They say when you take your first steps, you walk towards things you love the most. Your big brother, the toys he will finally share, or maybe the family dog who has been part of your world since the day you were born.

What we miss, though, is who was behind us, with her dimpled cheeks and brown eyes. The woman who taught us to walk and let go at the perfect time, all while letting a part of her motherhood die that she will never get back. She would smile patiently back, proud of my steps and comfort my falls. She always chose me, above herself, with a love so selfless that I’ll only dream of finding elsewhere.