Although it’s easy to be inspired by a famous figure or historical icon, the most inspiring people are often the ones standing right next to us. The ones who show us not only their heroic moments, but also their flawed ones. For these flaws help highlight the inspirational moments that define them.
Penelope Angelina Kline was born on January 8, 2010. As an only child and the first grandchild, she was used to being the center of everyone’s world. Her carefree, confident nature was contagious and she could charm the pants off of anyone, stranger or relative.
When she was six, Penny’s little sister was born. Life obviously changed for her as priorities shifted and everything was shared. Although she loved her little sister, Evelyn, she missed her time with her parents. She was still a happy-go-lucky child, but she started to have a deeper side, a more sensitive side.
When she was seven, life was altered irrevocably. Her little sister was diagnosed with cancer. When her parents took Evelyn an hour and a half away for a doctor’s appointment, neither her parents nor Penny realized it meant she wouldn’t see them for nearly the next two weeks. It was the first in a long run of necessary trips.
She stayed with grandmas and grandpas and friends of family on and off for the next two years while her sister went through life-saving treatment. Her parents came home in shifts and in between treatments at the hospital. But even when they were home, they were tired and stressed. Penny helped out by being sweet and accepting of the abnormalities life as a cancer kid sibling brought: shots and pills and long trips to the hospital at 2am, to name a few.
Despite all of this turmoil, Penny continued to surprise and delight anyone she came into contact with, and was one of the main reasons the family survived. Attending her activities and trying to keep life normal for her helped keep her parents sane. Penny had always played sports, just like her parents. Dance, gymnastics, soccer, whatever was around. She also loved music and art, which came from her grandparents.
She has only been on this earth for ten years, but the inspiration she has given me – to be a better parent, wife, friend, and person – are infinite. The wisdom she has gained from learning what it means to suffer but also conquer something has not made her bitter. She still smiles, helps others, has compassion, and in general enjoys life to the fullest.
Inspiring the Works of Valerie Jean 