Last week, a dear friend of mine buried her father, and my heart breaks for her. I know what it's like to lose a parent to cancer.

Five years ago this week, my wonderful, sweet mother lost her fight against cancer. I may be a little biased; but to me, she was the best mother that ever lived. She was a Godly, Christian lady with high ideals and morals, who did her best to live up to her high standards. She was an example to many young ladies who crossed her path over the years. Most of all, she was the most loving grandmother. The bond between her and Sam was indescribable.

This picture, taken sometime in 2002, is one of my all-time favorites of my mom and Sam. You can truly sense the love between these two!