She showed me that even when things are hard, you can still be strong and keep fighting.

I watched my mom go through pain… and still become the strongest, most loving protector I’ve ever known.

I looked in the mirror and didn’t recognize myself anymore.

“The love and laughter I found in friendship gave me the strength to endure what I never should have faced as a child.”

We were both carrying guilt for each other that never belonged to either of us.

Even when someone tried to take my power, the truth remained - I belonged to myself.