When I had my first child at 21, my world shifted in two opposite directions at once. Just two months later, my mother passed away unexpectedly. The joy of becoming a parent and the heartbreak of losing one collided in a way I wasn’t prepared for. Those early days felt overwhelming. I was caring for a newborn while grieving, and I often asked myself how I could possibly raise my child without my mother’s guidance. The advice, support, and simple presence I thought I’d always have were suddenly gone. What helped me find my footing was holding onto everything she left behind—the memories we shared, the lessons she taught me, and even the moments I once thought were mistakes. Slowly, I realized those pieces could come together into a kind of roadmap, guiding me in raising my child the way I believe she would have encouraged me to. It wasn’t easy, but it gave me a way to honor her and still feel her presence in my parenting journey.