Open Letter to Tanya

Dear Tanya,

I must share this story to encourage someone in their day-to-day walk to never give up, to keep pressing towards the mark.  Moments of weakness will come especially when faced with a major traumatic event; however you can stand firm having the proper support system and above all the faith to believe you are a survivor.  

Tanya, I have been reflecting on what an incredible journey life has presented you with.  The part of the journey I've been blessed to travel with you started seven days after Hurricane Katrina when you and your son were brought all the way to El Paso.  I recall going into the nursing office that Labor Day Monday and overhearing the conversation of needing to “send the baby to CPS” since mom was a patient.  I asked what room the baby's mother was in and the moment I walked into your room, our lifelong friendship/sisterhood began.  I found out “the baby” was actually a six year old little boy with whom my husband and I both immediately grew attached to.

Tanya, through the trauma, the devastation of losing everything and your illness, you continued to show incredible strength and the will to survive.

Approaching the 15^th birthday of your son, I can’t help but recall the day I met him and told him he would come to our house for a while during your hospital stay. He was so little then, and yet now is so grown up.

I commend you, Tanya and your son for overcoming insurmountable odds and being the survivors God promised you would be.

I hope this letter encourages you and others to fight through the “scaffolding” of defeat, discouragement, loss, and illness and keep your head up through the storm knowing that the rainbow after the storm holds the promise of a new day ahead.

Sincerely,

SharB~TTSD
#TakeTheScaffoldingDown