I guess I have always just been taught to look at the big picture. I know that life is only for a short period of time and I am so thankful for that knowledge, otherwise I think I'd be bitter. I think that my entire family would be bitter. But that's not the way it is at all. Yes, we are sad by the daily occurances that my dad has to go through, but it's that knowledge that keeps us all going.
Everyone in our family has changed. I have a younger brother and sister who have been directly affected by my dad having MS and it having gotten significantly worse over the last few years. My brother was a typical high school boy (he is 23 now) who made a couple dumb decisions and seemed to just be trying to find himself just like everyone else. I know I did the same thing in high school. But as he got a little older and we realized how much suffereing was going on with my dad, his demeanor changed. He became so much more compliant and willing to help out around the house and in taking care of my dad. Even now, he is the first to jump up and help my dad walk. When we are places, he escorts my dad to the restroom and is constantly on the lookout for him, which isn't something that a lot of young men are conscious of or willing to do for others. I 100% contribute my brother going on a mission and making something of himself to teh fact that my dad is such an inspirational guy and we just want to do things right for him. All 3 of us really try to cause teh least amount of problems as is humanly possible, because my dad doesn't need any more problems in his life.
I have definitely changed. Even moreso than I already was, I am 100% a daddy's girl. I am always wondering where he is and if someone is going to be there to help him in teh house when he gets home, and if someone is going to be there to watch the basketball game with him. Also, my relationship with my Savior has 100% changed. Tonight after my dad got home from work (which is crazy that he still insists on working, the majority of men with his limited mobility and pain would have quit years ago), he slowly went to his office and started preparing for a meeting his has to fulfill for our church. 30 minutes later, he was slowly out the door again and won't be home for hours I'm sure. It would be so much easier for him not to have church responsibilities, but he does everything asked of him, thankful for the opportunity. He attends his 7 AM Sunday meetings and never misses church, regardless of how much he is hurting. When I see my dad's devotion, I absolutely cannot make an excuse for myself, no matter how hard I try. My life has completely changed through watching him do these week after week.
My dad has also changed. He is quieter. He is more meek and humble. He is more serviceful, although it is more hard for him to be so. He has learned to let people help him and to be more submissive. He rarely complains or asks for attention and that is why I love him.
We will individually and collectively never be the same. MS saved my family.
