No matter how many people we meet in our life and how important they become to us, there is one person whose place no one can take; a person who will be there for us no matter what. That is her majesty, the mother.
A mother’s smile can make all the pain go away. They are willing to sacrifice their happiness for the well-being of the children. The moments we spend with them become our most valuable memories.
Losing a mother means we will never again have that one person who will be proud of every our achievement and share with us all our joys and sadness.
Erica Allen Peden lost her mother recently and she shared her story with the rest of us because she wants to remind us how we should never miss the chance to tell our mom how important she is to us and how much we love her.
Erica is still learning how to cope with her pain, especially because of something that preceded her mother’s death.
Facebook/Erica Allen Peden
The day she lost her mother will always stay with Erica. For Love What Matters, she explains what happened on this sad day for her and for the whole family.
‘”It was April 23rd, 2017 and I was lying in bed with my husband of close to 5 months, laughing about something one of our cats did. I rolled over to get ready for the day when Nick, my husband, said, ‘Where are you going?’ At just after 10 am on a Sunday, I was planning to go see my mom, who lived about 7 minutes away with my dad and brother. She had just gone through an abdominal surgery and was resting. I told him, ‘I’m going to see mom. She wants to hang out with me like every day.’
This is the moment I am most ashamed of in my life. If it sounds bratty and immature, that’s because it is. I didn’t mean it. This was actually very unusual of me to say. I loved being with my mom. I work and live in the same city as my family because of them.
‘She wants to hang out with me like every day.’ That’s the last sentence I said before I got the phone call that not only changed my life but broke my heart. My phone started ringing and I pick up my little brother’s call only to hear him panicking and crying. ‘Mom’s had a seizure or something, I don’t know what to do.'”
Facebook/Erica Allen Peden
She knew there was no time to spare so she told her brother to immediately call 911.
‘”I had about 7 years of lifeguarding under my belt, so my immediate response was, ‘Hang up and call 911.’ Nick is standing up at this point, very concerned. I didn’t know it, but at that point, my mom had already died. She didn’t have a seizure but died from a pulmonary embolism. Basically, she was gone before she slid to the floor right in front of my dad. Two ambulances are there trying to treat her, I am rushing to get dressed, and crying because sometimes you just know that this moment is the life-changing one. Full of dread.
Long hospital story short, my dad knew she was gone while she was in the ER for treatment. He actually performed CPR on her after we had just had a quick course at home the week before for my mom. She wanted to know how to do CPR in case my dad, who has heart issues, had a life or death situation. All I can say to that is, ‘Wow.'”
Whenever the mother was learning how to perform CPR on her husband, she was actually showing him how to help her.
Facebook/Erica Allen Peden
‘”In about an hour, my mom had passed away and my family went into deep shock. This Oct. 23rd marks 1.5 years without talking to my mom, touching her, laughing with her, dancing to the Bee Gees together, or going to see a movie- our favorite thing to do. At 26, I am the second-oldest of 4. I had to look all three of my siblings in the eyes at different times and tell them our mom was gone while my dad and nana were with her to end care. My brother was the one to go home and clean up the carpet where she passed away because, as it happens, bodily functions take over. He was 19 at the time.”
Erica simply knew she had to be strong for her family and those around her. Although coping with this unbearable pain is tough, it taught Erica how to cherish life and how to become a better person. She has a new perspective of life and tries not to take things for granted.
‘”Since her passing, I joined a church. I share weekly meals with my nana. I planned my youngest sister’s graduation party and held a baby shower for my oldest sister. I spoke at my grandfather’s funeral, at the same place, nearly a year to the day after my mom’s, his daughter’s, funeral. I still baby my brother and he still rolls his eyes at me with a ‘Whaaat,’ since I’m probably asking for something. I call my dad at noon and 4 pm, my mom’s old lunch break and the time she left work.
It has been the longest 1.5 years of my life. I have had one dream about her. In that dream, she hugged me, and I could smell her lotion. This was about a year ago. In the dream, I finally had the chance to tell her, ‘I loved hanging out with you. I love you.’
It doesn’t matter what age you are when a parent passes. It could be a peaceful passing or something incredibly shocking. When it does happen, no matter what, you will randomly stop and think, ‘I can’t believe this happened to us.’ It sucks. It’s devastating.
The best way it can be summed up is by something the ‘This Is Us’ creator, Dan Fogleman, said. Dan also lost his mother. He said, ‘My mom died 10 years ago, unexpectedly. It’s the hinge upon which my life swings.’ If there ever was a way to describe this feeling of total loss, this it is for me.
