My name is Debra Sorrell. For over twenty years, I have walked a path I never expected. My son David’s sudden critical illness in 1998 began a journey that tested our family in ways I could never have imagined. Through the hospital stays, the seizures, and the moments when hope felt thin, I learned what it truly means to be resilient. I wrote about this journey in my book, My True 9-11. Today, I want to share with you the ten most important lessons in resilience that my son taught me.
Trust Your Instincts Without Apology
You know your child better than anyone else. When David first got sick, a part of me knew it was serious, even when doctors said it was just a virus. Do not let anyone dismiss that inner voice. It is your first and most powerful tool. Your instinct is a gift from God, and you must honor it.
Faith is a Verb, Not a Noun
Faith is not just something you have. It is something you do. It is an action. We prayed, but we also fought for David. We made difficult decisions. We spoke up when we knew the medical plan was wrong. Faith without action is just a wish. You must put your faith to work, especially on the hardest days.
Your Village is Your Strength
You cannot do this alone. We were blessed with an amazing village. My parents, my in-laws, our church family, and even the parents from my daycare held us up. Let people help you. Accept meals, accept prayers, and accept a shoulder to cry on. Your village will give you the strength to keep going.
Celebrate the Smallest Victories
Healing does not always come in big, dramatic moments. Sometimes, a miracle is a child taking one wobbly step. It is a smile after weeks of silence. When David took his first shuffling steps in that hospital room, we celebrated. Do not wait for the big win. Find joy in every small step forward.
Your Advocacy is Non-Negotiable
You are your child’s most important advocate. I learned to use very clear language. I said, “This baby is not leaving,” and “You are not doing that procedure until we have more information.” Do not be afraid to be firm. Your child’s well-being depends on your courage to speak for them.
Grief and Gratitude Can Coexist
It is okay to mourn the life you thought you would have while still being thankful for the life you do have. I cried many tears for the future I had imagined for David. But at the same time, I felt overwhelming gratitude for his life, his smile, and his strength. Allowing yourself to feel this full range of emotion is a part of resilience.
Find Peace in the Pause
In the chaos, you must find moments of quiet. For me, that was sitting silently by David’s bed when even my voice could disturb him. It was in those quiet moments that I felt God’s presence most strongly. Find your pause, even if it is just for five minutes. Breathe and let God carry the weight.
Embrace a New Definition of Normal
Life after a major crisis does not go back to how it was before. You have to build a new normal. This was a difficult but essential lesson. Our new normal included medications, therapies, and constant care. But it also included more love, more laughter, and a deeper appreciation for every single day.
See the Helpers as God’s Hands
God placed the right people in our path at the exact right time. From the compassionate nurse to the determined doctors like Dr. Shafrir, and even our gentle horse, Tuff. I learned to see each one as a gift. Look for the helpers in your own story. They are God’s way of showing you He is near.
Your Story Has Power
Our greatest pain can become our greatest testimony. Sharing our story in My True 9-11 is part of our healing. Your journey, no matter how hard, can bring hope to someone else. Do not hide your story. Your resilience can be a light for another family walking in the dark.
These lessons built the resilience that carried our family. They are the heart of my book, My True 9-11.
If this glimpse into our journey has touched you, I invite you to read the full story in my book, My True 9-11. May our testimony provide you with strength and hope for your own path.