When my son was struggling with grief, his teacher jumped in to help. I will forever be grateful.

Maskot/Getty Images/Maskot

• My mom was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in July 2023.
• She died the first week of October, and I was transparent about our situation with my kid's teachers.
• She gave my son space to grieve his grandmother, and I will be forever grateful.

My mom's passing was completely unexpected. After having beaten breast cancer twice, almost 20 years prior, our family was convinced that her days of suffering were behind her and that she had a long life ahead.