MY PARENTS WALKED AWAY FROM ME AT THE HOSPITAL WHEN I WAS 13 — MY MOTHER WENT PALE WHEN THE DEAN CALLED MY NAME

She bought soft hats and scarves whenever I felt insecure about losing my hair. She helped me stay on track academically through the home hospital education program.

More importantly, she gave me stability.

Routine.

Love.

Every morning, even on my worst days, Rachel would step into my room and say, “Good morning, beautiful girl. It’s a gift to see your continue reading …