Call your moms and dads. Call your siblings. Take your grandparents to lunch. Plan a party. Work a little too much. Talk to God often. Cry when you want to and, most of all, think about how soft your mother’s hand was when she would pat you on the leg and say, ‘Love you, baby.'”
Facebook/Erica Allen Peden
Erica’s story teaches us that we should grab every opportunity we have to tell our parents, siblings, and friends how much we appreciate their presence in our life.
Choosing whether to breastfeed or formula feed is not an easy decision for a new mother to make because there is much debate about which is better for both the baby and the parent.
Many health experts state that the mother’s milk is the ultimate nutritional choice for the infant and the recommendations are for the baby to be breastfed exclusively for the first six months of their life. And although the benefits are numerous, not every mother have the possibility to breastfeed, and ultimately, it’s up to her to make the decision.
Instagram/meghankoziel
Every mother knows what’s best for her baby, and most of them have their own reasons and beliefs why their choice is better than the other. But, I guess the issue here is that the mothers are divided regarding this subject, and they are not supportive when one mother does it differently than them. This counts for both stands.
Those moms who use formula are considered selfish, while the others might be criticized for breastfeeding their babies in public places.
Being aware that she might be told off by the nurses and the medical staff for choosing to formula feed her little one, one mother decided to place a sign above her bed in order to make people aware of her situation.
Instagram/meghankoziel
Meghan Koziel is a lovely young lady whose dream of becoming a mother came true after she though that day would never come. The reason she believed the motherhood was something she would never experience was her battle with breast cancer. She was diagnosed three years ago, and she underwent a double mastectomy along with a whole host of incredibly aggressive and invasive treatments designed to treat and beat the cancer.
She was only 26 years old at that time, and her world changed completely. And although she felt like all her dreams were crushed, things turned for the better and she was abot to welcome a baby to the world.
‘”Three years ago when I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I thought my life would never ever be the same. I was forced to make so many HUGE life decisions including preserving my fertility through an egg retrieval was one of them. After two years on hormone blocking medications (because my cancer is so aggressive and highly affected my estrogen and progesterone), I made the decision to go off of my medications to fulfill my lifelong dream of being a mom!”
Kendra Jane Koziel, the miracle baby was delivered on September 15. The baby was in a perfect health condition.
‘”Cancer has changed my life forever… but looking down at this sweet little girl makes all my fears of recurrence and having to go through active treatment again fade away! I am so so so blessed and will forever Sparkle On.”
Megan felt like the happiest person on Earth and holding that baby in her arms was everything she ever dreamed of. However, because of her surgery, she wasn’t capable of breastfeeding the baby and that’s when she decided to design the pink sign.
She posted a photo of it on the social media because she believed there are other women like her out there and she wanted everyone to be aware of the battle these women fight, and being judged for not breastfeeding their newborns is the last thing they should be bothered with during those joyous moments of their life.
‘”Attention please, attention please. We do indeed have a mommy-to-be who had breast cancer and a mastectomy which means, without boobs in the houseeeee! Got the banner raised just in case people are confused at why we are NOT going to be breastfeeding our little bundle of joy. Yes I have foobs, no I do not have boobs (or nipples) therefore… my body is incapable of breastfeeding.”
Instagram/meghankoziel
Megan says that posting that sign saved her time explaining her choices over and over again, to everyone who would enter her room.
The sign read:
‘”No Breastfeeding Zone
Though breastfeeding is a very special task,
Please be aware before you ask.
Our miracle baby will be formula fed,
And it will not affect her future ahead.
This Mommy is a Survivor”
Sadly, Meghan still receives unsolicited advice from strangers, she shared with Parents. Her local breast milk bank only provides milk to preemies and multiples, there is no insurance coverage for mastectomy patients and tested donor milk sells for $3-5 for one ounce.
‘”I was then referred to local Facebook milk donation groups but was turned off because the milk has no way of being tested. Yes, breast milk is fabulous and filled with utmost nutrition… however, it can also carry disease! I am not willing to risk my daughter’s life simply to use breast milk when formula has been used for years and there is no known difference from a breastfed to formula fed baby.”
Meghan’s daughter is a proof that miracles do happen and she hopes the sign will give hope to others who are in the same situation in which she once was. She wants to tell these women that nothing is impossible.
