When life gives you more than you can stand, kneel.

I am currently on Fall Break so I've been able to spend some time at home with my family. Well, most of my family. I'm not going to lie, it's a little weird being home with my sister in treatment right now. Although she is not home, I'm seeing the effect that she has on my family. 
I was home for less than 24 hours when my sister called. My mom answered her phone and without her announcing who called, I immediately knew who it was by my moms reaction. My mom is strong. She's overcome a lot in her life and I know that it's helped to make her the person she is today. The mom she is today. However, when I was watching my mom talk to my sister, I could see how much she is hurting. One of her daughters is dealing with a LOT of stuff right now and she doesn't know what she can do to help her. The best that she can do is be supportive and understanding. The rest is really up to my sister and that's hard for all of us. 
Then there's my dad, the protector. From my point of view, he's doing whatever he can to help my sister. She asked for us to come visit her this weekend so, he dropped whatever his plans were for Sunday. He and I are driving to Chicago tomorrow to see her and support her in whatever way we can. Dad doesn't wear his emotions on his sleeve so it's difficult sometimes to see what he is really feeling. With my sister, I just know that he's hurting for her. I think if he could, he would do anything to help take away the pain for her. He doesn't like seeing her like this any more than the rest of us.
Last night, I had the opportunity to talk with my youngest sister about all of this on our drive home from a movie and late night Steak & Shake run. I asked her how she is handling everything going on with our sister. I realized earlier in the evening that mom and dad are doing the best that they can. They're trying to stay strong for our sister but it's taking a lot out of them and I'm not sure that they realize how this is affecting my youngest sister and I. 
Anyways, when I was talking to my youngest sister she told me that sometimes it is frustrating to not know everything going on. For a while she and I didn't know the full story of what was happening until our sister told us the last time the three of us were home together. I know that my youngest sister is strong. But I also know that she is scared. We share this fear. Every morning we wake up scared that our sister ended her life the night before. We talked a little about this. We talked about how we can help her and how we can be supportive to our parents and each other. My heart is breaking for every single person in my family right now. I want to be able to support each and every one but I don't know how. I want to be strong for them but I don't know how to do that. The reality is that none of us really know what more we can do other than love and support her. 
After we got home and went to bed, I began to realize a few things. First, I know that this is a tough situation to be in. I realized just how tough it is when I noticed the effect all of this has on my family. 
Second, I realized that our family is so full of love. In such a difficult situation, we still make sure we express our love for each other. It may be because we're realizing that life can be short and we cannot waste any time sharing our love but regardless, I know that my family loves me and I love them. Knowing that your family loves you is sometimes all you need. 
Finally, I realized that this trial is not only going to make me a stronger and more faithful daughter to my Heavenly Father but, this trial is going to make my whole family stronger and more faithful. I'm not sure they realize it yet but prayer is incredibly powerful. It's a conversation with our Heavenly Father. 
He listens. He knows our hearts. He knows what we need. We simply need to ask for help and courage to get through our trial.
When we humble ourselves and get on our knees and pray to our Heavenly Father, it is a powerful experience. 
I find that when I do this, my prayer is more sincere and comes straight from my heart. There's a good saying that goes "When life gives you more than you can stand, kneel." 
I can promise you that if you are going through a tough time or you are just wanting to thank Him, prayer is the best thing you can do. 
He won't let you fall. He is looking out for you and will help you. Have faith.