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Missing You, Mom.

Mothers, mom, momma, however you want to refer to them...there is one special one. I'm not referring to my biological mother, but the woman who was there for me every day. I'm not discounting my adoption or the act of love to place a baby up for adoption, but rather focusing on the woman I called "Mom."

I can't believe it's been exactly 5 years since she passed away. Most of you know, she was diagnosed with cancer in 2004 while I was living in Brazil. After radiation and other treatments, the cancer went into remission. Years later, she was re-diagnosed with cancer that had spread and was in stage 4. To make a long story shorter, she passed away after a long fight with cancer on August 17th, 2010. At the time, my emotions were all over the place and I didn't know how much I'd truly miss her until much later.

Nancy Hunsaker, the woman I call "Mom," was an independent, strong willed, determined, and a service-oriented woman. I miss her every day and just wish I could have a conversation with her. She would listen to me for hours complain about the public education system or just when I had a bad day.

My sisters and I have grown closer and that has been something I truly have enjoyed. They are strong and determined...just like Mom.

I just wanted to write this down quickly for myself and for others to read. Take advantage of every conversation, every hug, every phone call, every text... The small moments are the precious ones...the ones that you can't make up again later. I love you Mom and know you're still watching over us.

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