I remember her doctors informing us that they caught her cancer early, but they didn’t realize how fast it spread. Two weeks after her diagnosis she died in the hospital. I was at my best friend's house just trying to get my mind clear. His parents told me we had to leave. The energy in the car was solemn. I distinctly asked them “Is Mom okay?” My friend’s mom just started bawling. A part of me couldn’t believe it, so when we parked I rushed up the stairs of the hospital. I hurried in the room and there she was. My mom’s jaundiced body, the woman who sacrificed everything for her baby layed there lifeless. Trying to move on without her being here is the hardest thing I’ve gone through. I struggle with it every day. The thought that my mom won’t be at my last football game, graduation, and wedding is something I don’t think I will ever get over. Her not being here to make her “famous” banana pudding is something I miss dearly. Another hurdle for me was five months after she died my dad remarried Growing up playing football I always heard the same cowbell and scream in the stands. My teammates would try to figure out who the crazy woman was cheering on the bleachers. I was embarrassed and would get upset with her after the game. It’s been four years since she passed and I would do anything to just hear her distinct voice again. My biggest regret is not taking in all of the time I had with her. My mother was at every extracurricular event I ever had. From baseball, basketball, field trips, and even the spelling bee. She truly was my best friend.. It seemed like the only thing that kept me sane was football. I feel like I can connect with my mom almost as if she is looking down watching on a Friday night. I can almost imagine how she would react after I get a sack or make a big play. Football is an escape for me. I can avoid all of the outside noise in my life, take out my frustrations, and make her proud all at the same time. Last season we came up short in the state semifinal game, but it was a successful year. We tied for the best record in school history. I was fortunate enough to receive EKC lineman of the year and third-team all state. For my senior year the goal is to be the first team in school history to win the state championship. One way I have tried to honor my mom’s legacy is by creating a memorial scholarship for her alma mater where she was valedictorian. We tried multiple events to raise money such as a 5k, concert, and most recently a basketball tournament. This year we plan on doing a flag football tournament. It’s always been an enjoyable way to bring the community together and remember her.