The words on the phone croaking from my father’s mouth paralyzed me, and for a brief moment time stopped. “The doctor called about your mother. The biopsy revealed cancer.” I slowly ended the call with a shaking finger.My body tensed in disbelief before succumbing to a series of sobs, compelling my roommate to hold me as if to squeeze out the enveloping pain. The family picture on my desk that once brought a sweet smile to my face, now served as an ever-present reminder that life brought both beautiful and ugly moments. Before now the ugly moments of my life challenged me, but never had a moment given death the opportunity to intercede.