I often wonder where exactly I’d be without my mom, Lori Kitaygorodsky…and let me tell you, nowhere good, that is for sure! Many people casually claim that they have the ‘best’ mom in the world, but when I say it I could not be more sincere if I tried. All throughout my childhood, I have always craved knowledge. I need answers to function, and I find that with these answers comes power and confidence. However, it is hard to be a young girl craving answers when we live in a world full of so much uncertainty.

For some, living with uncertainty is normal. ‘Going with the flow’ is an easy feat and does not require much effort. For me, though, this aspect of life has always been challenging to comprehend and adapt to. Although not impossible, it has virtually always seemed this way. This is one of the many reasons that I admire my mother as much as I do. As I said earlier, a life in which my mother does not exist is unimaginable, however, for her, it was her harsh reality at the ripe age of fourteen. For someone who has experienced so much trauma, and spent so much time in the realm of uncertainty, Lori Kitaygorodsky is the most resilient woman I know. Among many other traits, her ability to not only deal with, but thrive in the face of the unknown, is absolutely remarkable to me. I understand that not everyone is able to have a Lori in their life.

That is why, to me, it is so incredibly necessary to surround yourself with people who both inspire and push you to be the best version of yourself. Lucky enough for me, my fate happened to birth me into the world of my mom, but I am aware that it is not always this easy. If there is not someone in your life who you feel sets a good example for who you want to be, find one! There are eight billion individuals in this world, and one of them is out there, waiting to create the best version of you possible. I still find myself struggling when dealing with change and uncertainty, however, having such an inspirational role model to guide me is the best blessing I may ever receive. I’d like to believe that I was placed on this earth as my mother’s daughter so that I could be presented with the opportunity to find the best version of myself. It is true, I have not found her yet, but each day I am improving.

Thank you to my mom, for giving me a reason to wake up each morning and remember that today is a new day. Through Memento Mori, I hope she is able to share the same value with you all, and provide every life she touches with faith, resiliency, and support.