“My mother is pure radiance. She is the sun I can touch and kiss and hold without getting burnt” This quote from poet/writer Sanober Khan sums up my feelings toward this Love Story. Even when night comes and darkness surrounds us, we know the sun is still there, waiting to fill our lives with light and warmth. Brandan certainly radiates not only the love she has for her child but the love she received from her mother.

Brandan:

"Everything I learned about love I learned from my mother. I was blessed that I was born to a parent who loved me unconditionally, freely and in a way that nobody ever would or ever could again. My Mom died in August 2017 and I had my first child (a baby girl Hazael) in June two months before. When Hazael was born I finally understood how much my mother loved me.

I had never thought about what it would feel like to create a child and give birth to that baby. See her face for the very first time and hear her cries and feel the instantaneous overwhelming need to protect that life. She was my miracle.

When my mother's journey came to an end in a physical way the love I felt for her became overwhelming. I finally understood exactly how she felt about me and it made losing her all the more tragic. I know that Hazael's soul chose to come at a time when I needed it. I don't think I could have experienced such great loss without falling apart, but knowing that I had my sweet baby girl to take care of made it bearable.

I know my mother is around me all the time, loving me from above. I can hear her voice in my head when I look at my Hazael's toothy grin, when she's smiling or crying or learning something new. I thank my mother for teaching me how to love her.

My mom was there at my first breath and I was privileged enough to be there for her last. Love for me is continuous and infinite, there are no boundaries or time restrictions and I hope, as I watch Hazael grow, that she can feel that love compounded from her Grandma and I for the rest of her life. She is my great love story."