Today is the day when 5 years ago, the world stopped for me for a moment. Shortly before 6am, my dad called me, seeing who was calling and at what time - I already knew. I answered and my suspicions were confirmed. Mom had passed away last night. Although she had been sick for a very long time and the last few weeks were tough, and I knew “it” was coming, the message still sounded surreal. No one can prepare for the death of a loved one, especially a mother. It’s been 5 years. It still hurts, but today I can live with it.