Her Loss Changed Me

Growing up, my mom was my world. She was my biggest supporter, my safe place, and the person I turned to for everything. She was the one who celebrated my victories, comforted me through disappointments, and loved me unconditionally.

When I was entering eighth grade, my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. At the time, my life revolved around two things: my mom and gymnastics. I trained at a high level, and because of that, we spent countless hours together. Gymnastics wasn't just a sport we loved, but it was something that brought us even closer.

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As her illness progressed to Stage 4 breast cancer, I watched the person I depended on slowly become sicker. Looking back, I don't think I truly understood what was happening or how deeply it was affecting me. I was only thirteen years old, and I didn't have the words to process the fear, uncertainty, and heartbreak.

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Two weeks into my freshman year of high school, my mom passed away.

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There are moments in life that divide everything into a "before" and an "after." Losing my mom was that moment for me.

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The hardest part wasn't only losing her—it was learning how to keep living without the person who had always been my greatest source of love, encouragement, and stability. I felt lost. While everyone else seemed to move forward with life, I was trying to figure out how to navigate mine without my biggest cheerleader beside me.

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I never received grief counseling or had the opportunity to be part of a support group with other young women who understood what I was experiencing. For years, I carried my grief alone. There were many tears, many questions, and many moments where I wondered if anyone truly understood what it felt like to lose a parent at such a young age.

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Over time, I realized something I wish I had known sooner: grief isn't something we "get over." We learn to carry it. And while the pain changes, the love never does.

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That realization is what inspired me to create this community.

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My hope is that no woman has to navigate the loss of a parent feeling as alone as I once did. I want this to be a place where stories are shared, friendships are formed, parents are remembered, and hope quietly grows through connection.

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If you're here, I'm so glad you found me. I hope you know there's a place for you.

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