sharsamp

[sharsamp]

Braving the Storm as a Burnside

During my Comm 230 (public speaking) class this summer, we had to write a commemorative speech for our final week of class. As soon as we were given the assignment, I had three ideas of who I would choose; my mother, Damon Burnside, and LaChawnda Burnside. Knowing I would not be able to make it through my speech on Damon, and knowing several would chose their mothers, I chose LaChawnda. A few people I let read my speech before I delivered it in class said I should share it with her so this is my speech for you, LaChawnda Burnside.

Around 15 years ago, I met one of the strongest people, male or female, that I have ever met from just going to my mother’s work after school to wait on her day to end. This woman, who has become my mother’s best friend, has been through more than I could ever imagine yet still seems to come out stronger than before the storm rolled into her life. This woman inspires me not just to live my life, but to live it to the fullest and build my faith stronger daily. Since that day, fifteen years ago, her family has become our family; we have celebrated together, mourned together, and grown together. This very special woman is LaChawnda Burnside, and she shows aspects of selflessness, keeping a strong faith, and staying dedicated every single day.

Selflessness has always been a trait exhibited by LaChawnda. She always puts others first, no matter what is going on in her life. She takes time out of her day to make sure everyone around her has what he/she needs and will do her best to get whatever he/she may be lacking. She helps take care of her aging mother along with her own family and moved her into her home to more effectively nurture and watch over her. She is exceptionally active in her community, whether it be with her church, friends, or just a family raising money for numerous reasons. For as long as I can remember, for any and every thing going on in my life and those around me, she always has a positive word to help get through the bad times and to help celebrate the good.

One of the most admirable qualities that LaChawnda holds in her undying faith. Through all the catastrophes that have been blown into her life, she never shakes in her beliefs. Over the last few years, she has lost her brother and husband. Two years ago, her two youngest out of three sons were diagnosed with Adrenoleukodystrophy, also known as ALD, a genetic disease that attacks neurons of the brain. Through watching her middle son suffer from this evil, cruel disease, she never questioned God on why; she simply prayed for his suffering to end in one way or another. On June 14, 2017, his anguish concluded. LaChawnda humbly thanked God for lending her one of His angels for the sixteen years she had with him. Although her faith is overwhelmingly strong, she does not force it onto anyone. She will pray with you out loud if you would like, or she will say a silent prayer for you that you may never even know about.

With her selflessness and everlasting faith, LaChawnda also has perpetual determination. No matter what it includes, LaChawnda stays determined to do anything she sets her mind to. She is currently on her third trip to Minneapolis, Minnesota for her youngest son to take part in experimental treatments for his disease. The trips have ranged from the first trip being a few days to this trip being two to three months. Every Sunday, as long as physically able, she is at her church being physically, spiritually, and emotionally involved. With her forever growing will power, she worked with “Make A Wish” foundation to take her middle son to California to see the San Francisco 49ers stadium and meet the team before he progressed too far. From working with my mother for 11 years, to now working diligently at a Christian book store in her community, she always finds a way to provide for her family everything they need and most of whay they want.

Today I have talked about a few attributes of LaChawnda Burnside, the strongest person I know. Rather she is walking in sunshine or through a hurricane, she remains true to those three features of being selfless, never losing faith, and remaining determined until the end. Although life has brewed some ugly storms in her path, she remains strong, powerful, and sturdy to all that blow her way. I can only hope to be at least half the woman she is.

[sharsamp]

Braving the Storm as a Burnside

During my Comm 230 (public speaking) class this summer, we had to write a commemorative speech for our final week of class. As soon as we were given the assignment, I had three ideas of who I would choose; my mother, Damon Burnside, and LaChawnda Burnside. Knowing I would not be able to make it through my speech on Damon, and knowing several would chose their mothers, I chose LaChawnda. A few people I let read my speech before I delivered it in class said I should share it with her so this is my speech for you, LaChawnda Burnside. Around 15 years ago, I met one of the strongest people, male or female, that I have ever met from just going to my mother's work after school to wait on her day to end. This woman, who has become my mother's best friend, has been through more than I could ever imagine yet still seems to come out stronger than before the storm rolled into her life. This woman inspires me not just to live my life, but to live it to the fullest and build my faith stronger daily. Since that day, fifteen years ago, her family has become our family; we have celebrated together, mourned together, and grown together. This very special woman is LaChawnda Burnside, and she shows aspects of selflessness, keeping a strong faith, and staying dedicated every single day. Selflessness has always been a trait exhibited by LaChawnda. She always puts others first, no matter what is going on in her life. She takes time out of her day to make sure everyone around her has what he/she needs and will do her best to get whatever he/she may be lacking. She helps take care of her aging mother along with her own family and moved her into her home to more effectively nurture and watch over her. She is exceptionally active in her community, whether it be with her church, friends, or just a family raising money for numerous reasons. For as long as I can remember, for any and every thing going on in my life and those around me, she always has a positive word to help get through the bad times and to help celebrate the good. One of the most admirable qualities that LaChawnda holds in her undying faith. Through all the catastrophes that have been blown into her life, she never shakes in her beliefs. Over the last few years, she has lost her brother and husband. Two years ago, her two youngest out of three sons were diagnosed with Adrenoleukodystrophy, also known as ALD, a genetic disease that attacks neurons of the brain. Through watching her middle son suffer from this evil, cruel disease, she never questioned God on why; she simply prayed for his suffering to end in one way or another. On June 14, 2017, his anguish concluded. LaChawnda humbly thanked God for lending her one of His angels for the sixteen years she had with him. Although her faith is overwhelmingly strong, she does not force it onto anyone. She will pray with you out loud if you would like, or she will say a silent prayer for you that you may never even know about. With her selflessness and everlasting faith, LaChawnda also has perpetual determination. No matter what it includes, LaChawnda stays determined to do anything she sets her mind to. She is currently on her third trip to Minneapolis, Minnesota for her youngest son to take part in experimental treatments for his disease. The trips have ranged from the first trip being a few days to this trip being two to three months. Every Sunday, as long as physically able, she is at her church being physically, spiritually, and emotionally involved. With her forever growing will power, she worked with "Make A Wish" foundation to take her middle son to California to see the San Francisco 49ers stadium and meet the team before he progressed too far. From working with my mother for 11 years, to now working diligently at a Christian book store in her community, she always finds a way to provide for her family everything they need and most of whay they want. Today I have talked about a few attributes of LaChawnda Burnside, the strongest person I know. Rather she is walking in sunshine or through a hurricane, she remains true to those three features of being selfless, never losing faith, and remaining determined until the end. Although life has brewed some ugly storms in her path, she remains strong, powerful, and sturdy to all that blow her way. I can only hope to be at least half the woman she is.