"Forever and Always" by Lydia B

 

It was August 11, 2020, a day that will be etched in my mind forever. I heard my mother cry out, "Aunt Bertha fell!" I rushed down the stairs to find my 85-year-old aunt had fallen backward as she came up the stairs to bed.

 

Earlier that day, we had the funeral services for my grandfather, who died from prostate cancer. He was my special handshake buddy and friend. He was a deacon at our church, even-tempered, and respected. When he died, it put a hole in my heart. I felt broken and alone because out of everyone in my family, he always knew that I would do something great in life. I still remember the last words he told me: "You are beautiful." Before his death, He gave me a leadership charge to take care of my Aunt Bertha. I did not know what my role would be as a 17-year-old, but he knew anyone could positively influence someone's life.

 

After the fall, my aunt was diagnosed with Alzheimer's stage 6 out of 7. She was a special education teacher for fifty-two years, my uncle died in 2018, and they had no children. How did I miss this change in her behavior? I noticed she asked repetitive questions, "Did you go to school today? What college are you going to attend? Have you completed your applications?" I later found out that this is part of the disease and a way for her to engage in conversation to make sense of the world. I often wonder if she has always been diagnosed with it over if it was just something that just came up over the years. Usually, I have to help her because my parents and my sister have work, so I took it upon myself to make sure that I gave her what she needed. Even though sometimes she doesn't listen and forgets to walk with her walker. It didn't matter if I was mad, sad, or exhausted from school. I always made sure to put her first. I can't help but sometimes cry when she is not looking because she and my grandfather look so identical.

 

Since then, our bond has become closer, and I have learned to lead through this real-world experience. I have learned to talk with her and overlook the repetitive questions. My aunt looks for me to help her change her clothes at night, get her medication in the morning, and bath. I have learned that a quiet, gentle tone gets her to respond to any task. For example, she may question my mother regarding medication, but I give her water with a straw, play calming music, and she complies. This experience has taught me that a good leader can control a potentially chaotic situation by seeking to understand and then find a way to empower others. My grandfather gave me the charge to lead, and I learned that to lead is to serve others.

 

Forever and Always is what I have decided to name my story, and now I share this story with you. I have never really spoken about this, nor have I told anyone what I was feeling. Yes, I am sad, it hurts because I've lost someone I admired and looked up to since I was born, but I think of this event positively because I've decided to continue the legacy that my grandfather has shaped. My family vowed to do the best that we can to lift my aunt's spirits since her brother's death. I have learned to keep my head up high and not let all the sad things stop me from reaching my goals. Even though this is a sad moment, I have found a way to see the positive side. My grandfather is in a better place now, and I know that he is watching my every step. It's

cycle that never ends, my grandfather watches over me, and I watch over my aunt. The first part of the title says, "Forever," meaning that I will forever be a descendant of my aunt and grandfather, two critical people in my life. The second part is "Always" because no matter what happens, I will always provide her with the love and support that she needs until it is my aunt's time.