My Mother, Jessica Marie Parmalee, was born on November 10th, 1966 in Nevada and died on April 5th, 2004 in South Carolina at the age of 37. My mother was an amazing person and continues to be an inspiration in my life. She was beautiful, intelligent, strong, funny and so many more wonderful things. She was also an alcoholic and, unfortunately, that is the reason she is not here.

Watching my mother manage to fight her addiction for three years and stay sober was one of the best examples of courage and determination that I have. She was not only my mother, but she was also my best friend. When she passed away I felt lost and suddenly there was an emptiness in my heart and my life that would never be completely filled.