Little did I know that in my Mom's struggle with cancer, I too became an expert. Recently, an adult I very much admire's brother was diagnosed with lymphoma. Before she even had to say a word I recognized the look on her face. Scared shit-less and trying to pretend everything will be ok. We sat down to talk and she asked my advice.

I wish you were physic
and could read my mind
tell me what I need to hear
because I can't tell you
you care too much

I love you

the day I became an adult, was the day I told my mother goodbye

even though we complain, secretly, I like wasting time with you

light danced across faces,
pausing on noses and cheeks,
reflecting of the tracks of salty tears.
emotion hung heavy in the stagnant air.
the sweet smell of smoke permeated the room.
tired hands linked us together,
in a bittersweet begining.

I wish you would call, I finally feel ready to share

that night we were invincible

"He"- that's Simon Bolivar - "was shaken by the overwhelming revelation that the headlong race between his misfortunes and his dreams was at that moment reaching the finish line. The rest was darkness. Damn it, he sighed. 'How will I ever get out of this labyrinth!"

So what's the labyrinth?' I asked her...

That's the mystery, isn't it? Is the labyrinth living or dying? Which is he trying to escape- the world or the end of it?

— John Green (Looking for Alaska)