Darling,
Do you remember when we first met? I do. It was March 2, 1989 when you were welcomed into this world ; I had been looking forward to this date for quite sometime.
I was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, in the land of the free and home of the brave. I grew up in a large family, being the oldest of four with holidays consisting of numerous Troutmans gathered around the table full of wisdom, laughter and full bellies.
I had to learn independence and how to live sustainably at a young age, but in that, I became both a dreamer and a doer. My life is rooted in family and friends, learning, physical health, outdoors, joy and most importantly, the Lord. I execute and put my dreams into action, not allowing trials and tribulations to debilitate me from growth.
On April 6, 1996, I became a big sister for the third time. Ecstatic was an understatement and I was ready for Ben to come home so we could start practicing walking ; mainly because he was going to be the next best soccer player in the family. Instead, his first months in this world were surrounded by hospital visits and sticky electrodes surrounding his curly blonde hair.
You were such a proud older sister, Kelsey! Always full of life and adventure, understanding what joy was at such a young age. In most families, Ben and his condition would pull a family apart ; instead he taught you what life is all about. He taught you how to appreciate life and not take it for granted. He reminded you of My Promise to you : if there is breath in your lungs, there is more out there for you.
Ben was born with Lissencephally and doctors told my family that he would most likely only survive the next six months. My heart ached for Ben, but within me a passion was ignited to help those in need. I became one of Ben’s caretakers at home, helping with his medication and his feedings through a G-tube. Ben could not walk, but my other brother Max and I put his leg braces on and, step by step, helped move his feet for him.
One step at a time you did, my love. Over your entire life you have truly learned what perseverance, patience and endurance are. You have a willingness to press on and see past the odds – very optimistic and practical. You know your abilities and you apply them in the best way you know how.
When I was growing up, I was blessed with the natural talent and ability to play soccer. The sport was a huge part of my life and I was determined to play at university. I remember coming home from school and doing my homework immediately so I could go outside and play in the front yard until I got 100 juggles that day. Soon, I had multiple prospects to play soccer in college. When it was time to sign for an athletic scholarship, I tore my ACL and all offers were pulled. But just as other mountains I have seen in my life, I took this as an opportunity to persevere and accomplish my dream. I committed to the University of Tennessee.
Do you remember what you learned here, Kelsey? You excelled in time management and began to understand the significance of teamwork, of camaraderie. You learned how to take failures in stride, as you realized perfection and success is impossible without me. You experienced personal sacrifice and began to learn how to prioritize. You learned to want and fight for more.
I had a deep desire in me to help others and I served on a medical team to accomplish that. I knew I wanted more ; I wanted to become a Physician Assistant.
Yet PA school did not come as easy as you had hoped ; you were prideful and believed with your resume and experience, you would stand out and be granted admission.
I worked in a leading children’s hospital. I had received my Master’s degree in Kinesiology. I had been part of published works. I had worked with special needs children – in every measure of this world’s success, I was a catch and I was a champion. But I was still not happy ; especially not after four rejections to PA school in six years.
During this time, I was carrying you. You learned about failure and gained experience and opportunity. You began to gain a deeper understanding of this life. You gained knowledge that you harnessed for the future. Resilience became ingrained in you.
Not accomplishing my dream of being a Physician Assistant grew me. I became more mature and understood more about my life and why I was interested in the things I was doing. I had substance to my desires, roots to fuel my dreams.
And then your heart beat in the middle of the Amazon like it had never beat before. Do you remember Kaputna, Ecuador?
PA school had not worked out, but I knew I had a strong desire to help those in need. I committed to an 11 month mission trip throughout all of South America ; I committed to serve the least of the least amongst real and raw community. And on the Amazon River, from the stories that were told and the things that I saw, my dream was reawakened.
It was that day when I stirred in your heart to be a voice for those who do not have one. To put your passion for helping and loving on others into medicine. To be able to give back in ways that you have been provided for.
I want to be a PA because I want to serve. I want to provide high-level medical care wherever and whenever an opportunity arises. I want to be a voice for those without. I want to be someone who ignites hope in the lives around me.
You know who you are my daughter. You are rooted and well rounded. You are a fierce woman to be reckoned with. It is in your nature to chase after the desires I have intricately laid on your heart, while patiently waiting for that next step.
The most exciting part? This is just the beginning.
Cheers,
Kels
