I was born on November 19, 1994, almost three weeks past my due date. My mother had just turned 17 the September before, and for months, she was told that she wasn’t ready. She had people doubt her ability to be a mother throughout her entire pregnancy. People told her that she was too young and too inexperienced, and that she would never be able to give her child the life that she deserved. Little did they know, my mother would move mountains, and she would give her children everything.
My mom had her second child, my little brother, at twenty-two. Destined to have children at a young age, my mother was told she would never again be able to carry children. She struggled through depression, anxiety, and loneliness, but was still the best mom. During all of her own personal turmoil, she drove my brother to every single baseball tournament, and then drove back to bring me to every rehearsal and dance class.
She sat in the audience of every concert and award ceremony, and cheered us on. She helped me through my sexual assault as a child, and then when I was diagnosed with a neurological disorder. She slept in the uncomfortable hospital cot night after night in case I needed her, and she held my brother’s hand when he had sports injuries. She did everything she could to create a life for her children, at times, sacrificing her own wants, needs, and happiness.
At 33, my mom was diagnosed with cancer. During that year, I saw my mom go through every struggle, and no matter what, she made sure that my brother and I were alright. She helped us come up with ideas for projects, listened to us practice our speeches, and comforted our nerves about her health. After major surgery, and frequent doctors visits for about three years, she was cleared of all cancer.
Recently, just short of 10 years cancer-free, my mom was diagnosed with cancer for the second time. It hit us all like a brick, but my mom has been focused on all tests, treatments, and getting better. My mom has always been the guiding light in my life, even in the most difficult moments of her own life. She has shown me what true courage and love are.
My mom has held me up through some of the hardest points in my life and has taught me to be strong and to always push forward. She has even been an extra mother to my friends, giving them advice, a shoulder to cry on, or a helping hand. She has been an amazing godmother, sister, daughter, and friend to many others. Words can never truly describe the love, admiration, and respect that I have for my mother. She is so kind, goofy, smart, hardworking, funny, strong, and beautiful. I am so thankful to have this woman as my mother and my best friend.
Kassidy Garland has had a great appreciation for reading and writing since she was young. She graduated from West Chester University in 2017 with a Bachelor’s Degree in English & Women and Gender Studies. With a concentration in creative writing, Kassidy has 5 years of experience writing blogs, articles, and for social media. Based out of Philadelphia, Kassidy loves to write about a number of topics and looks forward to sharing her passion with those at FunTimes Magazine.
