Lauren Fuller

I am at a loss, I could write on anything, but myself. All I can say is that I am most loyal. I value loyalty above anything. I sometimes feel that there is more that I could have done, or could do. I feel young enough to still try and too old to even start. I can tell you three things I have learned. Never take anything too serious. Never let fear keep you from anything. And finally...never forget where you came from. There have been defining moments in my life, but two spring to mind.

The day I became a Mother catapaulted me into adulthood. The minute I held my first son, I knew exactly why my Mother still held onto me the way she did. I wanted to still be a child, like I now realize I was, and knew that I had to be a strong adult, just for him. I knew the day I looked into his eyes, that there would never be anything that touched my heart, and penetrated my soul, as it did in that very moment.

The day of my 25th birthday, I received a call from my Father telling me to get home, as fast as I possibly could. This was the day that my precious Mother had been diagnosed with a brain tumor. I sank to my knees and I cried. My Mother had always been my hero, my pillar of strength, how could my pillar be crumbling? I caught the next flight out, all I had with me was my identification and my unraveling nerves. As I sat on that plane, that would take me to my fate, My mind was assaulted with a barrage of memories distant and new . The moment I saw her in that hospital bed, was a moment I will never forget. It was to be the last time I would ever see her as I knew her. After months and months of surgery, radiation, and chemo, she is still my Mother, and I couldn't be more proud to be her Daughter. Four years later, she still remains my hero, only the roles have slightly reversed. I am now her pillar of strength.

I have had several friendships throughout the course of my life, some have altered my view on reality, some took more than I was willing to give, and one will remain by my side, for the remainder of my life. A one true lasting friendship is all one needs to get by. If I ever had to go without my best friend, I would feel lost, incomplete and uncertain. Though we have lived a few counties over, or a few cities, or even states, no matter the distance, she will always be the greatest part of my life.

I am a Mother. I am a Daughter. I am a Friend.