January 25th, 2015 | Uncategorized
Upon arriving home for Christmas break, I was so excited to see my friends, family and especially my best friend my mother. Unfortunately when I arrived home I was told some shocking news that was least expected…my mom had been diagnosed with stage four lung cancer.
At first I did not know what to think, say or do because of how sudden everything had occurred and how fast my life had changed just by hearing one word. I’ll admit, I got really scared since everything that I’d always heard about cancer was just terrible. After doing some research and reading I learned that some things on the internet were not right for the type of cancer that my mother has and that people can survive it.
There are about 12 million cancer survivors living in the United States today because of scientists who are discovering new and better ways to find and treat cancer.
While I was home I tried to spend every second I could with my mother and help her in any way that I could. During the day we would just sit and talk for hours and didn’t even realize what time it was from talking so much. But I mostly enjoyed watching movies and her favorite TV show The Big Bang Theory at night which always gave us a great few laughs.
I would have just loved to stay at home with my mom and take care of her until she’s better, but I had promised her that I would finish what I had started here. My mother has helped me get to where I am today and has always been my number one supporter in everything that I have done so now it is my turn to return the favor by supporting her in any way possible. The most important thing is make sure she keeps a positive mindset since a “Mindset changes the days you have, not the number of days you have.”
Even though I am far away from her now, I still try to make her laugh and smile as much as possible…
“It’s a special bond that spans the years. Through laughter, worry, smiles and tears. A sense of trust that can’t be broken, a depth of love sometimes unspoken. A life long friendship built on sharing. Hugs and kisses, warmth and caring. Mother and daughter their hearts as one. A link that can never be undone.”
Before I didn’t really notice everything that I had, but I’ve learned to open my eyes more and to appreciate every day more because you never know when it could be someone’s last.
Victory Scholar: Jessica Koci
Sport League: Atlantic 10
Present University: Institute of Technology Carlow
Alma Mater: La Salle University
