This essay is patterned after the essays on the website www.thisibelieve.org only mine had to be a little longer to meet the English departments requirements and had to be written in academic style instead of journalistic style.
Time Heals My Heart
In my childhood, I remember listening to a cassette tape about Benjamin Franklin’s life. Franklin is famous for many quotes but one that has always stood out to me is, "Time is an herb that cures all diseases". As a child, I didn’t understand how time had anything to do with feeling better. I didn’t have the wisdom or maturity to fully understand the meaning behind this thought. Looking back, I can see that from a young age I was taught the importance of allowing time to heal. There were times after an argument with one of my siblings where my mother would say, “Go to bed. You will feel better in the morning,” or “Let some time pass. You will think clearly in a little while.” My mother was correct and with the passing of some time, I could see where I was wrong, and I was ready to apologize and heal the relationship. Little by little, my understanding of this idea, or perhaps the miscommunication of it has grown. Whether the situation is a minor disagreement or a severe tragedy, through certain experiences of my life I have witnessed the miracle of healing that occurs over time. I believe that time heals my heart.
As a young adult, I experienced a tragedy that allowed me the opportunity to watch time work its miracle of healing. Each year my cousins would come to stay with my grandparents for several weeks during the summer. Since I lived close to my grandparents my cousins spent most of their vacation at our house. During their summer vacation with me we slept outside under the stars, played in the sprinklers, made up games, and talked for hours. One day my innocent, carefree world changed forever. My cousin confided with me a history of sexual abuse where she had been the victim. Confiding her emotional and physical trauma with me set off a burdensome and sorrowful chain of events. By the end of that summer I knew my cousins would never be able to come back and visit us like they had for so many years. This time my mother’s consoling words were, “Only time will be strong enough to heal these wounds.” Things are still not like they once were, but feelings of hate and discontent have dwindled, lives have mended, and gradually, hearts have healed.
As anger, hurt, and disappointment come into my life, I struggle with the patience needed to properly heal from tragic situations. I want a cure all or an immediate remedy. We live in an era when there is medicine to cure everything. When my children are sick, I can take them to the doctor. Upon examination the doctor writes out a prescription, whereupon the child begins to recover from the ailment they were afflicted with. I can take over the counter medicines for less complex illnesses like a headache, indigestion, or a cough. While there are times that medicine aids in healing, I know that some wounds can only be healed with time. Time allows for me to have the opportunity to heal at a pace that is right for me. Every individual is different. While a short amount of time might be good for one person, others may need extended periods of time to heal. I believe that when the proper time for healing is allowed, most things work themselves out. Healing does not mean that the situation is erased completely from my life. If a body is damaged severely, the scars may be permanent. While the memories of a tragic experience may linger in my mind, time has the ability to repair my damaged heart to the point where I can cope and move forward in my life. As I am patient and adjust to the changes around me, I find that my perspective changes. I begin to experience personal growth, and gain an understanding of what is truly important in my life. As my beliefs change, my values are deepened and I find that personal healing begins to occur in my life, and in the lives of others around me.
Some of the most powerful examples of healing and survival are found in the insignificant details of my life. One of my favorite things to do with my children is to plant a garden. I love to watch their amazement as a tiny green plant grows up from a hardened seed. Each day is filled with excitement as they anxiously check each plant to see what changes occurred while they were away. We worry as the existence of each plant is tested through the rain that floods, the fertility of the ground where the roots lie, or the hot sun that scorches the fragile leaves. Day by day, the plants continue to survive. Their roots grow deep, their leaves grow strong, and they produce healthy fruit. Just like the plants, I too can survive the storms of life. Some situations will challenge the foundation upon which I build, and base my values. Other situations can damage my heart, my body, and my soul. By dealing with things day by day, one step at a time, I find the inner strength to survive and slowly my heart heals.
Recently my core beliefs were challenged again. This time my own young daughter was the victim of sexual abuse by a close relative. Because of one person’s self-interest, irreversible damage was done, and both emotional and physical scars run deep. As I have sat with my daughter through countless counseling sessions, held her as she cries uncontrollably, or calmed her irrational fears, I know that our lives will never be the same. As my heart aches for her I find myself turning to my past experiences, and I hold to the hope that tomorrow will be a better day. I have seen time heal the sting of a similar tragedy before, and I hold tightly to my belief that once again, time will work it’s miracle of healing within my family. I know that situations will continue to arise and my values and inner strength will be tested. Through my patience, I will develop maturity and perspective and I will survive because I believe that time will heal my broken heart.
Joseph (Klayton-Brian's son) gently guiding the donkey as it carried Mary (Kate) to Bethlehem.
Proud parents welcome the newborn babe.
Beautiful herald angels announced the Savior's birth (Alexys and McKynli-Brian's daughter)
Shepherds (Justyn) and a cow (Shaelynne) came to celebrate the arrival of the Savior of the world.
Wise men (Henry and his mother) brought gifts for the newborn King.
And every good story needs a good narrator (Zach)!
