My mother Sondra - who had been battling small-cell lung cancer since November - passed away at 3:35 AM yesterday morning. She was 56 years old.

Even though she faced many difficulties in her short life that she did not deserve and was abused and discarded by some she had trusted, she still offered her love freely and in great abundance. I can think of nobody else who has suffered so greatly and yet still have such boundless capacity to give to those who would accept it.

I was but one recipient of that love, and it has made all the difference in my life.

I love you, Mom - and I will miss you…