I Believe in Compassion

PUSH. Pray Until Something Happens. For 6 years that was my motto. Every

night while saying my bedtime prayers, I would clasp my hands tightly and pray

hard. “God please, I just want someone to love, someone that I can play

dress-up, and tea-party with”. Not knowing really what was entitled in a

newborn, I would constantly ask my mom and dad every day when God would answer

my prayers.

The day finally came, June 30, 1996. I can remember the day so vividly. My

smile was from ear to ear when my father called my house and told me I had a

baby sister. I was given the opportunity to name her, and named her Melissa

because I wanted our names to start with the same letter, to signify a type of

belonging. I marked on my calendar the day that they would come home. I

couldn’t wait till she came home. The first time I held her my heart skipped a

beat. I finally had someone that I could share my life with; someone who would

love me no matter what. My sister started a new chapter in my life. There was

a phase when were best of friends; we were inseparable. We would go to birthday

parties and church in matching dresses. We thought we looked “cute.” I look

back on those days and I laugh my head off. However, that wasn’t just the end.

I got another sister, Michelle, talk about how Michelle changed the dynamics

of the family as being the loud and rambunctious one and a brother, Michael a

couple of years later. After Michelle was born, my parents gave me more

responsibility in taking care of my siblings. I started babysitting on weekends

and during the summer. Some of my responsibilities included changing diapers,

feeding Melissa and Michelle, and watching over them. However, after the birth

of Michael not only did I get more responsibility but Michael was a handful.

He tended to do the total opposite of what I asked him to do. Unlike my sisters

who were serene, my brother was hyper. Since, my siblings were closer in age

they became best friends. At first, I really didn’t care because I was like a

mother like figure to them. However, when they have inside jokes and they are

all three laughing together it makes me feel left out. I regretted separating

myself from them and acting like I was too cool for them. Even though, my

siblings and I aren’t best friends they are my good friends. When I need advice

about my outfit I would just have to ask them and I know they will give me an

honest opinion. We also have nights where the sisters hang out by going to the

mall, or watch movies, or go out to eat. Even though, I might be a lot older

than my siblings we have a bond that is strong. There are times when we fight.

But the next thing you know we’ll be talking our heads off.

Because of my siblings, I learned various things such as changing a diaper,

feeding a baby, and babysitting a number of kids. Since I was the oldest,

there were times where I had to be the first to do something, especially since

my parents were born and brought up in India. Because of the responsibility I

had, I learned to soar by using my own wings. There were times where I had no

idea about what to decide but my friends and mentors were there to catch me

when I fell. Because of my siblings, I grew a great love for kids. If it

weren’t for them, I wouldn’t want to be a pediatrician for the rest of my life.

My sisters and brother stirred up something in my heart, which became my dream

that I will achieve with the characteristics, such as perseverance, compassion,

patience.