by Sue Zylstra | Special to the Courier

The fires had been burning out of control for such a long time. So many homes and businesses had been entirely destroyed, so many people had lost so much and endured such great adversity.

My friend Julie lives in Altadena. The flames were coming closer and closer to her home when I called last week to see if I could help. Knowing her as I do, I knew she would deal with her family’s adversity in a calm, peaceful, and wise manner. And I believed miracles would follow.

We’ve heard so many stories of kind people doing acts of service and helping their fellow human beings during this devastating time. Resilience during tragedy is a quality of many optimistic, courageous, and wise individuals. These are the types of people I want to be around when things go wrong in my life, especially when tragedy strikes.

Three years ago my daughter gave birth to a sweet baby with myriad health problems. She is missing half her lymphatic system, and has cerebral palsy, chronic lung disease, severe gastroesophageal reflux disease, dysphasia, developmental delays, and uses only a feeding tube for her nutrition.

My daughter, surprisingly, is a happy, cheerful person, wonderful to be around. Though she hasn’t had anywhere close to a full night’s sleep in those three years, though she takes her girl to so many medical appointments each week, though she also cares for her two busy sons and husband, she remains calm, happy, and optimistic.

My friend Julie and my daughter Melanie are great examples of patience and optimism during challenging times. I would like to be more like them.

We all have challenges in our lives. No one has a perfect life. But it’s what we do with those challenges that can make the difference between being bitter or angry, or accepting and making the most of them.

I am in awe of the people who have gone valiantly to the rescue of neighbors, friends, and even strangers to help them when they needed it most.

There is no avoiding adversity for any of us. It may leave us at times, but it will never stay away.  I have always wanted to emulate those who conquer their challenges head on with a happy attitude. People like Julie and Melanie are shining lights and great examples for us all. They, and many people like them, make this world a better place for the rest of us. I am once again prompted to try harder to do my part.

Zylstra is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and president of the Claremont Interfaith Council.