As the holidays get closer and closer the one thing we all start thinking about it seeing family, but for some of us the holidays can be a very difficult time.

Dear Mom,

It's your favorite time of year and Thanksgiving is just around the corner. I can remember when I was younger you would always be in the kitchen doing something and the house would always smell amazing. You loved to cook. As Thanksgiving and Christmas get closer you are on my mind a whole lot more. The last time you saw me I was just a little 13 year old and here I am now at 20 years old. I'm in college now I'm majoring in nursing and the degree change goes into affect at the beginning of spring semester. I got my first job and it totally sucks but I'm still thankful to have one. You missed my first and last day of high school, you also missed my graduation. You weren't there to tell me move into my dorm and you aren't here for me to tell you about the love of my life. So many things have changed since you've been gone and a lot of times I just want to pick up the phone and call you even if it was just to hear your voice. I wish you were here to just tell me that everything would be okay! 7 years is a long time for a daughter to not be able to see or talk to her mom. There are so many things I never got to ask you or talk to you about. It's really hard when my instincts tell me to call you and I can't. I've changed so much that I doubt you would even recognize me now. I've learned so much in the last 7 years that I would like to think you would be proud of how far I've come. I know that you fought with everything you had and in the end it just wasn't enough and I know you were also fighting for me. I want you to know that I've got that same fight and the same never giving up attitude that you did. After everything settled down after you left, I knew I wanted to help people and it's because of you. I'd really like to go into oncology so I can help people like you and their family; to show them that it's not the end of the world, it will hurt like hell, but we can survive. Cancer sucks and I'm so sorry you had to go through it. You promised you would be there for my wedding and when I would have kids and you will be. I carry you with me everyday so don't worry I won't clam up and never talk about you. I will always make sure to tell the story of my favorite super hero, my mom. I love you and I hope you have a wonderful holiday season up in heaven.

Sincerely,

Your little girl who isn't so little anymore