Life in the Balance

In my three part-time jobs as a social worker, I encounter
a number of children and young adults who face challenges
beyond what many of us can imagine.
They never cease to amaze me. I don't like using the word
'courageous' loosely about people who have no choice but to
deal with chronic and terminal illnesses.
There are some, however, who display such style and
grace as they cope, that they make me wonder about the
source of their spirit.
One of those youngsters is fighting for her life at this moment,
and I just pray that she doesn't tire. This is a kid who lives
with a level of daily pain that would sideline most of us, but who
was voted "best personality" in her recently graduated senior class.
Her experience with life-threatening lupus has changed her
in the most positive ways, and she reaches out to others who
face lesser challenges.

I've never been able to imagine why kids get sick and
face such horrors,and don't entertain such wasteful exercises.
I just pray and wish and hope that this warm, beautiful, funny,
really funny young woman can prevail.