Of course my mom is my hero, but for reasons beyond her nurturing love and endless support she has given me throughout my life. Mom instilled in me numerous values, but one that I value the most is commitment to hard work. Mom worked 16 hour days as a single parent who still wanted to provide her daughters with everything she could. She would go to work at 2:30 a.m. and ice doughnuts and chat with the regulars, swing home to take me and my sister to school, then head to a local elementary school to assist kids with disabilities. Unfortunately, she was diagnosed with lung cancer, which eventually spread to her brain and spine. After her initial surgery and round of chemo, the cancer returned and Mom went through incredible amounts of chemo and radiation. The amazing aspect of all of this was that Mom refused to call in sick. She continued working her 16 hour days, despite her low levels of energy, immunity, and strength. She never complained and Mom never let her illness stand in the way of spending time with her family. Now that she is gone, her strength truly lives on in me and my family. She gives me strength to grieve, love, work hard to meet my goals, and continue my life without her. I love you, Mom. Thank you for believing in me and giving me so many amazing gifts.
Submitted by Anonymous
We've all had people in our lives who have made a positive impact on us. A parent or grandparent, a sibling who was there for us, or maybe even just a guy who shines shoes for a living? Whoever they are, tell us their story so they can inspire us even more.
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