Just thought I would share this...

I wrote a paper a while back, and H thought I should share it..So, here it is. Enjoy!




It Changed My Life

When my little sister, Mary, was only six years old, she had a massive cerebral hemorrhage that removed her ability to speak or use her entire right side. This was a traumatizing event. Not only was I shocked by it, but I was majorly affected long term. Three notable effects it had on me were my being taught the importance of assisting others, my learning to accept help from the community and church, and my deeper dependence on God for help.

When my sister was in the hospital, I learned how to assist others in time of need. I saw my family broken because of Mary's emergency. My parents sacrificed many things to help her recover. When I saw them expending themselves, it made me feel as if I needed to give, too. But there wasn't much I thought I could do - I was only eleven. Then I realized that, no matter what form help came in, it would always be appreciated. So, I dedicated myself to comforting and taking care of my other siblings. Because my parents were almost always at the hospital, I became a nanny for my baby sister, a best friend to my big sister, and a comforter to my younger sister, who took Mary's situation the hardest. I began to understand like never before when to help, comfort, love, and pray for them. I now care very deeply for others and strive to serve them to the best of my abilities.

Additionally, accepting help from the community and church was a new experience for me. While learning how to care for others, I noticed the church embracing and praying for us and the community assisting us through the hardest times. Consequently, I came to the realization that I didn't have to do everything myself, and I wasn't the only one who cared. I learned how to rely on both the community and church for support for both me and my family. People from all over the country were calling, helping, and encouraging us. I was comforted knowing that we didn't have to go through this sad situation all on our own. I realized the value of being a part of such a community and determined to participate with them in serving others. Because of my sister's stroke, I am now a member of the church and enjoy assisting families and friends in need.

Most importantly, this traumatic circumstance renewed my dependence upon God for help. When I saw Mary lying in the hospital bed, unable to talk or move her right side, my spirit was broken. I wanted to second-guess my belief in God and His graciousness. I wondered why this horrible thing could happen to anyone, especially to my very own sister. I remember finding myself many times on my knees praying even when I doubted everything I believed. I needed comfort and strength during those many weeks before Mary improved. When she survived the surgery, it was a miracle before my eyes. Though I didn't realize it at the time, the only reason I was comforted and she was healed was because of God. Seeing her improve so rapidly made my faith grow rapidly stronger. I realize now that all things come from God. Everything that happens, happens because God appoints it. I also now realize that He has a purpose for everything He does. I know that He grants His people help, eternal love, comfort, strength, and perfect truth, even when they don't ask for or deserve it. His comfort and care surpass all others'. Seeing my sister on the hospital bed, completely dependent upon help from others and God's grace, made me realize I needed to be the same way with God – forever relying on Him for strength and help. Her stroke caused me to understand that God's steadfast love and faithfulness is all I need to survive because I know He will provide for me, even in death. I know now that not only Mary couldn't live without Him, but neither could I.

My little sister's stroke shaped my development in significant ways. Though the journey through it all was hard, sad, and painful, the effects in the end were for my betterment; I matured in ways I might not have otherwise - I learned the importance of assisting others, how to accept help from others, and, ultimately, how to rest upon God.

A late night = "thirstysomething" man, and a HUGE quiche <3

It was a girls' night. That's probably all I have to say! But I will expand a bit for those who don't understand the title. For those of you who know this story, sit back and remember the good times!
So, one Friday night, G and I went to stay the night at Callie's house. We hadn't had dinner yet, and we arrived late. When we got there we found out that Callie, Abby, and Rachel had all waited for us to come before they even started cooking dinner!! Therefore, we were all starving. So, Callie had a genius idea - we'd make some quiche. We figured it would cook fast, so we made TONS. Let me tell you, we did NOT use a recipe! We were all saying, "Aw, it can't be that hard!" So we cracked one dozen eggs, chopped four huge potatoes, broke burning hot bacon, used two cups of milk, and what looked like too much salt and pepper. The pie dish was full to the brim. Callie attempted to transfer the dish to the oven but not without spilling some of it on the way. Triumph! It was in the oven and cooking. All we had to do now was wait. So, while we waited, we turn on some music, goofed off, decided on what else we were going to do do that night, etc. About 15-20 minutes later, Callie remembered the quiche! We run over to the oven to look at our dinner......We started laughing. The quiche was HUGE! We had forgotten eggs poof up when they're cooked! We made the largest quiche we had ever seen! Callie removed the pan from the oven and set it on top of the stove, accidentally sticking the iron frying pan handle (which was on the stove) into our quiche! It was SO funny! Then when we started serving it, we realized that we forgot crust! Again, we started laughing. We each take a bite - no flavor. We start laughing again. We were so hungry we didn't really care, so we begin to scarf it down. But this is when Callie makes an absolutely hysterical comment about our dinner, causing G to spew her food all over the table, including on Abby's food. You guessed, we were laughing again. Abby had to get a new plate and slice of quiche, while G cleaned up her food off the table. Next we decided to watch a movie. We were all reading the back of the movie, and we came across a word that none of us recognized - "thirstysomething man". After reading the word 100 times and trying to guess what it meant, I pick up the movie one last time and read the word. We were reading it wrong all along! What it really said was, "thirtysomething man". Laughing at our stupidity, we watched the movie to end our long funny night...
I didn't really do the story justice because there was too much to write about. But I did my best! I will say I had to stop typing occasionally to laugh! Good times! I love you girls! <3>