Many people often inquire about the nature of our relationship before Mama’s dementia. To be honest, it wasn’t always easy growing up under her roof. We faced our fair share of challenges, so much so that I felt compelled to write a book about it called Dark Clouds: A Charm City Family's Struggle.

I used to constantly compare our relationship to those of my friends and their mothers, and that was my first mistake. Through comparison, I focused only on her shortcomings. Now, as an adult, I realize she genuinely did her best. In the years leading up to Mama’s dementia, we cultivated a friendship. I let go of my expectations and learned to appreciate our relationship for what it truly was.

There are countless things I miss. I miss our laughter and our playful banter, especially about men. I miss testing her patience and hearing her jesting reprimands.She knew how to cuss so good! I miss her cooking. I miss startling her with playful pranks--jumping out on her from behind the door. I miss spontaneously calling her up to say, "Let’s hit the mall." And I especially miss our carefree moments in the car, like in the video below.