My mother is the most beautiful woman I know. She hides all of her hurt and pain just so that we can be happy.

One day when I got in the car she showed us this rash that had developed on her arm. Later that month, she was diagnosed with scleroderma. After that, everything was different. There was no more tennis for the whole family, she could not go into the ocean, and she could not really enjoy everything that she loved.

This disease did not stop her though. She is now in the career that she has always dreamed of; an English teacher for foreign students. I am so proud of her. Even though she has gone through two surgeries, she keeps going.

I use to take her for granted until she was diagnosed. Now I enjoy helping my mom get dressed, cook, clean, brush her hair, and I even get to straighten her hair for special occasions. I look at this whole experience as a test and I also see it as an awakening to reality.

My mom took care of me for so long and now its my turn to take care of her. I love you, mommy!