Elysha, this is one of the most touching articles I've read in a long time. And now that my eyes have ceased watering enough to reply, I just want to say thank you for writing such a wonderful piece. And, I'm sure your mom's smiling down on you and proud of who you are today.

At the beginning of my 20s, my mom was diagnosed with cancer. Had a similar feeling where I had to grow up suddenly and navigate life with added uncertainty. I vividly remember feeling OK one moment and uncontrollably crying the next. She managed to pull through and survived. But she's never been the same since.

Will follow you now so I can read more of your work.