Mommy is sick--Chyanne

It was the summer of 2009. I was 10 years old and I had just finished the 5th grade. Life was great, I was enjoying my summer before entering middle school. My mom and I spent everyday together, we went swimming, we went shopping, and we were inseparable. As the summer progressed, I noticed my mom and I were doing fewer and fewer activities together. Her mood changed; something seemed different, something was wrong. I saw that my mom would grow more and more depressed with each visit to the doctor’s. Then one day, my mom was sitting alone outside on the porch. I went outside to join her and I asked her what was wrong. She looked at me and her face spoke anger and fear; “Mommy is sick,” she replied. Immediately after speaking those three words, she broke into tears. I was only ten years old and I did not know the full extent of the situation, so I replied “It’s okay mommy, you will get better.” The reason that my mom was constantly in the hospital that summer was because the doctors thought that she had breast cancer. I cannot imagine the pain my mom felt having to tell this information to my brother and I, while watching the pain on her childrens’ faces. Yet, she stayed hopeful. Throughout that whole journey my mom promised us that she was going to be strong and get better for us. My mom was at the doctor's office probably 5 days a week getting multiple tests, scans, and biopsies taken. It was exhausting to her both emotionally and physically. When I found this news out, I was extremely terrified and upset. There was no way; not my mom, she couldn't be sick, she was and still is the strongest person I know. The results were not certain yet. Finally, after many tests and doctor's appointments, the results for her came back negative. I remember my mom coming back from the hospital crying, but this time it was different, they were happy tears. When my mom told me she wasn't sick anymore I felt overwhelming comfort. My mom is my best friend. She is my rock, my security blanket. I have always been a mama's girl and until this day, the thought of living without her is still something I can not process, let alone at ten years old. Those three months of my life had to be the absolute worst. During that time, I didn't know how much time I would have left with my mom. My heart ached thinking about the possibilities that could have happened to her. This experience in my life has taught me the importance of cherishing your loved ones and the time you are given. Although we were extremely blessed that the results were negative, I still believe it is very necessary to appreciate your family and not take the time that you are given with them for granted. I try to spend as much time as I can with my mom now, and I always try to tell her how much I love her and appreciate her.