My mom was a huge part of my life. She instilled strong values in me, she was everything to me. I remember the day like it was yesterday, the day my life changed forever, the day I got the phone call that my mother had passed away. For days, I was beside myself. As I tried to process the news, I broke down and cried.

Life without a mother is quite painful. I slowly began the grieving process. To this day, I am still grieving. In the beginning, I refused to talk to anyone except my grandmother. Even though we did everything we could, I am pained with feelings of guilt. My friends and family tell me that there was nothing else we could have done. They always remind me that she's in a better place.

As much as I wanted her back, she was gone. I wanted to find a way to remember her and help others. I decided the best way to do that was to give back to my community. I began volunteering with a local Emergency Medical Services Squad. I knew I was doing what she would have wanted. I know she would have wanted me to live my life to the fullest and not spend time harping on the past. I still look back on the memories that we had together, but I know that she is not in pain or suffering any longer. I have learned to live each day like it could be my last. Living life without a mother is extremely difficult, but with a great support system and strong willpower anything is possible.