The Reavis Family

Patrick (brother)

“Compassion is sometimes the fatal capacity for feeling what it is like to live inside somebody else’s skin. It is the knowledge that there can never really be any peace and joy for me until there is peace and joy finally for you too.”- Frederick Buechner.

I believe that The Reavis Family must have lived this quote their whole life. Before I can tell you how they are my heroes I would have to give you background on my childhood and how I happened to meet these people, soon to be considered my first miracle. I tell you this not for pity, but for recognition on their part. I lived a rough childhood. Considering my mother passed away when I was four, I was left with only my father to find comfort and joy in. Well he ended up being an alcoholic. He could never hold a steady job, or home for that matter, which made it very difficult for me and my sister to adapt to. We had went through several homes as well as Social Service cases. Nothing seemed to better our living condition. Once under this deep disaster known as alcoholism, my father acted very angry and annoyed, so it was not as though my sister and I could talk to him about anything or come to him for comfort. Well we then moved into this trailer, where I met my deepest friend, Patrick. We were always together, always sharing thoughts and dreams. Sonja happened to be Patrick’s mother and instantly knew my living conditions were not as they should be. After spending more than two years together, Patrick’s family decided to move a couple miles away. Though not far it seemed as though the only people I could talk to, dream with, had just left my life for good.

Well needless to say, I still talked to Patrick and was over at his house quite frequently. When I was explaining some of the problems I was having at home Sonja and her husband, Russell, told me to come live with them. They knew that I was afraid of my father's reaction, but reassured me that I would be safe and that they would let nothing happen to me. So I decided to confront my father about this while Patrick and my other friend Christine stayed out on the porch. As I had guessed he got very upset and aggressive so I left him, never to return again.

Since that day the Reavis family has taken it upon themselves to empty out their office to provide me with a bedroom. They have provided me with a vehicle as well as everything that they own for me to call it my own. I have been living with them now for almost four years and always have I felt the love and compassion that that family has given to me. They brought it upon themselves to take care of my problems, knowing that had plenty of their own. Before I moved there I was doing stupid things and my grades were slipping but now I am back on track and am making decent grades, hoping to be a Radiation Therapist. They have not only provided me with love, compassion, and a future, but most importantly they have provided me with one thing I never truly had…A Family…