constant worry and stress, I realized how amazing and strong my mom was. She never complained about anything she had to do. If my mom did not lose her hair, you would have never known she was going through treatment. Although I could see that pain and exhaustion in her eyes, she never ever complained.

I am so lucky to have a mom who is so strong. Watching her go through this I realized that no matter what kind of day she was having, she always put her kids before her. The love and respect I have for my mom grew and made me realize many things. We did not have the best relationship at one point, and I held many grudges towards her when I was younger. Even when I was so mean to her, she never stopped trying to be there for me and talk to me when I needed it. The bond I have with my mom now is something I will never take for granted.

What I learned after this experience is to not take your loved ones for granted. Let go of any grudges you have and live your life with them because you never know what the future holds for them. Tell the people you love how much they mean to them and never hold back. Be there for the people who need it most and be the rock they need during hard times.

Mom, I cannot thank you enough for being you. You are the strongest woman I have ever known. You are truly amazing and I am so lucky to be able to call you my mom. Here we are two years later and you are still cancer free. I love you to the moon and back. Here’s to many more years being cancer free.