"The hardest part of parenting so far has been trying to help my children feel confident that I will be here for them. I had open heart surgery and cancer at the same time last year. Trying to take care of myself and give the kids the support they needed to get through took a village. Trying to find the words to tell them about my health in a way that won't scare the crap out of them while being truthful is a unwanted talent. Watching their eager eyes waiting on a report after every doctor's appointment is heart wrenching, especially when the news isn't good. More than anything I wish they could go through life confident that I will be around and if I'm not, that I have given them enough love and taught them enough about self care to help them through tough times. — Kristin