Two middle school age boys stood on the opposite sides of the field, throwing a football. I was having fun on the playground where my friend was throwing a birthday party. While playing, my father kneeled down not far from where I was, observing the landscape. Then, He looked at something behind his shoulder with such concern on his face. Curious, I followed his gaze but I could not see what he was looking at. My father rose and started forward. I stumbled to my feet and followed him. As he drew closer, I noticed a form lying on the ground. My dad crouched down by the helpless person who was lying flat on his face. Inching forward, I realized it was the younger boy that was throwing the football. My father grabbed the boys shoulder and turned him onto his back. What I saw was a nightmare. Blood and tears, dripping down his face like beads of sweat, covering any injury that just took place. Overtaken by this horrific sight, I leaned on my father’s shoulder for support.
What happened to him? Where did the other boy go? Why isn’t he here? Did he beat him up?
I have to admit, I was perplexed. If the older boy did not beat him up, then why did he flee? Without hesitation, my father scooped the boy into his arms and rushed to find a place to lay him. My father laid the boy on the table at my friend’s party and urged others to call 911.
As a bystander called 911, people began to flock around the boy and my father, wondering what happened. Despite my deafness, I still could hear the earsplitting ambulance approaching. With overwhelming fear my legs threatened to collapse beneath me. I begged, desperately wanting to be held. I clung to my mother’s side. She looked down at me with a familiar confidence that I have seen so many times before. “Paige, everything will be okay,” She assured me, “you are a strong girl.”
The boy was loaded into the ambulance and taken to the hospital. I don’t know how his story continues but I pray he is doing well.
Sometimes, I think back to this simple story and I am reminded of my thankfulness that God chose to bless me with the parents that I have. They are the strongest people I know. They can withstand the weight of many hardships. Despite those dark times, they always shine the light of Jesus Christ to get them through. My Parents have taught me to always look out for others and care for those around me. To this day, they continue to encourage me by reminding me that I am always strong through Him alone. They have set a prime example of how to run this race for the Lord and always strive to bring glory to Him. There are many more stories to tell but I will hold that for another time. I love you mom and dad. Thank you for always believing in me and pushing me to achieve my dreams and love the Lord.
Psalm 46:1-3 (ESV)
God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling.
