As a kid growing up, I always heard the saying, “Don't take anything for granted—anything can be taken away in a second.” I never truly thought through that statement. Sure, I would think about it, but I didn't really believe anything could or would be taken away. I was once a “normal kid,” playing with my travel softball team at a tournament. Everything was going like normal. I pitched a perfect game to get seeded higher for bracket play. What I didn’t know was that night would be my last game. Losing the game I love most—softball. Not only did I lose the game I loved most, but my “normal” life was starting to slip through my fingers right in front of me, and I felt like I had no control over it. At first, I blew off my symptoms and thought, “This has to pass soon.” Weeks went by, and I wasn’t better. Instead, I was admitted into hospitals. Tests were being run, lab work done, sleepless nights endured, different treatments tried, and endless waiting followed. On top of laying in a hospital bed for what felt like forever, boredom quickly turned into reality, confusion, pain, and overwhelming emotions. Instead of getting upset by asking why or saying this is unfair, I learned to ask God, “What are You trying to teach me?” and “What lesson are You showing me?” The one thing I never lost was my faith, along with the support of my brother David, my family, and my friends, who were there for me every step of the way.