Thursday, April 3, 2014

Your Reflection


This post is dedicated to my brother, Nathan, who I catch a glimpse of at times staring back at me through my own reflection.


Nathan was 6 years older than me.   After more than 4.5 years of tests and continuous unanswered questions, he was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis.  At that time the life expectancy for a child diagnosed with CF was about 14 years old.


Nathan spent the majority of his life surrounded by nurses, respiratory therapists, and doctors who all became like family.  Home became the hospital.  It was where everyone knew his name and treated us like family.  I am so grateful for those kind nurses, RT, and doctors: many of which I still know and love dearly.



From as early as I can remember, my days revolved around going to the hospital to visit him: whether it was Iowa City, Omaha, or Sioux Falls.  When he would come home, it would be for short periods of time and usually on home IVs.  Inevitably, the infection would always get worse and he'd have to return to the hospital.   As the disease progressed, so did his fight for every breath.  He was so small.  He wasn't taller than 5 ft and never weighed more than 85 lbs.  Walking 15 feet was an exhausting task: bound by CF to watch the world race past unaware of just how lucky they were.  There are moments I want nothing more than to ask him questions, talk to him about his life, tell him how sorry I am for not understanding until now, and express my guilt for being healthier than he was.


Nathan died at the age of 17 from complications due to Cystic Fibrosis.


Memories.
It seems like an entirely different life when I look back now.   Because there were 6 years between us and I was still the little sister,  I have trouble recalling a lot of specific memories.  Maybe this is the cause of time, or maybe a response to what I saw happening before me as child?

What I do remember?

His laugh.  The way he said my name.   His love for instant pudding.   The make-a--wish trip we took to Disney World.   The color of his eyes.   Him instilling the fear I have of swimming in lakes or oceans.  His walk.  His baseball card collection [he gave me a few of his Hologram cards when I was little].  Him burying me in the sand.   His smile.  Us jumping on our parent's bed.  His hands.  The words of his last goodbye to me: he gave me his dog.  The day he died.

Who do I see when I stare at my reflection?  
My brother.  I catch glimpses of him when I smile a certain way, when my face is extra puffy from all the medication, and most often in my tired eyes staring back at me.     
Thank you to all the nurses, respiratory therapists, and doctors who fight CF everyday: you have given me the gift of every breath.  Love to you all.



 Who do you see in your reflection?


7 comments:

  1. Beautiful memories--written down by a little sister with lots of love.

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  2. Reading your blog over the last few days has truly been an inspiration. You are so brave and so strong! You are so kind and care so much about others. The world needs more women like you in it, and I am lucky to know you.

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  3. Ahhhhh, beautiful. Just beautiful.
    Suzy

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  4. Becky Klinkel SechserApril 4, 2014 at 4:39 PM

    Ah Ashley... that is beautiful. I think of Nate often. He was one of my first patients when I started as an RT. My first real loss. Such a good funny sassy boy!! :) He brought me earrings from Disney world. :) I remember how he snorted when he laughed. Your blog is great and I look forward to reading it.

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    1. Please know how much joy your comment brought to me! I love to hear about Nate and how he effected so many people like yourself. Makes me smile. Thank you for reading. Hope life is well!

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  5. I am so thankful I had Nate in my life. I think of him often, especially when I see my cat and dog play. I am a better person for having had him in my life.

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    1. Thank you so much for the comment! I am so humbled by hearing the stories of Nate and how he effected so many people. Thank you, truly.

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