My Friend's Affliction

Let me explain the difference
Between you and me
For you have never experienced
What I was forced to see.
It happened on a Sunday
Just five years ago.
I certainly didn't expect it
But how was I to know?
That during church that day
I would realize
You don't really understand things
Till you've seen them with your eyes.
For I saw my friend's affliction
On that dreadful day.
I guess I never understood
The price she has to pay.
Born mentally disabled
You'd think she'd be naïve,
But with her seizure disorder
You wouldn't even believe
The knowledge she must have
Due to such a trial.
It makes me wonder how
She can continue to smile.
For I saw the terror
That was etched into her face
As tears rolled down her cheeks
And I was pulled in an embrace.
I could feel her start to tremble
Which caused my heart to sink.
I knew what was going to happen
And before I could even blink
I released my hold on her
And her arms rose into the air
Wriggling without her consent
Till she was lifted from her chair.
Our teacher laid her down
Moving stuff out of the way
And I couldn't help but watch
As she quivered where she lay.
Her mom was soon brought in
And she stroked my friend's blonde hair
Whispering soothing words
And all I could do was stare.
Her mother took her home
As I sat in shock
Until church was over
And it was two o'clock.
When I met my mother's eyes
After I left my class
I finally broke down
Shattering like glass.
I sobbed in her embrace
Finally having release
From those overwhelming emotions
That took a while to cease.
Although it was frightening
To see my friend like that
And feeling rather helpless
As I watched and sat
I'm really rather grateful
That I was there to see it
For it has strengthened me
If only a little bit.
I am also grateful
For it has made me see
How amazing she really is
And how much she means to me.