A girl writes about her little brother who has some serious health issues that have put him into the hospital frequently.
Colton Ryan is a very special little boy. He was born with severe health issues that have affected just about every aspect of his life.
My name is Hannah. Hannah Faith Grigsby. I am 11 years old. I live with my family in Eugene, Oregon. I have a mom and dad, two sisters (both older), and a little brother (Colton; he's three). Colton is the reason why we've become so close as a family; he's been nothing but a blessing to us.
Colton was born with autonomic nervous system disorder. Basically, that means, he has trouble regulating his body: breathing, temperature, heart rate, digestion. He needs help with eating (he has a tube in his belly; he can't eat like you or I can), he has to wear a heart monitor (as well as a breathing device), which sounds alarms when he gets into trouble, and he has to wear oxygen at night, when he goes to bed.
It's scary because you never know when he is going to be sick. He is prone to just about any little bug that comes our way; he's frequently in and out of the hospital. It isn't uncommon for an ambulance to be called to our place in the middle of the night or for him to be rushed to the hospital for one thing or another.
If anything, Colton has taught us about how blessed we are to be healthy. While we can run around, play, or do many things, Colton can't. He can't walk, and any little thing can send his health spiraling downward.
Any day with our brother is precious; we consider him a little miracle child.
Our faith in God has gotten us through some of the worst situations involving Colton; if it were not for that, we would have given up hope long ago. Maybe there's something down the road that can be done to help my little brother, but until then, all we can do is pray he makes it through another health crisis or try to help him, make him as comfortable, happy as possible.
Well, his alarm's sounding off again; hopefully it isn't anything more than him pulling off his leads again; he loves to do that, anything to scare us! No wonder I have grey in my hair--at eleven years old!! Sheesh!! If he doesn't watch it, I'm going to be the one in the hospital instead of him, with a heart attack!!
Many times children feel guilty when quarreling with their sibling the wish something bad, and when it does they will think that all is their doing. Many are frustrated for no be able to do something for their sick little siblings and for being healthy they feel guilty too.
We should give the same attention to both.
Children do feel the hurt and pain that others go through and that is why we try to protect them from it but when it is a family member it is hard, we can only hope they have the strength to handle it. Thank you for sharing.
This story is indeed a powerful, heartfelt piece coming from a young child.....with a strong element of humour shining through. My heart goes out to the whole family....they show remarkable strength.
Thank you for sharing this piece with us.
Happiness always, Stuart
What a beautiful story!!This would make a wonderful childrens' story for publication. It sounds so much more moving coming through the voice of his sister. I looked for your funny family story but haven't found it yet--then realized you have over 3000 stories. Yikes, I've been a professional published writer for 25 years and don't have that many--not even close.
This one reminds me of how fortunate it is if one is healthy. Also, when we have our own problems, we should always look at others' problems as well. Sometimes when we think we have problems ourselves, but in comparing with another's problem, we would just know how blessed we can be to have only little problems.
Children like Colton remind us to be grateful for what we have, to not take basic things (like breathing) for granted: bless you, Karen, for penning such inspirational stories! Well done.
Maturity and understanding beyond her years. Colton has blessed his family with a miracle, but, conversely, every miracle child gets the family that deserves him/her, and Hannah amply demonstrates that love and faith are the bedrocks of her family's foundation. Yet again you bring to light the high maintenence and co-dependency that such families experience, but together with bonding, strength, resiliance and high-octane good humour and tolerance. We are always privileged to have your very necessary insights so as to keep the rest of us deeply humbled and appreciative. TY always Karen, Kate xx
Re-Release! No longer back-listed. Return to the Olde Ways. The hustle and bustle of modern day life has brought many of us to a quick fix attitude.This book is for those of you who are fed up; have looked at your life and your loved ones and realize
