Stories
Stories of caring, simple acts of kindness, examples of great selflessness inspire and enrich us. Read some recent submissions.
"Keep Us Growing Strong"
March 7, 2008 My husband and I met at 15 and 16 years old, got married at 22 and 23 years old. He had been diagnosed with Autoimmune Hepatitis at the age of 20. Out of our 16 1/2 years of marriage, we've had 3 children and I can't tell this story with out them. Jameson, our oldest son, is a 15 year old exceptionally unique artist and guitarist that is working on becoming a master artist. Justin, our middle child, is a 13 year old violinist (prodigy) and is working on having his own performing business. And our daughter, Amber, is 8 years old and is exceptional on the piano, plays the recorder, and wants to be a scientist. I had to mention my children because they also help in caring for their father. I was a music teacher for 6 years but had to stop working in 2006 as my husbands illness got worst.We are blessed to report that Ronald, my husband, does have more good days than bad, but we have had quite a few very close days of losing him. I try to keep my gifted and intelligent children encouraged and busy so that they are not sitting around thinking about their father's illness. Although they are busy with church, school, concerts, award ceremonies, music and art school, they still take the time and may even miss their siblings' performances to stay home with their father if he is not feeling well. Many people come to me and tell me how much they are inspired by my dedication to my family and to the church. But what they don't understand is that my family and the church are the two that keep us going and growing strong. I also get a lot of that strength from my mother who had eight children of her own. As the youngest child, I watched as she cared for us all, worked full time, went to college and cared for the 3rd youngest son who died of cancer when he was 12 years old. I would also like to mention our families that helped, (and sill help in this way), us by caring for our children many, many times when ever I had to rush my husband to the hospital, or was in the hospital. My husband lost both of his parents when he was very young and we are trying very hard for our children not to lose either of theirs for a long, long time.
Tamra
Connecticut