When I was 13 years old, I was in the hospital for four months...
On October 2, 2008 - I woke up in the morning struggling to breathe. I had always had a hard time managing my asthma symptoms, so I thought I would go to the emergency department and have a breathing treatment and be on my way. Little did I know that this day was going to change the rest of my life.
After arriving at the emergency department I was admitted. I was given oxygen from a mask that forced the oxygen into my lungs. I can remember clearly not liking the sensation and then I remember nothing.
When I finally woke up, I immediately knew something was wrong. I couldn’t move and I was in a dark room. I really had no clue where I was.
Eventually I was told that I lost my sight. I thought that everyone was wrong and once I had my glasses I would be able to see. Someone put my glasses in my hand and once I put them on...nothing changed.
Everything was still black.
That was when I knew that I needed God’s help.
In my short 13 years I had heard the stories of Jesus giving sight to a blind man, so why couldn’t he fix me too? I prayed and prayed for God to give my sight back. I made ultimatums. I said I would go to church every weekend and I would listen to my mom and dad. But my lack of sight stayed the same.
Day after day passed and during and between therapy, I continued to pray. Even once I was out of the hospital I continued to silently pray.
As I sit here writing this, I thank God that he didn’t answer my plea. I thank Him for everything he has brought into my life. To having a stronger relationship with family members, to bringing people into my life who would have not been there otherwise. Because of my struggles I am able to empathize with others and I am able to be an advocate and a source of inspiration for other people.
In the eleven and a half years since being in the hospital I have graduated high school, received an associates degree and lived on my own for a couple of years.
I have always had hope that one day God will provide the knowledge to someone fix my blindness. But as things stand right now, if there is never a cure, I wouldn’t mind. I am happy with the life I am living. I have my ups and downs like any other person. On my down days I tell myself that God only takes away something if he knows that we can handle it. Knowing this makes me feel like I was made to go through the trials that I have been given to me. I know I am stronger for the struggles God has given me.
"The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it. _John 1:5
"Again Jesus spoke to them saying, "I am the light of the world, whom ever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'"_John 8
Living In His Light,
Megan Freitas:
Megan Freitas has lived in Maine for her 25 years of life. She enjoys reading all genres, playing with her dogs and gardening. She is a strong advocate for equality for the disabled. Megan hopes to one day give back in her own way by becoming a teacher for the visually impaired.
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