I wasn’t able to bring myself to speak during my mom’s service, but what I would have said is this: My mom is my best friend. She is the first person I think to call when I have news to share, or when I have nothing to talk about at all but don’t want to be alone. She was my biggest cheerleader, my confidant and sounding board, my adventure companion, my shopping buddy. She never judged me and always helped talk my anxieties away. I have countless special memories of the smallest moments to big life events I will cherish and keep close to my heart. I’m so lucky to have a mom like mine. 

Grief is love persevering. And it will continue to persevere through my life as I miss my mom and continue her legacy. There was so much she still wanted to do and so much she wanted for me, and I will live to make her proud all the rest of the days of my life. There will never be a day that passes I won’t think of her. My heart physically aches but her strength is living inside of me and will carry me through. I love you, Mom.