‘Life’s a test’. How many of us have heard that phrase time and time again. All of us walk through life faced with new ‘tests’ and challenges everyday and each day these tests vary in size.

My biggest test would have to be the disability of my younger sister. Her name is Sarah and she suffers severely from epilepsy. Sarah was 2 when she was first diagnosed with epilepsy and global development disorder and it was definitely a day that changed the life of my family and I. Initially it was one of the hardest things to face. You begin to question a lot of things in life like, “Why did this have to happen to us?”, ” Why are other families ‘normal’ and can do ‘normal’ family things and we can’t?” You find it very easy to suck yourself into a cyclone of negativity and to only look at the small picture.

Through my sisters illness I have learnt a lot and I think much of the reason I am the way I am, is due to her disability. When life does put such a big test in front of you and once you get through the so-called ‘heart ache’ it opens you up in ways you don’t realise were possible. You become a lot more accepting and tolerant and you learn that not everything is as black and white as it may have once appeared. You become more understanding and for example when someone else you know goes through a problem, you become more inclined to help him or her.

There are some situations in life, which can either make you or break you. At the start there was no doubt that Sarah’s illness was breaking me. However, with the help of very compassionate parents who believed and supported me and understanding teachers, I honestly believe it has played a huge role in making me the person I am today. I have learnt that when times are tough you shouldn’t feel sorry for yourself, instead, look at ways in which what you are going through can help you become a better person. How you learn from your state of affairs and how you can help others through the lessons you have learnt.

Sometimes, what may appear to be a problem is a blessing in disguise. A lot of the time I wonder how life would have been had Sarah been well. There is no doubt that at times life would be easier but how do I know the kind of person I would have been had she been well? And perhaps I wouldn’t have been blessed with the friends and family I have, maybe I wouldn’t be as motivated in life as I am now?

When life does face you with a problem don’t close up and shy away from it. Instead, welcome it and look at the benefits it may bring you. At the end of the day, shying away from it isn’t going to make it disappear so let it take whatever toll it was intended and let yourself grow from it. Although the small picture may seem grim, look at the bigger picture; the other things in life your are blessed with, the people you know, the fact we live in comfort with luxuries, the basic necessities that we need to survive are at our fingertips and most importantly the lessons you learn from the challenge you have been faced with.

by Samihah Dharamsi

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