Forever Strong

Tuesday, September 10: Describe a distinct moment when your life took a turn.

I don’t remember the time of day, or what I was wearing, but I remember the doctor’s face. I remember the whiteboard, with all the scribble marks all over it. I remember the tear stains on my father’s cheeks. I remember him telling me that something went wrong, as mom laid there in the hospital asleep. He said, “Mom’s life is going to change, and it’s going to be hard for a while.” I remember grabbing my brother, and hold on to him. Nothing really set in of what was happening, until my mom woke up. Screaming from the pain, it hit me there. I cried, and I cried, then I kicked myself for crying. I needed to be strong, but I couldn’t overcome the emotions that overtook my body. I was sad, scared, and nervous. Watching my mom struggle those next few weeks; learning to walk again, and the amount of pain she endured each day, made me sick to my stomach with sadness. The day, everything changed. I was a young 16 year old girl, who had to grow up overnight; just to make sure that I could help take care of my father and brother. Keeping my family strong was my biggest worry at that very moment, because we all needed to be strong enough for my mother. My entire life changed that day, and it has made me the person I am right now. I wish it never happened, but if it didn’t, I don’t think I would be the strong woman that I am today. Everything happens for a reason, even if you have no idea what the reason is.