Our family had traveled to Alabama on vacation, but my mom just knew something wasn't right with Paul. He was weak, pale and had bruises all over his body. As a kid, you don't realize the severity of his illness. As soon as we returned to Michigan, my parents took Paul to the doctor and later learned that he had Leukemia. Paul was immediately taken to Mott's Children's Hospital.
I can remember being scared, wondering if Paul was going to be ok. I'm the oldest and only girl of four boys so I was in charge of "holding down the fort" and being strong when my parents were in the hospital with Paul.
I can't imagine what my parents were going through - questions racing through their minds. Wondering why this was happening and how did this happen?
What I do know after 23 years is that it made all of us a closer family. My mom has always told me "everything happens for a reason" and I truly believe that.
Paul is now 27-years-old, going to school to become a chiropractor and running races and marathons just about every weekend. Paul is my hero and my friend. He has taught me to stay positive, be proactive not reactive and to be a fighter.
Thank you, Paul, for teaching me such beautiful life lessons. Everything does happen for a reason and you are a survivor and my hero. I love you.
I never questioned God once. For 2 days after Paul was diagnosed, I thought that he was going to die soon. I am not sure why the Lord did this, but as I was walking through the parking garage at the hospital, He assured me that Paul would be OK, that he would be a normal boy again. I wouldn't trade those days with all my kids for anything. Paul is a special chosen person
ReplyDeletePaul's Dad