My mom was so much more than people saw. She was a beautiful artist who put her dreams on hold when she got pregnant at 16 and was forced into marriage because that's what you did back then. She did the best she could as a mom, but it was a very hard road. I tried to take care of my mother as soon as I was old enough, which led to a lifetime of having my mom under my roof. I'm happy to be able to do this, but it came at a very high cost, financially.

When my mom experienced a ruptured brain aneurysm and 2 subsequent strokes in June, the bills started piling in. After 5 months and many scary moments, my mother lost her battle. Her bills exceed $1.5 million with her portion nearing $15k. There are costs for her final arrangements, and I have pretty much exhausted any savings I had. I would not change one day. I know I did everything I could for my mother. I never ask for help for myself, and I know times are difficult for everyone. If you were planning on sending flowers, please consider donating to my mother in lieu of flowers. My mother always told me she loved me first. She said this instead of 'I love you.' But today I said, 'I loved you last, mama.' Rest your beautiful heart, until we meet again.