09/10/2026
16 years ago today was the very best day of my life. That day I became a mother to the most beautiful baby girl. She was born with a full head of black thick hair and weighed almost 10 lbs. She had full neck control that impressed all the doctors and made her look like a 4 month old next to the other babies in the nursery. The moment I looked into her eyes, I finally knew what true, unconditional love really was. She was perfect in every way, and she was mine. I remember one day walking into her room to get her after a nap and she was standing in her crib with the biggest smile on her face, so excited to see me and in that moment I realized I wished I had her when I was younger so I would get to love her longer. It seems like yesterday and a million years ago at the same time because now I can’t imagine or remember not knowing her. She was always a part of me, the very best part of me. She was hilarious and wicked smart, and so kind and generous. The first 7 years of her life were the best years of my life. When Vincent was diagnosed with cancer, my world fell apart and my biggest heartbreak was for her and how much I knew her life would be changed by it. I would come home from the hospital at night and she would climb into bed with me and I would lay there listening to her breathe with a million thoughts running through my head. Loving her got me through my darkest days, she was the reason I could get out of bed and keep going. It still breaks my heart that I missed so much of her life during those really tough years when we were in the worst place possible with Vincent’s cancer. I wish I could have that time back with her that cancer robbed from us. She has dealt with more than any kid should have to, cancer didn’t take over her body but it did take over her life. And yet, here she is now 16 years old, still hilarious and wicked smart with dreams of her own starting to take shape. And I am in awe of her. Becoming her mother is the best thing that has ever happened to me, and I hope she knows how much I love her and will always be there for her. Although I do wish time would slow down I am also so excited to see what she does with her future. And I will always be her biggest fan and supporter. She will always be my baby girl, even if she passed me in height years ago.
Happy Sweet Sixteen Mina! I hope this year and all the years to come bring you happiness and everything you hope for. I love you to the moon and back times infinity.
Love your mom, who doesn’t always get it right but always, always, always loves you no matter what.
💛💛 Please help celebrate her birthday with a donation to her fundraiser for the CHOP Parkway Run 💛💛
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