I started going to daycare when I was four months old.  My daycare lady was Sonya, and she welcomed me every day with open arms.  Ever since I was young, she made an impact on my life. Sonya taught me right from wrong, to try new things, clean up after myself, and simply the importance of being kind.  Sonya took me in as just another one of her kids.  The day I first stepped foot in that house I have always felt like I belonged there.  I spent every weekday at her house for many years, and I continued to be welcomed to their home even after I stopped going to daycare.  Sonya was a very special person in my life. 

In 2011 Sonya was diagnosed with ALS, which at the time I wasn’t sure what that really meant.  As I watched her fight this disease for two years, I thought that this would be the hardest thing I would ever have to watch someone I loved so dearly go through.  The disease took over most of her body. Sonya lost her ability to talk, walk, speak, feed herself, and even use the bathroom.   Sonya was so strong throughout these very hard two years.  Not only was it hard on Sonya but it affected all the friends and family around her that were by her side during this hard time.  Sonya fought for two years, and then we got the worst news so far. 

In 2013 my mom got the phone call telling us that Sonya was on her death bed, and that if we want to see her once more, now is the time.  I got into the car with my mom and Greta, with tears rolling down my face.  I thought that watching Sonya fight ALS would be the hardest thing I’d have to see, but little did I know what was coming next. When we got to the hospital, I was not prepared to say goodbye to such an important person in my life.  We walked up the stairs and got to the outside of her room, and I couldn’t find the courage to go in and say goodbye.  Sonya’s mom came out to talk to me, and she told me how much I meant to Sonya, and how much she needed to see me. The second I stepped foot in that hospital room, I saw Sonya’s face light up and she gave me the biggest smile.  I gave her a hug and told her that I love her.  I couldn’t be in the room anymore.  Sonya was just so helpless, and even though she was surrounded by those who love her, she wasn’t happy, and it broke my heart to see her in so much emotional pain.  Her mom came out to see me again and she told me that when I walked in the room, that was the first time any of them had seen her smile since she had gotten to the hospital.   I can’t believe that the fact that I got the courage to go see Sonya impacted her in that way.  Not only did I leave a positive impact on her, but Sonya left such a strong impact on my life. 

 I am eternally gratefully for everything Sonya has taught me, and I am so lucky that she left me with her two beautiful, kind, loving, and funny daughters who I cherish so deeply.  Sonya has not only taught me so many lessons, but she provided another safe place for me, much like my own home.   I met my very first friends at daycare that I still, am very close with today.  The love Sonya showed to me at day care is the same love my parents showed me at home, and I try every day to show others the love they all have shown me.  In Sonya’s home, she held the same kind of standards, and reinforced the lessons of love which my parents also exhibit in our family.  These loving principals help me to develop my character to be the best version of myself that I can be. 

Sonya is such an important person in my life and I thank her each day for the way she helped shape me into the person I am today.  Sonya loved like no other, and she loved everyone.  Now that I am older, I can understand that ALS took over her body, but it did not take over her heart, her mind, or her soul.  ALS is a disease that takes away your motor skills, but your mind is still alive.  Sonya was still Sonya.  This disease could never take away the love she had for others.  It would never take away the kindness in her everyday actions.  And it would never take away the Sonya that I remember and will always adore.  I live every day striving to make her proud. Sonya wasn’t given enough years.  She deserved so much more.  Looking back, I wish that I would’ve spent more time with her through this hardship.  I want the reader to take something away from my story.  I want them to understand that sometimes we need to slow down and appreciate the things you have in life before they’re gone.  Slow down and look at the impact you make on others or how others impact you.  Life is a beautiful thing and we must take time to realize before it’s too late.