Since the moment I came out into the world, my mother was there for me. Her wonderful hugs and awesome head of curly hair was always there to greet me. The first time she needed surgery was in third grade; I didn't even know what cancer really was then. In my seventh grade year, she somehow contracted the disease again. I knew life was going to take a big turn from there, and I knew that I had to stick with her through it all. While it scared me at first, I slowly adjusted to my surroundings. However, the path took an unexpected turn when my mother had to go to a hospice. I didn't know what a hospice was, but I felt that I would have rather seen her in a hospital rather than the new place. What a coincidence that my mother died on the most fun day of the week; Hump Day! And oddly enough, I wasn't as sad on the day she died as I thought I would. In fact, we actually had a whale of a time at the diner for breakfast. I figured she didn't want us to be upset, so on her first day of heavenl she tried to make us as happy as she could. Mom, if you're reading this from heaven, I just want you to know that I will always love you, and Ryan has your curly hair. It's growing over his face now and bounces funny. It would be nice to have some guidance before going into 8th grade, but I know I can always contact you in heaven via prayer. I hope you're having a good time with your dad and making lots of crochet hats for the disciples, while jamming out with Michael Jackson. I hope he taught you how to moonwalk! I'm sure you would have fun doing that. Enjoy heaven! Remember to say hi, because I miss you! I'll see you when the time is right. Love, ~Caitlin P.S. Mom, if you're *still*l reading, don't forget to eat a lot of ice cream. Nothing can hold you back now!