by Karen Thiel (Author)

It'll be all right was Mom's phrase. And of course, she was usually right, but we wouldn't admit it to her. We grew up not thinking about what will come later in our lives. Mom and Dad made things as easy as they could for us. Then it hits you. Will I go to college? What kind of a career do I want? Maybe marriage and the start of a family. Will the marriage last? How do I raise my kids to be responsible people? You turn to your parents for advice, and the first thing they tell you is that it'll be all right.

My parents taught us to be kind. Taught us the meaning of respect. Taught us to believe that just maybe we could be or do anything we wanted. They taught us to always care.

I just never dreamed the word care would one day be connected to the word giver. I never thought the most rewarding job of my life would be caregiving. Especially for my family. Mom always said, no matter the situation being good or bad, happy or sad...it'll be all right. No truer words were spoken, Mom. I can't begin to explain to anyone the profound emptiness and loss I feel every second of every day because my partner in crime, our little stick of dynamite, my very best friend, my mom is no longer here by my side. But don't worry, Mom, I was listening. You taught your lesson well and you're right...everything will be all right.