‘”All survivors who are wanting to be moms, never ever give up hope! Doctors cannot guarantee fertility, but if you think about it… fertility isn’t guaranteed for anyone in life! Miracles happen, and whether you can conceive naturally, through IVF, or adoption… there is ALWAYS a way to become a mom! You just have to find the path and trust in it once it’s found.”
Instagram/meghankoziel
Meghan also encouraged all moms to make the decision of whether they will breastfeed or formula feed their babies based on what they believe is right. And how they should always take their own health condition into consideration as well.
‘”To all the mommies like me facing complicated health histories of facing social media trolls for how you’re raising your child, I would say… keep on being you! We all must make decisions that are best for our families, and it is truly no one else’s business if it doesn’t affect them! Raise your child surrounded by love and with happiness and that baby will be amazing.”
We thank Meghan for her courage to speak up about the issue many others are facing and to support their choices. You are truly and exceptional woman and a mother.
The Greatest Showman is getting a new remix album where world famous artists are joining forces to give their impact on the way these iconic songs sound. The release date is known to be 16th November and fans around the world are looking forward to listening to the songs performed by big names such as Kelly Clarkson, James Arthur, Anne-Marie, Zac Brown Band, Years & Years and others.
So, can this get any better? Having your favorite musicians performing a whole heap of great songs.
We guess the biggest surprise is the singing debut of young and exceptionally talented Willow Sage Hart who will be performing ‘A Millon Dreams’ and ‘A Million Dreams (Reprise)’ with her mother Pink.
We believe Atlantic Records are doing one hell of a job having this mother-daughter duo having their share in the iconic album. Listening the two perform side by side is so deep that is feels unreal. The reimagining of the songs is a real treat for the die-hard fans of modern musicals.
Pink and her daughter sing the most adorable covers of ‘A Million Dreams’ from The Greatest Showman
Before the album drops, Atlantic Records will also release two additional tracks. The next one being Panic! At The Disco’s rendition of ‘The Greatest Show’ on the 2nd of November. And then Kelly Clarkson’s take on ‘Never Enough’ on the 9th of November.
For those who heaven’t heard of The Greatest Showman musical (though we believe there aren’t any who didn’t see it) it is a film inspired by the story of P. T. Barnum’s creation of the Barnum & Bailey Circus (1871–2017) and the lives of its star attractions.
Directed by Michael Gracey, starring Hugh Jackman, Zac Efron, and the Disney star Zendaya and Keala Settle who sang the breakthrough song of the musical, ‘This Is Me’, the movie became a box office smash and was an Oscar nominee for Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures (Original Song).
But knowing Pink and her daughter are part of it, we really can’t wait for the whole album to be released. Their singing is the most beautiful thing we’ve seen.
People are thanking Pink for her legacy for the beautiful girl resembles her mother in every aspect and we are so happy because Pink is a very special singer and a woman.
Enjoy the duet in the video below.
This might be the most emotional and surpassing performance of a patriotic song we’ve ever heard. The piece “Coming Home” by The Soldiers will make you better understand what it means to be in the army and how these people feel when the time comes for them to return to their loved ones, because sadly, some of them never get home. We must never forget those who gave their lives for the safety of their people and their country. These heroes live in us forever. We salute their courage and these brave men will always have our deepest respect.
The song is a perfect blending of five incredible voices of real soldiers who fought for their country. The emotions are even stronger because the video below shows three serving soldiers in the British Army joining forces in voice with US Soldiers. The song is dedicated to all service personnel who serve us all with pride around the world.
Once you listen to this amazing song, you won’t be able to hold back your tears, especially if you know someone who serves in the military. These people don’t have it easy. Being away from everyone they love must be really tough. We do respect their dedication but do you believe soldiers are appreciated as much as they deserve?
Below is the video. Share this as a tribute to those who lost their lives for the well-being of the nation. May God bless you.
Marissa Urban is a young girl who suffers from multiple conditions. She was born with an inoperable cyst on her brain and unfortunately she is now bed-bound because of a severe case of scoliosis and cerebral palsy. But despite her conditions she tries to enjoy the little things in life such as going to the concerts of her favorite musician Keith Urban. This number one fan was feeling devastated and disappointed that she had to miss Keith’s concert in Ohio, but never in her wildest dreams could she imagine that her idol would come to her instead.
Keith not only is one of our favorite guys because of his music that we love, but also because he has a heart of gold and really cares about his fans. The moment he heard about Marissa and how she couldn’t attend his concert he headed to the hospital to give her a special performance. Needless to say, this girl was over the moon.
