My mother has dementia and often forgets my name. One day, while I was on the phone with her, my brother called and informed me that she had fallen immediately before the conversation. Concerned, I inquired whether she was all right.

It shattered my heart when she said, “I’m okay if you’re okay.” She’s said that all my life. She may not remember my name every time, but she does remember our friendship.

Here is anouther story: I discovered I was pregnant when I was 19. My boyfriend freaked out and broke up with me. I was so scared and had no choice but to tell my mom. She said I should marry and everything would be fine, but I didn’t want to settle.

The next day, Mom drove me to the hospital, and I terrified when I saw my father. I was humiliated and expecting to be scolded, but my father just hugged me. He informed me that I don’t have to marry until I’m ready, and that my parents will do everything they can to support me as a single mother. I cried like a baby.