FEAR OF MOM DYING

Dear Jellybean,

I really need help. I have a huge fear of my mom dying. She is best person I know. She is in good health and nothing is wrong with her. Sometimes I have nightmares about her dying. I am so close to my mom. I am the youngest and the only girl in my family so i don't know if that has something to do with it. I really want to get over my fear but i don't know how. Please help me!!!

Dear Writer,

First, let me tell you that this is a very normal fear. It's common for kids and teens to worry about their parents dying. After all, at this age you're still dependent on your mom for a lot of things - and since you're close to her emotionally, there's all the more reason that you worry over what would happen if she was gone. But it's important not to let this feeling take over your life and make you miss out on happy times with your mom, because you are so full of anxiety.

It's true that anything could happen at any time - to any of us. Life is a precious gift and it can be long or fleeting. But we cannot control what happens to any of us - all we can do is be grateful for what we have, and try to live in the present moment. I encourage you to stop worrying about what might happen, and start focusing on enjoying how lucky you are right now. You have a wonderful mom who you are close to, and with whom you enjoy a loving bond. Make the most of this! Share your feelings with your mom, talk to her about your day-to-day life and experiences, and make time for just the two of you to spend together. Make every moment precious that you have with your mom, and start appreciating the opportunity for joy - instead of worrying helplessly.

For the truth is, you could spend your whole life worrying about something happening to your mom - and if nothing ever happened, then you would have wasted your life worrying for no reason!!! Don't fear the future, enjoy and appreciate the present. Give thanks for what you have, and know you deserve to be happy. And your mom deserves a happy and anxiety-free daughter too!