Stories of Kindness from Around the World

It was several years ago when my brother was diagnosed with MS (multiple sclerosis). The message was hard to grasp for my parents as well as myself.  

At the time , he could barely walk or stand -- he either used a cane or was in his bed.  He didn't want to do anything for himself: he didn't want to get out of bed and he ate all the wrong foods for his body (junkfood). He was basically  giving up and letting go.  It was hard to understand why he is doing this. Our parents wake up every day to go to work and help my brother who I think, thinks nothing of their very kind and very strenuous efforts to help him.  You may have heard of the term, "God helps those who help themselves," but he wasn't helping himself.

I then decided to take matters into my own hands. I walked to his apartment and told him how frustrated we were about helping him and seeing him making little effort to look after himself.  It was difficult to do this as I'm supposed to be looking up to him since he's my older brother.

"Is this how you want me to grow up? Giving up at every hard obstacle that comes your way and quitting?"

" You dont understand this disease, and it's not curable. I look pathetic just trying to walk."

I told him how it's not easy living with this type of disease, but he should be grateful that he has his body intact. At least he's living.  Thank God that he still has a family who loves him and gets up everyday for the sake of helping him. Yes it's hard , but I believe in second chances. 

Now you must understand that it has been years that he has been behaving like this, and after a while , it makes you want to give up too. Despite how difficult the situation, I stayed by him and so did our parents.

When I told him I was frustrated and distraught, I reminded him that we could have given up on him completely, but we didn't -- I wanted to show him that we could make it through this together. Of course my message didn't get to him right away, but he must have thought hard about it because several weeks later, he visited me and my parents.

We talked for hours about how we have to stick together, and that we can make it through this. As I was watching him talk to our parents , I felt my eyes begin to tear. In that moment, he reminded me so much of the prodigal son. He then turned to me and said:

 "I know that you've been frustrated with me for so long, well for years really. I took my family for granted and I'm sorry. I won't run away anymore. You are a fighter, and I'm proud that you are my sister. I'm sorry that I set the wrong example for you, but it's me that looks to you most of all rather then vice versa. I love you. Please forgive me."

When he said this, I didn't want to forgive him because I was so tired and angry with him for so long, but eventually I forgave him. Like I said before, I believe in second chances.  Anyone can hold a grudge, but it takes real courage to forgive.

Nowadays he's actually trying to help himself and for the first time, he actually looks hopeful for the good things to come. I can't wait to see him healed, but until then we'll have to wait. Although it's been a long long time since he said this, I can still remember it with much clarity : "It is I who looks up to you most of all.."