A Friend for Life

Kenneth D. Lyons

Daily Press

Teresa Powell never planned to become so close with the family she met. Assigned to the Short family as part of her hospice volunteer work, she thought it was going to be a job. But soon Teresa realized this family was special. After meeting the Shorts she realized she had a new family. She was there because of Maddie, the Short's daughter who was born with an undeveloped brain. Teresa was told that doctors warned Maddie can't comprehend any of her surroundings. But Teresa knew better. she could see the reaction, a broad smile, which Maddie would show whenever Teresa arrived. Teresa also realized she wasn't only there for Maddie but to support the entire family. She became a big sister to the other children and a savior for the mother of the family.

Kenneth D. Lyons, "A Friend for Life," in POYi Archive, Item #30337, http://archive.poy.org/items/show/30337 (accessed November 23, 2024).