Whenever you tell someone that you lost a parent at a young age, they immediately react by saying, "Oh I'm so sorry." To be honest, it used to bother me because I would think 'they don't even know what it's like and what I have been through. I have jumped through a bunch of hoops to get to where I am today. Even though losing my Mom when I was young impacted my life, it has made me the person I am today.

When I lost my mom, I was five years old. I didn't really understand what was happening when we went to the hospital every day to see mom because she was sick. That's where I made most of my memories with her. I had my own little scrubs, the nurses set up my own desk, and I could do rounds with them if I wanted to. The hospital was like my home away from home. I know that may sound horrible, but it really isn't; I felt most comfortable in that hospital.

Losing my mom has affected my life in many ways. I live life to the fullest now because I learned that life is very short and you don't know what day could be your last. Sometimes I miss my mom so much, just out of nowhere, that I start crying. My boyfriend often comforts me though that doesn't happen very often anymore. I have learned that it is alright to not be okay. Sometimes you just need to stop worrying about everyone else, and focus on you and what you need. Sometimes, it's alright to just break down and not want to see or talk to anyone, and all you want to do is cry. But I do know that when I'm ready to talk I have so many people in my life who are here for me.

Yes, it was a horrible thing to lose my mom at a very young age, but it has shaped my life and made me the woman I am today. I am thankful for the people I have met on this journey, and I have learned how to not move on but to live life.