My mother was fierce. Her mother too. I learned that from both of them. I lost the two most important women in my life. I never came back from that. Four years ago I slept next to my mother on the floor. She in a comfortable next to me. Why did everyone tell me she had only a few breaths left? She was breathing so heavily. Even snoring. On July 4, 2019 my mother stopped breathing. My heart stopped beating. I think of her everyday. My beloved mother taught me to love, be empathetic, spread joy, expect disappointment and never give up. There will never be a woman like my mom. She was the best. And I still talk to her. Get guidance from her. See her. Love her. You would have loved her too.

adriana suriano

i am a first generation italian-american who grew up in southern new jersey. Life is amazingly beautiful and devastating. Sometimes in the same day.