I can't believe it's been 7 years since my mom was diagnosed with cancer. Luckily enough, it wasn't a number and they caught it in time. All she did was have radiation. But, now, she's 7 years cancer free. I'm so happy for her. 

My mom is a special woman. She has been there for me since I was a child growing up with a serious medical condition. Helping me with school, puberty, and life. We had our ups and downs. But, as I got in my 20s, I started to look at mom differently from when I was a kid. I realized that she was getting older and that if I don't change the way I was acting, I won't have her for long. 

My mom and I are VERY close as seeing I'm the only girl with 2 older brothers. I have been there for her when she went through a LOT in her life. Not once did my brothers or my dad really help out. So, by me helping her it brought us closer. My dad even told my mom to not ask for my help because I was dealing with school (which by the way...wasn't my idea...my dad forced it on me). 

Now that next year will be the end of my school which I'm soooooo looking forward too. I know my dad is going to push me into a University because he feels it will be good for me...which to me it won't. College is NOT for everyone...but to him, it is...even though HE never finished college. 

Anyway, mom and I have a LOT planned for the summer. We were thinking of going to Chicago again, which we might, but our main concern is to see Kaskaskia in southern Illinois. It's a BIG trip mom and I want to enjoy. It's going to take 5 - 7 hours to get down there by car. We are thinking of staying in a motel (which my dad is not happy with...but who gives a anyway). Then, we'll see Kaskaskia, take pictures and then drive home. We might to other places in Illinois, even go over the border into Iowa, Missouri, Wisconsin. Not sure what our plans are, but we do know Kaskaskia is one of the trips. We love sightseeing around Illinois. 

Many people say that you'll find more history in another country, but you'll find a LOT of history in your own state. Illinois is littered with history. There's even a town in Illinois called Norway, where the 1st Norwegians settled. We want to go there and see their museum. 

So, anyway...I know I'm rambling about other things, but I just wanted to tell you that today is my mom's 7 years of being cancer free! 

Thanks,

Raven.