Redda has always been a small person in body, the long-term results, of having had rickets as a child. But, because of the following events in her adult life �?in my eyes, she is a giant!

In 1996, Redda’s husband �?a self-employed Building Contractor –was diagnosed with colon cancer. In sight of a month, he became bedridden. The cancer was too advanced for surgery �?this began an eighteen month, struggle beyond belief. They had no medical or burial insurance, plus, they had no savings. In the weeks that followed, I stayed on the phone in close contact with my sister. Encouraging her to hold on, believing help would come. She had applied for assistance, to every agency available, to no avail. I even called the Texas State Senator. Who said, "The family is not eligible for assistance, not even for the minor child. Unless if, and when Hospice takes over."

I was working full time, and every penny I possibly could do without, I sent to my sister. Knowing, full well - she would do the same thing for me. This helped pay for, medical supplies, and morphine, which cost $100.00 for a month supply. As time passed it would take 3 of these a month. Other family members, brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends all pitched in. They brought food and paid the rent. Redda could not work; she had to be caregiver around the clock. Leaving the house only, long enough to take her youngest daughter to school and pick her up. Her son, who was a senior in high school, lived with friends and worked at Burger King. He helped as he could. The oldest daughter was married and expecting a baby. She also, helped. This would be Redda’s first grandchild �?an event to look forward to. A ray of light in the otherwise, shadowed life this family was forced to live with. By now, my sister had a strong hold on the situation, in areas that she had some control of.

Then tragedy struck our family. Our oldest brother had a sudden heart attack and died. I traveled from Mississippi to Texas for his funeral. I stayed a couple of days with my sister. We would visit until the wee hours of the morning. Remembering our brother and sharing our grief. I witnessed first hand the deteriorating body of my brother-in-law. He now weighted 87 lbs., unable to get up to eat or go to the bathroom. Redda seemed to be holding strong in body and spirit, despite the hard hours she spent caring for her husband. I returned home and continued to keep in close contact.

One month later, Hospice was caring for my brother-in-law. They soon moved him to a nursing home. The doctor talked to the family. "It would be a matter of hours, he could not last more than three days" he said. The next evening he was so weak, he could hardly speak above a whisper. The doctor told the family �?he would go that night. The family came together in prayer. Everyone was there excepting, their oldest daughter. Then the unthinkable happened.

They received a call informing them, their daughter had gone into labor and was being rushed to a hospital in Fort Worth, Texas. She was in her fourth month. Redda was torn between, going to be with her daughter, or staying with her husband and two other children. Her husband told her, in a whisper, "you go-I will wait." Our youngest sister drove her to the hospital. I called the hospital at 11 PM. She had just delivered; the baby was still born. The nurse told me to call back in 15 minutes, and gave the room number. When I called again, Redda answered the phone. She told me how precious he was. I listened while she described him. I ask how she was holding up. She said, "I’ll be ok �?by the grace of God." I told her I would get off now and let her spend time with the baby. She said, "I don’t know if I can do this." I told her, "Hopper, you have to eat to keep up your strength." I told her that I would be praying for them all �?which I did. By morning, Redda had returned to her husband’s side. She told him of their grandson, Trent, and that the hospital would take care of the burial. That night my brother-in-law passed away.

The next three years would be a blur for Redda. God would carry her through it all, bring her closer to him. She got herself a job, started drawing SSI for her minor child. Redda became stronger and more independent. She and I are closer than we have ever been. We even took a week vacation together. We wrote songs and short stories. Redda is a very talented writer �?as for me, I try hard, but will never be able to write as well as she.

In November 2000, Redda was diagnosed with dementia. The news hit the whole family like a brick. We had never had this in our family before, so where was it coming from? The family began to pray the prayer of faith, as we had been taught to do. Redda began treatment, and keeping all her appointments with her doctor. A friend gave her a computer, so she could talk online with long distant family. She began to improve. Operating the computer, better than most of us. She is on disability now and continues to write. She has a, 3-year-old granddaughter, and a grandson, who will be one this spring. Her youngest daughter is a junior in high school. She plans to attend college and major in the Art’s.

It took a true miracle of God to get Redda through all the above events. We are, believing in one now for her recovery. Redda is still taking her treatments, and is as healthy today - strong in mind, body and spirit, as is "Little Hopper" - the tall rubber plant sitting in my dining room.    (The Begining!)

 1st. Place - MSU Cultural Arts Writing-Short Story Award 2002.