Mom, I finally made one of my dreams come true: I went to America. It was incredible, even better than I imagined. I lived this trip to the fullest. I ate everything, had amazing experiences, met so many new people, and felt a warmth I never expected, even on the other side of the world. So many people stopped me to talk, take pictures, or have me sign their cards. Some of them even talked to me about you. The tournament went really well, and I was lucky to share this journey with amazing people. All of this was possible because of a story built around a cry for freedom, a reminder that we should live the way we believe is right, and that no one should ever take that choice away from us. That warmth made me realize I chose the right path. Maybe my words, my ideas, and the way I live have truly given strength and courage to someone, maybe even helped them through a difficult moment. Do you remember when you were the only one who believed in me? You always told me I was strong, and that if I believed in something, I had to give it everything I had. I’m trying. Even surrounded by incredible people and beautiful experiences, something was always missing. I missed your message when I landed. After 12 hours on a plane, who knows how many you would have sent me. I missed sending you pictures of where I was and what I was eating. I missed telling you how the tournament was going. I missed you. Actually, “missed” isn’t the right word. I have to accept that I miss you. That’s the reality. I’ve realized that, in the end, very few things in life truly matter. But I don’t want life to win again. I don’t want everything you taught me to disappear. Because it isn’t fair that you’re not here anymore. It isn’t fair that you didn’t get to experience all the beautiful things this life had to offer. It isn’t fair that you had to leave right when everything was finally going the right way. I think about you every day, every hour, every minute, every second. I’ll keep moving forward, make my dream come true, and make sure the people I love always know how much they mean to me. We’ll keep going. I love you, Mom. ❤️