IG: 2010 – a pivotal year in my life. February 12 – I am in the tiny Ho’olehua Airport on the island of Molokai, HI, having just arrived. I am in 3rd year university and I am visiting my mom and stepdad for Reading Week. My parents welcome me warmly and after a huge hug, my mom places a fragrant plumeria lei around my neck while my stepdad photographs our joyous reunion. Our smiles radiate the excitement we both have to see each other. I love her so much. This was a beautiful moment in time. But that summer was very different. This was when we found out my mom had stage 4 breast cancer, and it felt like our lives had been turned upside down. I was 22, my mom 61. For 7 years she fought it on and off. She brought it into remission by 2013, but by 2015 it was back. Into remission again by mid 2016, but by 2017 it was again back. The period of my life between 2010 and 2017 was SUCH an emotional rollercoaster. Those of you who have had a loved one battling cancer know what I’m talking about, and for those who don’t, I hope you never have to experience it. 2017 – another pivotal year in my life. By March things really took a turn for the worse. My mom seemed to be deteriorating rapidly, so my stepdad and I had been caring for her bedside 24/7, as she wanted to be at home. March 9 – I swapped out bedside shifts with my stepdad around 1am to get some rest, and we spoke what I didn’t know would be our final words to each other. “I love you Mom”, I said. “I love you Laura”, she replied. And I went up to bed. The following morning around 8am, she took her last breath. She died peacefully in her bed with her husband lying next to her. Today is a sad day for me. I fucking miss her. So I share this for many reasons. Maybe an emotional purge…maybe to help someone else not feel alone…maybe to remind you to cherish the people you love while you can. If you’ve gotten this far and read the whole damn thing, thank you. Now go hug someone you love and tell them you love them. We just don’t know when or where our time will be up, so show up to each day with love, gratitude and kindness. Miss you so, so much mom, and love you forever and always❤️