Little Effort Shines

Just last Monday, I received news that my brother was seriously ill. He was already weak, and his breathing was unstable. He had been at the hospital with his girlfriend for the past week when the illness started. I finally got to hear about it and visited the hospital on Wednesday.

When I arrived, I learned that there was a form containing tests to be run, but the problem was the money needed to conduct them. To even get to the hospital, I had to find someone to lend me 1500 naira.

Calls were made to my brothers, but all responded negatively, citing financial struggles. Dorothy, his girlfriend, and I were left to bear the burden. Apart from knowing his sugar level was high, we couldn't afford the test. Before my arrival, Dorothy had made calls to people she knew could help. Money was raised, fluids were bought, and he started another set of treatment.

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I was so worried as his breathing wasn't stable, and he couldn't speak anymore. A thought came to me, "if you can't help your brother while he's struggling to survive now, is it God forbid when he dies you would help him." After those inner thoughts, I visited my bank app and withdrew some money. We were able to pay for the test, pay for his oxygen and buy supplies like gloves, insulin, cotton wool, and others. I didn't do much, but I knew I sacrificed my time, comfort, the little money I had, walking to and fro from one unit to another, all for the sake of my brother's health.

As hours passed, I became more exhausted. I thanked God I didn't feel what I normally feel whenever I enter a hospital. Even though the dizziness I feel whenever I get into a hospital came, I was able to fight it until the feeling disappeared. After so much effort, he regained consciousness and started talking again.

Although the test results aren't out yet, we were told to check back today and Monday for the full result. After I got one of the results today, the doctor's words were reassuring: "it is not too bad." I knew there was hope for him. In life, making sacrifices for others is worth it, no matter how stressful and nerve-wracking it could be.

Not minding having to sit in the hospital for hours, leaving my work, and breaking my savings, seeing my brother recover from the illness makes the whole tough time worthwhile. I learned from this that it's when you are in a critical state that you will know those who truly love you and can go to great lengths to protect you. As for how it turned out, I can't really tell because we can't read humans' minds. My brother can be ungrateful, which is what made my brothers turn their backs, blaming financial struggles.

Although he appreciated my efforts, I don't expect anything more than that, but answering the question if the appreciation is genuine is what I can't tell. Helping others should be from the heart, and genuine help is one that comes with no expectations.

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