30 Days of Thanks #27

I am thankful for my parents' sacrifices.

The older I get, the more I recognize all that my parents have sacrificed for me. Kyler broke his arm earlier this year and his few x-rays and casts were quite a financial burden. Few people know this about me, but my childhood was filled with x-rays and casts. At five years old, my spine was shaped like the letter 'S', and I was diagnosed with severe scoliosis. In Kindergarten, I began wearing a body brace 24 hours a day. My mom had to have clothes altered to fit over my brace. She also came to my school everyday at lunchtime to loosen my brace after I ate. My treatment continued for ten years. Doctor appointments in Salt Lake, new x-rays, and different shaped casts... continually for ten years. I can't imagine the expense that was for my parents, yet they never made me feel that my treatment was a burden in any way. In fact, my SLC doctor appointments became an exciting event because we got to go to Hires for the "world's best hamburgers and shakes" after each appointment! I am very sad to admit that I never really thought about the financial aspect of my brace years until I experienced my own child's broken arm. I'm sure as my kids become teenagers, leave for college, marry, and have kids of their own, I will come to understand even more of parents' patience, love, and sacrifice.

My health needs were one of many, many sacrifices my parents have made for me throughout my life, and for each and every one, I thank them.