He was singing especially for her staying by her side, and it’s incredible to watch.
Marissa is currently staying in a hospice care at Mercy Health St. Vincent Hospital. Knowing how much attending that concert would mean to her, the nurses used social media to tell Keith Urban that his biggest fan couldn’t make it to his concert because she was too ill to go.
Even though the doctors who treat her weren’t optimistic about her condition, they are stunned by her willingness to fight for her life.
‘She stayed in the hospital five and a half months and when we took her home, the doctors said, ‘Go home and enjoy her for possibly a year. That might be the longest you have her.’
Keith and his music are helping this 25-year-old lady to go forward and not to give up.
Marissa English has been collecting memorabilia from other concerts she’s been to and so missing this gig felt like a huge disappointment.
‘She has a T-shirt that we put on a pillow that’s beside her all the time. It’s actually cute because she’ll pick up the pillow and hug it and kiss it (and) … she’ll point at it and say ‘Mr. Hottie.’
By coming to the hospital Keith made Marissa’s dream come true. The moment he starts singing is so touching that we can’t hold back our tears. He is indeed a very special person that deserves our respect.
Take a look at the emotional video below and share it with your friends.
Delivery guys don’t have it easy because they follow strict schedules and have to make sure they deliver every package on time. On top of that, they have to be extremely cautious with the items they deliver because many are fragile and need to be handled with care.
Their breaks are short so they usually have something to eat on the way. They brave the rain and snow, and any other bad weather conditions.
YouTube
A homeowner was looking out of the window when she spotted a white van pulling by her house. It was the delivery guy. But this time, he didn’t only deliver the products but did something that made the owner laugh hard.
Luckily, we got to see the act because of the cameras that are positioned towards the driveway and the front porch. We are actually happy that this guy knows how to have some fun doing his job, because otherwise it kind of consist of being in the vehicle all the time, which might be boring.
YouTube
As he got out of the vehicle it was apparent the delivery guy was in a good mood, that turned even better.
There was a hopscotch pattern drawn on the driveway, so the guy decided to go for it and started hopping. Seeing a grown up man playing children’s game is kind of fun, because it brings us back to our childhood. His reaction after he finished hopping is what made us laugh.
He punched the air with his fists as if he won a big game and it’s kind of adorable. Well, he did have a victory that day, the one of making our day.
As he continued walking up the front door, he realized the homeowner was looking at him the whole time.
YouTube
With a huge smile on his face he asked her:
‘”Did you see me do the hopscotch?”
Laughing, the homeowner replied, “I did, yes.”
He himself starts laughing as he heads towards the van after bidding the owner to “have a good day.” The homeowner shared the video on social media because she knew the delivery person’s antics will make others laugh as well. The video since went viral.
YouTube
The hopscotch definitely brightened this guy’s day, and his hopping skills brightened ours.
The arrival of a new baby in the family is the most exciting and most beautiful moment in the life of the parents. As for the kids, meeting the new sibling can either be a sweet moment that will touch the hearts of many, or it will make the older ones turn green with envy.
This adorable little girl gets to see her baby brother for the first time and her reaction is simply adorable. The mommy is beyond happy that her daughter instantly falls in love with the baby so she decided to share the first meeting between the siblings on the social media.
YouTube
Although every parent hopes their children will always get along, it’s not always the case when the children are young. Now as it was the time for the girl to meet her brother at the hospital, the mommy was told she had a special visitor. And there she was, the sweetest little girl, now a big sister, all dressed up and more than thrilled for the meeting. She’s clutching a purple stuffy and has a look of confusion mixed with excitement spreading across her face. It’s obvious she is looking forward to meeting her new best friend.
YouTube
When she sees her mother being in a hospital bed, she is worried at first and asks:
‘”What happened?”
As everyone in the room starts chuckling, the mommy tells her to come closer and see what she is holding in her arms. Then they ask her whether she knows who that tiny human is and as the little girls takes a look at the newborn baby she is over the moon and shouts:
‘”My baby brother!”
YouTube
Mom tells her “yah!” Then asks if she wants to see the baby.
She says “yah” and walks towards the bed letting out a ton of squeaks and squeals. The scene is too cute not to watch.
She is reminded to go and wash her hands before touching the baby but she just can’t wait to take it in her arms and once she takes her coat off, she immediately reaches for the baby.
It’s obvious she is going to be one hell of a sister who will love her brother to the moon and back. She is a precious girl who stole the hearts of everyone who watched her lovely reaction.
