A Mother's Illness by Shayane

A Mother's Illness by Shayane - April 2024 Scholarship Essay

For some reason, we tend to take for granted everything we have. It's not always about having a big house or the latest iPhone, but we sometimes forget to appreciate the people in our lives as well.

My mother is one of the few individuals I will always appreciate. I was the only person she had, and she was the only person I had. It's always been just the two of us. We had each other, and even though we didn't have much, I never doubted that. Despite working at a gas station, my mother always found the means to put me through daycare, camp, clubs, and other activities. I've never had to beg for anything, and I've never envied the lives of others. Until "it" happened, that is.

My mother and I went to church on October 25th, 2016. Because her choir was performing, she sat with them, while I sat with my friends. I was having a great time until I heard that single sentence. "Come and join your mother." I honestly thought I was going to get in trouble for talking too much until she led me to the back where my mother sat limply in a chair. I immediately began to cry and wanted to know what was wrong, but they assured me she was fine and was most likely just hungry; little did we know she was having a stroke and my mother would become paralyzed on her entire right side.

My mother was not concerned about losing her mobility. It was the worry that she wouldn't be a good mother to me. It was the little things in life that she relished. For example, braiding my hair, cooking, or even doing the laundry.

Some days are bad, while others are good. Some days, she just stares into space. She'll lie and say she's fine, but you can tell she's thinking back in time. Back when she could walk, back when she could do my hair, when she could cook, and do laundry, back when she wasn't so frail.

My mother's stroke serves as the driving force behind my relentless commitment to my academic pursuits. Witnessing her battle against paralysis has instilled within me a profound sense of purpose and determination. Knowing that her well-being depends on my success fuels my motivation to excel in my studies. Despite the challenges and distractions that may arise, her paralysis serves as a constant reminder of the importance of staying focused and dedicated to achieving my academic goals. Every accomplishment becomes not just a personal triumph but also a source of strength and hope for my mother. In her illness, I find the strength to strive, and in my academic endeavors, I find a meaningful way to contribute positively to her journey toward healing.

There comes a time when you're allowed to make mistakes because you know deep down that the consequences of those mistakes aren't just consequences, but also lessons to be learned. For me, that time could have ended at the age of 12, but despite my mother's disability, she is still able to provide for me and always prioritizes me. Her only child achieving her dream career would make her very proud. It's time for me to take care of her because she's always taken care of me.