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.