I am Val Bower a daughter, a wife, a mother, a sister, a grandmother, and a friend. I gave birth to three beautiful children and later adopted two more; I also have four stepchildren. I have spent the majority of my adult life working with people who need some kind of help.

Usually a little bit of stress is a good motivator for me. But when you hear the Doctor say the words cancer and the name of your child, then I wouldn't be too sure that your mind would know how to process that. Moreover. when the next doctor tells you he has two weeks or maybe a month to live? You'd pray.

Someone once told me that I didn't have enough faith. I was taught to pray, "Gods will be done". I said that prayer for months and added, "God give me strength to face the future". I kept a journal of the days and weeks of struggles and hardships, based on this mom's feelings. I have no intention of causing pain or anger to anyone; rather, these are all based on my opinion.

My wish is that after reading this, parents will hold their babies more often. Sisters and brothers will say I love you and mean it. I wish for families to realize that tomorrow may not come. Every day should have a memory to hang on to.