Two years ago in May, I was preparing myself for one of the hardest transitions of my young adult life. Three weeks away from graduating college, I was in a slight panic mode that I was about to be joining “the real world.”  A terrifying prospect for a 22-year-old, but one that I knew I could conquer with my mom (my biggest supporter) by my side.

Until she wasn’t there.

That same month my mom died unexpectedly, and just like that, my entire world crashed around me.  Suddenly, a major part of my much-needed support system was gone. What was already a scary time for me suddenly became this giant obstacle that I wasn’t sure I could overcome.

I should have turned to friends and family for support and comfort, but I couldn’t – I was scared. I didn’t want to break down in front of anyone, and I didn’t want anyone to …