Last Wednesday, the world lost an amazing woman.

My mom was the embodiment of love; she was as talented as she was unique. She was full of energy, empathy and concern for others. Jon and I lacked nothing growing up under her wings. Her family and friends were her joy. She loved Jesus Christ, and she was His gift to everyone around her.

She poured herself into my life and Jon's, teaching us, supporting us and praising us. She asked me about many of you, my friends, by name, every time I saw her. She painted and sketched amazing artwork, and wrote poetry and short stories all the time. Her mind ran a million miles per second, and apparently it's an inherited genetic trait. Even so, no one was more attentive in conversation than she was.

She saw the positive side of everything; her laugh was incredible and all the time. Her ability to remember detail was equally incredible, because she cared deeply about everything that others shared with her. She prayed constantly on those things.

I could go on forever about about my mom. She is missed beyond words. We are comforted by, among other things: How many lives she touched, and the fact that we will see her again in Heaven.

This world is not easy. Like many, she struggled with addiction. She fought hard for many years, valiantly, relentlessly. All the while, she kept her heart wide open for everyone around her. If you knew my mom, there's a 100 percent chance that she loved you.

I'm so thankful for every part of me and my brother that are from her. We love our mom unendingly.

If you know someone who is struggling... it's tough to know what to do.

Might I suggest that you go one step further than whatever you're comfortable with. Life happens so fast and unpredictably.