This piece is my journey through grief after losing my mom and the healing process that followed. It begins with the darkest day of my life--the day my mother passed away after her battle with cancer. In the depths of my pain as a grieving daughter, I realized my own daughter, Leila, needed me to be present. Through this space, I share how I learned to balance mourning with motherhood, navigate guilt, and find the strength to rebuild my life. It's about the rawness of loss, the resilience required to heal, and the lessons learned along the way. Ultimately, this piece isn't just about grief--it's about finding light, honoring my mom's memory, and becoming the best mother I can be.