I nodded, feeling the weight of his words. “She’s going to need all of us to help her get through this,” I said.

The next few weeks were a test of endurance and patience. Balancing work and caring for my nieces and nephews was no small feat, but Logan and I managed. Cheryl’s hospitalization had forced her to confront her reality, and as she slowly recovered, we spent many late nights talking—about the past, about her fears, and about the future she wanted for her children.