My mom went through a hard year last year. My family went through many changes that put emotional, physical, and financial stress on all of us, especially my mother. I knew that she was a strong woman, but I really didn't realize how strong she really is until now.

On July 4th of this year, my best friend, her mother, my mother, and I went on a girl's trip for the weekend. We went hiking and visited many wineries in the Blue Ridge Mountains. When we reached the top of one of the trails and she saw the view into the valley, her eyes lit up.

I hadn't seen my mom smile like that in so long. She was whole-heartedly happy and not worried at all. I'm so happy that I captured that moment at the top of that mountain.

I never told my mom how different she was before everything happened. To see a glimpse of her true past self was reassuring that we'd all be alright.

Hug your mom a little extra if you can. Make her smile a little brighter. You only get one mom in this world and I'm thankful I was blessed with one who loves me. I miss seeing her now that I'm away at college, but I know that she's at home waiting with open arms.