It has always been important to me for my family to get together as often as possible. One unusual Saturday, we decided to get together to make carne asada and buy pizza for the little kids. My mom started to make the rice and frijoles and my dad was outside making the carne on the grill. My older sister and her husband had bought sodas to drink and some spicy chips as snacks for us. My other siblings, my cousins and my tia’s and tio’s came over as well as some friends of my family. We were all having a good time eating together outside. At around 11:30 at night my family was still outside spending time with each other.

After a while I went inside and started watching a TV show as I deep cleaned my room. I had a feeling something was wrong so I stopped my show and left my clothes on my bed and left my room. As I was walking outside to the front, I saw my little sister running to go grab some rubbing alcohol and I heard my siblings panicking. I kept asking my sister what was wrong or what happened and she just kept repeating, “my mom.” She asked if I could help her find the rubbing alcohol for my mom. I helped her find it and she ran outside with it. When I went outside, I saw everyone crying and my mom on the floor. My dad was holding her. When I saw her on the floor my heart sank to my stomach. I rushed over where my mother was laying while my brother's wife, at the time, was on the phone calling the ambulance.

While the ambulance was on the way, I asked my older sister what happened to our mother. She explained that our mother came outside after picking up the living room and she told my siblings that she wasn't feeling good. She complained about feeling lightheaded and having other symptoms like dizziness. She told them that she thought she needed to go to the hospital and as soon as she said those words, she fainted. Luckily, my second oldest brother caught her before she could hit the ground and that's when they told my little sister to bring the rubbing alcohol, in order for our mother to wake up.

When the ambulance arrived at the house, I saw my mother waking up as they were checking her blood pressure, her heart rate and everything else. The ambulance didn’t take her to the hospital. They told her she needed to get rest and avoid any stress. I heard the paramedics explain that the next time it happens it could cause a heart attack. They said that the heart attack could cause her to die. When I heard those words, I couldn’t stop thinking about me almost losing her. I felt that if I lost her, I would lose a part of myself. I just couldn't stop thinking that I almost lost my mom that night.

To change things, get closer with her and spend more quality time became my goal in life. That night changed everything and I felt as if I changed as well. I became a better daughter to my mother. I tried harder in life and in school because I realized how grateful and lucky I am to get a second chance in life with my mother. Now I cherish every moment with her, every laugh and I try to be a better daughter. We have a closer relationship now. I'm always telling my mom about what happens in my life and I ask her advice or just to talk when I need to hear from her. I'm forever glad she is here with us today and that she has a chance to stay with us for much longer.

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