My mother was brought up in a large and very loving family, where she learned to be caring and generous towards all people. She was the daughter of two very hard working people, and the third youngest of eleven children. Growing up in such a large family can sometimes leave some feeling disconnected. However, my mother always shared stories of the closeness they had with each other, even despite the age gap. My mother often spoke of how over protective her brothers were and the amazing bond she had with her sisters. My mother was raised in what she described as a poor family. Due to this, she never finished high school because she felt it was her duty to help support her family. She went to work in the fields and then later a freezer. She worked hard until she was married to Tony. She continued to work hard, however as a dedicated wife, then eventually as a mother to their first child Rachel. Unfortunately, Tony passed away from cancer leaving behind my mother to raise their child on her own. Luckily, she had a lot of support from her family and friends closest to her. Eventually, my mother met my father and she had two more children, my brother Eddie, and me. My mother was an amazing angel. I didn’t always appreciate her as much as I should have growing up, but she taught me to be respectful and giving to others, even if I didn’t have much to give. She taught me the meaning of hard work and dedication to family. My mother was a sweet and very honest woman, who always tried her hardest to protect me and my siblings. Some of my greatest memories with my mom were sitting around our kitchen table when I was in high school. She would get off of work at ten and I would be waiting for her with coffee. She would always bring up some kind of sweet bread. We would sit down and talk every night. She always asked about my day and she would tell me about hers. Some nights she would tell me stories about when she was a child and a teenager growing up. Her stories were always so warm and comforting, they always made me feel good inside. We would smile and laugh until I eventually had to go to bed. I really am grateful for those moments that I had to bond with her. Sadly, she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer shortly after I graduated from high school. Through her short battle with cancer, she never showed us her fear. Even when she was going through the worst pain in her life, she never showed a sign of weakness. She stayed strong for us, and sometimes I feel she was far stronger than me. I remember once when she was in the hospital, I had fallen asleep by her bedside crying. I woke up to her rubbing my head smiling. She looked so weak and sick, but she was smiling. She said to me, “Don’t worry, you should smile. Everything in the end will be okay.” Through all of her ups and downs, my mother always remained strong and always smiled. She was able to see the beauty of life. She knew that she would not live to see the outcome of our future, but she believed that she raised us well enough to carry on our lives. I believe that we all have a piece of my mother’s kindred soul in us. She touched the lives of so many and in so many different ways. She was a good woman who was taken too early, but I do believe she lives on through us. My life is a testament to your memory. Thank you for always being there, thank you for always teaching me to be strong, thank you for always showing you cared, and thank you for always smiling. You will always be my positive light. I love and miss you!