When you are a little girl, you hardly know what is going on. You learn to just go with the flow. It’s all about the Barbie dolls, the dress up clothes, and playing outside with your best friend. You’re not to the point where you fully appreciate your family and friends but you are grateful for everything you have.

When I was seven years old, I heard news that would forever alter my life. My mom had lung cancer. At the time I just thought she would easily get better, just like any normal person. That was until the day I was told, “Barbara Jean, your mom will be going to a better place.” At the time I had no idea what that meant. I had no clue what that better place was. All I knew was that I was losing my best friend.

A few years later, after I had adjusted to my new lifestyle, something else I never could have expected happened. My dad was diagnosed with mouth cancer. We were never close like my mom and I – I was lucky if I saw him once a week. So when I first found out, I didn’t think it was going to be that hard for me to handle. I was wrong; it was harder than I could have ever imagined.

I want to remind you that you always should tell your family that you love them. Be grateful for them. You should also be grateful for everything else in your life: your friends, your opportunities, and your personal possessions.

When I turned 16, my aunt gave me a ring that my mom had left for me. It meant so much to me. I cherish it because I know my mom wanted me to have it. You should always cherish the things you have – they could turn out in the end to be more special then you thought they would be. My ring reminds me of how much my mom loved me. Sometimes I wish I would have told my parents what they meant to me more often. I regret it now. I have a wonderful family now, and even they probably don’t hear it enough from me.

I know we all have things to do, but you can easily take a day out of your schedule to spend it with your family. You should look at life like it’s your last day to live. Don’t take it for granted.