Hope
Written by: Kimberly Keller
This is my story how I became a big sister at 2 years old. When my parents told me that I was going to be a big sister I was so happy, but had no idea she almost didn't make it home. She was born 2 months early and suffered brain damage due to a lack of oxygen. My parents named her Blenda, after our grandmother, but I couldn't say her name so we just called her Hope. We felt it was a much better fit. The doctors weren't making us feel any more optimistic, but Hope grew stronger and a new doctor entered the picture who provided us with the information and resources needed to help Hope's coordination. Soon she was sitting up, crawling, walking, and learning to speak. Hope kept meeting her goals. She graduated from high school, moved in with some close friends, and was even employed. Hope competes in the Special Olympics in events such as Roller Skating, Swimming, Skiing, Track, and Bowling. Hope loves competition, but the one thing she loves most is Elvis Presley. Her bedroom is covered in Elvis merch. She also loves hanging with friends and family. It is an honor to call Hope my sister.
