.melissa.

Monday, September 08, 2008

10:11:00 PM

I am 19 years of age.

Female.

Supportive, loving and close knit family.

Friends who know and love me despite my many character flaws

And like many 19 year old girls... I'm often complaining about my ever so imperfect life to anyone who'd listen.

Last week, I griped about the loss of a romantic interest, and the "heartbreak" experienced.

I bitched about my imperfect body. Too short, too plump.

I complained about my full schedule, too little time to head out and hang out with my friends.

I shut myself away from my parents whom I felt were too harsh on me, and turned away from my brother when he needed me.

Today, I met a 5 year old born with a heart defect and mental disability. She was warded for a major lung infection. She lay in the hospital bed, curled up in the fetal position as a nurse tried to soothe away her pain with gentle words and soft caresses.

I met a 25 year old who grew no bigger than a toddler, and as I stood in front of her bed, I could see in her eyes, envy, for all the things I could do that she couldn't; but more than anything, I saw the fire of determination, the will to continue living her life, though bedridden and having her physical growth stunted beyond all medical repair.

I met a 10 year old who had to have dialysis 3 times a week prior to her kidney transplant. She was alone in the ward when we visited, and her face lit up at the sight of us walking through that door.

I met a toddler, no older than 1, hooked up to different machines, many of them bigger then her tiny body, struggling to stay alive. I also met her parents, pale, worry-worn, and gaunt from one night too many of frantic helplessness.

I met a 15 year old who collapsed suddenly and was warded in the ICU. I also met his little sister, who eyed us with more cynicism and wariness than any 12 year old should ever have.
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I am the luckiest person in the world...

mel'snoteswritten.

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