My mom has dementia. She was my best friend, but the person I knew is gone.

Courtesy of the author

• Two years ago my mom had a medical episode that left her in the hospital for 50 days. 
• She was discharged to a rehab facility to learn how to eat and walk again. 
• She was my best friend and now celebrating holidays like Mother's Day hurt so much. 

Only two years ago, Mother's Day was a wonderful, beautiful holiday. My mother had quickly and happily adjusted to her new life...