 |
| Marlene Terry |
Take me for
instance. I try very hard to proceed at the same pace and manner no
matter how many years go by and how many people tell me I need to make
adjustments.
It was like
the time I broke to pieces, a little
kitchen cart I'd purchased at a local store.
I was
determined to lift the box into my trunk myself. ... After all, I've always been able to do
things like that.
First try
... "I just didn't have a good hold on it," I said to myself as it
slipped from my hands.
Second try
... " My hands are sweaty. That's why I can't lift it high enough."
... and "The shopping cart is in
the way." ... CRASH!
...
The rest is history.
The truth
is most of us are in denial about what life does to us. And we spend a lot
of time and energy trying to stay ahead of it.
Now don't
get me wrong. I'm all for trying and trying hard. But in spite of our resolve not to, don't we
all grow older and become not as strong physically and with weakening
abilities?
The process
is normal and happens to everyone. But when we give it our best efforts and it
suddenly stops us in our tracks ... what then?
I've always
admired my little sis. Her most amazing trait? OPTIMISM!
I
capitalized every letter in that happy word on purpose. Because it's the only
way I can accurately describe how she lives her life.
From the
time she was stricken with polio at the age of 3, she's been a true example of
faith, courage and love to all who know her.
She's a
wonderful mother, grandmother, sister and friend, who never fails to bring
gratitude for what she has into the picture.
She always puts the happiness of others ahead of her own, not as a sacrifice but just because it's the way we need to be. And she remembers and makes very special, every event and day that's important to those she loves the most.
She always puts the happiness of others ahead of her own, not as a sacrifice but just because it's the way we need to be. And she remembers and makes very special, every event and day that's important to those she loves the most.
... She's also a widow, and is now fighting the effects of post polio syndrome, most times relying on a
wheel chair to "take her on her adventures," she says laughing. And until just
a few days ago, she was the sweet and reliable caretaker for her physically and mentally
challenged son.
When he was
born the prognosis for Ryan's condition was not good. We were told by doctors that most children with hydrocephalus, never live to see their teen years.
... But
with the extreme care and love he received from his family — the one that he's
been an active, vital part of in every way — he just recently celebrated his
37th birthday.
"It was my decision," my sister told me when I questioned her after hearing the news that Ryan is now a welcome, and permanent resident at the home of his sister and her hubby.
"He's
my boy and of course, I still want to take care of him," Sis continued. "But I
physically just can't do for him what he needs. His quality of life will be
much better there.
....
"Besides, Erin loves him and he knows
that."
Needless to
say there are no miracles involved and no happy ending to this story. ... ... Well
maybe that's not exactly true.
The miracle is seeing wonderful people doing the right thing even when it means putting their comfort and pride last and the welfare of someone else first.
... And the "happy ending?" For those
involved it might seem to be down the road a ways. ... But with that attitude of love and determination no matter what, I'm sure in
time ... that will come too!
No comments:
Post a Comment