You smile gently at Tina and take a deep breath. It's not the first time she has asked about this, but you know it's important for her to understand where she comes from. "Well," you begin, "your mother and I were young when we met, not much older than you are now. We fell in love and decided to start a family together."
You pause, considering how much more information to share. "Your mom was very special, Tina. She was brave and strong, just like you.