YouTube
We hope the sibling will always be by each other’s side.
Nobody can stay indifferent to the powerful voice of Josh Groban who never fails to amaze us with every new piece of music he makes. Although considered by many a romantic singer, he says his goal is to perform for people who like all different kinds of music.
The resent masterpiece we got to hear from Josh is “99 Years.” Even in the process of making the song, he was certain this had to be a duet and he knew just the right person. When he and Jennifer Nettles recorded the song, we all knew Josh did the right thing. The music is touching and catchy all at once.
Now that everyone fell in love with the song, Josh felt like he should give more details of how it came to be.
YouTube
He found the inspiration for “99 Years” in the lifelong romance of his parents. Their relation is indeed something special, and John hopes to find in his life what those two have.
‘”It’s one of those songs about the uncertainty of what’s ahead… So I kind of wanted to write a song about the romance of those uncertainties. That’s something that hits home for me. I thought of my parents when writing this song.”
YouTube
Josh says how young people these days don’t understand the kinds of relationships like that of his parents.
‘”My parents are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. I think many people in my generation and younger wonder, ‘What are they thinking about, the future-future?”
Instead of making long term plans for their future, the young generations are only interested to get what they want that instant.
‘”It’s a very topsy-turvy world we’re living in. And when I think about my parents and their last 50 years… all of the years of history that they’ve lived through, all of the trials and tribulations and hardships that they’ve gone through together… you know, right? That’s not something that I can fathom, not being married yet.”
We hope this superstar we all love will have the same luck to experience the kind of love his parents have for each other.
YouTube
Check the behind-the-scenes video below and enjoy.
The Greatest Showman is getting a new remix album where world famous artists are joining forces to give their impact on the way these iconic songs sound. The release date is known to be 16th November and fans around the world are looking forward to listening to the songs performed by big names such as Kelly Clarkson, James Arthur, Anne-Marie, Zac Brown Band, Years & Years and others.
So, can this get any better? Having your favorite musicians performing a whole heap of great songs.
We guess the biggest surprise is the singing debut of young and exceptionally talented Willow Sage Hart who will be performing ‘A Millon Dreams’ and ‘A Million Dreams (Reprise)’ with her mother Pink.
We believe Atlantic Records are doing one hell of a job having this mother-daughter duo having their share in the iconic album. Listening the two perform side by side is so deep that is feels unreal. The reimagining of the songs is a real treat for the die-hard fans of modern musicals.
Before the album drops, Atlantic Records will also release two additional tracks. The next one being Panic! At The Disco’s rendition of ‘The Greatest Show’ on the 2nd of November. And then Kelly Clarkson’s take on ‘Never Enough’ on the 9th of November.
For those who heaven’t heard of The Greatest Showman musical (though we believe there aren’t any who didn’t see it) it is a film inspired by the story of P. T. Barnum’s creation of the Barnum & Bailey Circus (1871–2017) and the lives of its star attractions.
Directed by Michael Gracey, starring Hugh Jackman, Zac Efron, and the Disney star Zendaya and Keala Settle who sang the breakthrough song of the musical, ‘This Is Me’, the movie became a box office smash and was an Oscar nominee for Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures (Original Song).
But knowing Pink and her daughter are part of it, we really can’t wait for the whole album to be released. Their singing is the most beautiful thing we’ve seen.
People are thanking Pink for her legacy for the beautiful girl resembles her mother in every aspect and we are so happy because Pink is a very special singer and a woman.
Enjoy the duet in the video below.
Once you listen to this amazing song, you won’t be able to hold back your tears, especially if you know someone who serves in the military. These people don’t have it easy. Being away from everyone they love must be really tough. We do respect their dedication but do you believe soldiers are appreciated as much as they deserve?
Below is the video. Share this as a tribute to those who lost their lives for the well-being of the nation. May God bless you.
Marissa is currently staying in a hospice care at Mercy Health St. Vincent Hospital. Knowing how much attending that concert would mean to her, the nurses used social media to tell Keith Urban that his biggest fan couldn’t make it to his concert because she was too ill to go.
Even though the doctors who treat her weren’t optimistic about her condition, they are stunned by her willingness to fight for her life.
Marissa English has been collecting memorabilia from other concerts she’s been to and so missing this gig felt like a huge disappointment.
By coming to the hospital Keith made Marissa’s dream come true. The moment he starts singing is so touching that we can’t hold back our tears. He is indeed a very special person that deserves our respect.
Take a look at the emotional video below and share it with your friends.
