Page 15 - Senior Link Magazine Spring 2019- Online Magazine

You’d never have imagined my they hadn’t
grandparents as a couple. He’d opened that door
tell you it was his good looks and in 2004. They
charms that did him in. Ask my sat beside me,
grandmother, and she’ll tell you it telling me how
was because she felt sorry for him. much they loved
My grandparents taught me that, and cared about
no matter what happened in my me. It was the
childhood, I do deserve to be loved. first and only
The things you’ve been through are time I’ve seen
a part of you but not who you are. my grandfather
cry. They
They’ve given me things my wouldn’t say it,
mother never could, showing me but I knew I was
that being who I am might be one disappointing
of the scariest things I’ll ever face them. Without
but also the most exciting. The hesitation, I told
thankfulness and pure love I have them I needed
for these people is overwhelming. help. My mother
They took us in when they had refused to sign
other plans; they gave us parents papers letting me
when I didn’t even know what go to a mental
family was. Don’t get me wrong facility, leaving
- living with grandparents has its my grandparents
ups and downs. But they’ve never with the only
turned their backs on me when option left -
they had every reason in the world adoption. They
to do it. spent three
days going
2016 was one of the worst years through hours
of my life and, by far, one of of paperwork,
the hardest years for them. I got waiting for the They’re the most selfless people I
addicted to drugs at sixteen, almost judge’s signature and CPS to come know, the most big-hearted, hard-
killing myself. I was in and out of have family visits. After everything working people you would ever
the hospital multiple times that I’d done, I was waiting for a sign meet. I could never repay them
year, and every time, they were to prove they were disappointed for what they’ve done for me, the
right there beside me. Not once did in me, that they’d given up on me. things they’ve taught me, but I’m
they tell me how disappointed they That sign never came. going to spend every day for the
were or how much they wished rest of my life trying.

Article Submitted by
Bailey Bradley CORONADO HIGH SCHOOL

Bailey Bradley attends Coronado High School. She’s on the student council and yearbook
staff. Her guardians are Carlton and Dale Bradley. She hopes to go to the University of
North Texas to pursue studies in nursing and eventually achieve her dream of becoming
a trauma nurse.

Lubbock Senior Link 15