Victoria V.

My story of triumph is about my Mother, Toni. I am 37 years young now, and this year I'm particularly reminded of my Mom's thirty-seventh year and how she triumphed over odds I cannot begin to imagine. I was 15 years old then, and my mother was noticeably sick and had lost much weight. She was frequently in and out of the hospital, but no one could determine the source of her illness. She was trying to take care of my Grandfather, who had terminal cancer, and trying to run a business, as well. On my sixteenth birthday, I was called to the hospital where my Mother had been admitted earlier that day. She had received the grim diagnosis of colon cancer. After being undiagnosed for well over a year, the cancer had spread, and she was led to believe the harsh reality that she was terminal. She received a colostomy, radiation treatments and had many surgeries over the course of the next year. The financial and emotional hardship that a single parent must endure at times is difficult to say the least. When compounded with a terminal illness and the inability to work or function, it was emotionally devastating to my Mom. There were times that friends of hers would take me shopping for school clothes or supplies or groceries because there simply was no money. My Mom also got a diagnosis of alcoholism during this period. I had always considered my Mom a social drinker, and sometimes quite a bit, but never thought of her as an alcoholic. She knew she had a problem and voluntarily sought treatment through AA meetings. It has been over 20 years, and I am still in awe of her ability to triumph over her situation. My Mother's colon healed and she was able to have her colostomy reversed. After her healing period, she sought jobs to help her get back on her feet financially. She joined AA almost 20 years ago and has remained alcohol free since the day she set foot in her first meeting. She remains in remission for her colon cancer, she paid for almost all of my college education and paid for my dream wedding two years ago. She is active in our church and our community and continues to work so many hours during week, it tires me just to know it. I have asked her why she gives so much to charitable organizations and the church. She quickly told me that when she was truly in need, other people stepped up and helped and that she would want to be that helping hand for someone else when needed. She does not take life or people for granted, and she has truly been the most inspiring person in my life. Each day is a blessing. Each day that she is cancer free and alcohol free is a TRIUMPH for her, and for everyone around her as well!