Everything around me fades into a gentle blur as a bright, shimmering light appears. "Hello, my girl," a familiar voice calls, and I turn abruptly, recognition hitting me like a wave. 
"Mom!" I cry out, tears streaming down my cheeks. She stands before me, radiant, just as I remember----tall, slim, and breathtakingly beautiful, her skin glowing with an ethereal golden light. I dash into her arms, the warmth of her embrace wrapping around me like a soothing blanket. I sob into her ...