Beauty is Beyond Skin Deep

One of the days I remember most vividly was the day my mom shaved her head. The night before I remember seeing her white pillowcase that was enveloped in her long, brunette locks. It shocked me and made my spine run cold. This was when everything became real. The next day I came home from school and saw her for the first time with a shaved head, but it didn’t matter. Not only was she as beautiful as ever, but her contagious spirit and fabulous personality all remained completely unchanged.

Attitude is Everything

No matter the circumstances or what is happening to you, you can always control your attitude.

“Life is ten percent what happens to you and ninety percent how you react to it.” – Lou Holtz

Its OK to Cry

Don’t be afraid to cry. Cry. Cry your damn eyeballs out. Don’t just cry at the sad things, cry at the happy things. I wish I had learned this earlier because there were many times that I held back tears and suppressed what I was feeling.

The Power of Prayer

I attended Catholic school my entire life, so I never thought twice about prayer. We prayed everyday at school, but it was so routine that I really just went through the motions of it. Sometimes I questioned whether or not it made a difference. While my mom was sick, I really began to think about my faith and became closer to God. Cancer reconfirmed my belief in the power of prayer.

The Importance of the Gift of Time

Something my mom always emphasizes is how important your time is, she refers to it as “the gift of time”. There truly is no greater gift than time, no better gift you can give or receive. Our time here is limited and life is a hell of a lot shorter than we think, so spend time with those around you. Be present with them, you will look back and appreciate the value of a memory.

Keep True to Your Family

Family is everything, but family isn’t always your blood. Being a part of a family, is being a part of something that is bigger than yourself.

“Your family is your gang, your squad, your ride or dies, your clique.”

Always Be Your Best

My Dad constantly reminds me to always be my best. It’s important to always put your best foot forward in all aspects of life, whether it be in school, on the athletic field, as a friend or a sibling. No matter what you do, always give one hundred percent. Despite the circumstances always strive to be the best version of yourself. Your older self will thank your younger self.