Adversity In My Life

When asked to identify an individual who has had a significant influence on me, I immediately think of my mom. Throughout my childhood, my mom has been the figure that I've looked up to, longing to one day amount to her ceaseless faith and her colossal strength. Together, my family and I have gone through a plethora of trials; however, despite these, my mom's faith refused to vacillate. Therefore, the first of these hardships began in December 2005 when my sister, Jenna, was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. During this horrific time, my mom was forced to not only remain strong for my sisters and I, but to additionally remain strong for herself and my dad. Looking back with a matured perspective, I never cease to be amazed by the
This tribulation began in 2007 when my dad was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's Disease (ALS) soon before Jenna was declared cancer-free. Shortly before his diagnosis, we were eagerly anticipating the approaching day when we would be a normal, healthy family unit once again. However, when he was diagnosed with ALS, my mom knew that our lives were about to drastically change— especially hers. Therefore, as my dad's health steadily deteriorated, my mom was forced to become a full-time mom as well as a "part-time nurse" in which his condition prompted her to dress him, feed him, bathe him, etc. Watching her husband become enveloped by an incurable disease was horrifying, yet my mom handed her emotional turmoil to God which encouraged her to push through the pain. During this time, I could detect the affliction on my mom's face, yet she refused to allow this experience destroy her or her faith. Nonetheless, on January 2, 2012, my dad passed away and though this was an extremely difficult day, my mom remained strong for my sisters and I. Altogether, when I glance back at this experience, the first thing that comes to mind is my mom's unwavering strength, faith, and coping