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 2003-04 Winning Essays
The following
essays were written by
the statewide winners of Connecticut's 2003-2004 Laws of Life Essay
Program.
Stafford Middle School
Stafford Springs, CT
Grade 8
My Mom
“Mom!” I scream, as I sit frustrated at the kitchen table doing my homework, “I need help with this.” My mom walks over calmly and explains the math equation to me. She has just finished a whole day of work, is making dinner, and is trying to find out what time my sister will get home from her track meet. Yet she still finds time to help me with my homework. My mom has an awesome personality that radiates to people around her. She keeps me in line and still lets me live my life. She enforces good habits and characteristics through her own actions.
My mom has an abundant amount of patience. She has a full time job as a special education teacher. I know this job drains her physically and mentally. She works with children who will probably never be independent in the world, but she still teaches them all that she can. She deals with all the stress of a full time job without being crabby or complaining. My mom dedicates a lot of her time to my sister and me. She drives me to dance and comes to all my concerts and recitals. I can’t remember the last time she missed one of my sister or my softball games, track meets, award ceremonies, or field hockey games. She’ll always listen to my problems and give me advice. Through all this, my mom can still get a home cooked meal on the table (even if it is meatloaf). My mom is like the glue in our family; she keeps everything together so we can get through another day.
My mom has taught me many things. She improves my character with her thoughts, ideas, and actions. She has always taught my sister and me to be honest and respectful. We have learned from her that no matter the consequences, you should always tell the truth. She has proven this countless times at stores or at the movie theaters that telling the truth is the best thing to do even if it doesn’t work towards your advantage. The honesty that she has vested in me will follow me through life.
I sometimes think of my mom as a superhero. Though she may not look strong on the outside, she is on the inside. Like a superhero, she seems to always save the day or at least clear the clouds. She can make any chore into a game. If we have to load the truck up with wood, she makes it a competition to see who can throw the most logs in from thirty feet away. When I was little, and we’d have to go outside to rake leaves, she’d help us make a huge pile and we’d jump in it together. My mom can always find a silver lining in every cloud. Once, we were going on a picnic and it started to rain. My sister and I were very disappointed. So, mom had this great idea that we could have an indoor picnic. We put our lunches in a wicker basket, spread a plaid blanket on the living room floor, and listened to the rain patter on the roof as we ate our lunch and played Uno. Nevertheless, my mom’s optimism pulled through and not even the rain could stop our picnic.
My mom is a beautiful person inside and out. Her aura seems to put a smile on everyone’s face. Her wacky dance moves and crazy ideas make everyone laugh. She can change an ambiance of a room from cold and boring to warm and cheerful just by entering it. I hope I can carry the laws of life she has taught me through my life and on to my children. Her enthusiasm towards life inspires me to become a better person.
North Branford Intermediate School
Grade 8
Just Be My Friend
I never knew that one day on the playground could make such a difference in me as a person. Just three kids inspired me to remember an important moral. “Don’t walk behind me; I may not lead. Don’t walk in front of me; I may not follow. Just walk beside me, and be my friend.”
It was a warm afternoon, and my first-grade class, as usual, proceeded to recess. After smelling the lovely summer air, I gazed at three children, separated from the crowd, on the swings. Beside them was a teacher. I saw nothing unusual about the children, yet everyone else was playing on the monkey bars and jungle gym. The children were laughing and having fun just like everyone else. I could not distinguish why the three kids were excluded and alone on the swings.
Not wanting to observe the situation for the entire recess, I joined the children on the swings. Huge smiles covered their faces when I approached them. The children on the swings appeared a bit different from my other classmates.
One child spoke with a different dialect, “H-hi. Do you…do you want to pway? Do you want to pway with me? Wook at me, look at me, I flying!” Another child wore braces on her legs and back; she walked crooked. It looked painful for her to walk. The last boy had hands that were slightly deformed. Some of his fingers were only stubs. There were many unique traits about these children, but who isn’t different in his/her own way? Why should their differences matter? Shouldn’t we judge people by their kindness, not their diversity? I didn’t care about their differences, and I thought that everyone deserved a fair chance. I realized how hard it must be for these children to function in their day-to-day lives, and I respected them because I found it amazing that smiles never left their faces. I loved their behavior toward me because they made me feel welcome; they talked to me nonstop and complimented me.
“Nice shirt,” said one of the tall and skinny boys. Spending my recess with the three students seemed to be the right thing to do and I didn’t consider myself better than them. “Don’t walk behind me; I may not lead…”
Once again, I viewed the rest of the playground. Other children playing so innocently didn’t even realize how nice the classmates on the swings were. The boys were too busy getting dizzy on the tire swing and the girls were busy chasing the boys. I was having a blast; my friends and I would laugh and push each other on the swings so many times that our hands would begin to hurt. However, the burn on my hands didn’t matter, for I was having too much fun to care. The others chose to play with the kids that seemed more like themselves. Some may have even thought they were better than the kids on the swings. I guess they didn’t know any better. “…Don’t walk in front of me; I may not follow…”
Before I knew it, the shrieking sound of a whistle was heard. Recess ended and I had made wonderful friends. Teachers thanked me, appreciated me, and most of all, respected me. At that point, everything became clear to me. The group I had spent my recess with were the children from special education. Even understanding this, I did not have any regrets. My recess wasn’t any less fun than it would have been if I spent it with other children. I didn’t care about what class they were in; I cared about how friendly and nice they were to me. Not every child on the playground would have welcomed me to play with him/her, but the three children did. My new friends were the same as me and everyone else. “…Just walk beside me, and be my friend.”
We should not think of ourselves as better than anyone else. We are all different and we all shine in different ways. Not everyone is capable of doing the same things. Some people just need support and encouragement, helping them get to where they want to be in life. No matter what you look like or where you come from, everyone is equal. At six years old I learned this lesson. I wish that all my peers on the playground had taken a good look around and come to the same conclusion about equality. If four six-year-olds had fun, I can only imagine what a great time I would have had if every child on the playground united and played together. We should all walk side-by-side and be friends.
St. Aedan School
New Haven, CT
Grade 8
Is there anyone in your life that you love? If there is not, there should be. Love is one of the most important gifts that cannot be bought. Your love for someone or even something can get you through any obstacles you may face in life. There are different types of love. Love for a person, a thing, or a hobby. Then there is blind love the type of love you don’t realize until that person or thing is gone. That is the love I feel for my father – love that is blind.
My father left when I was about four. I never really knew him that well, but he is my father and I love him. Being a young boy growing up without a father, I always wished and dreamed I would one day have one. A father to show me right from wrong, a father to be there when my heart was broken, but most importantly a father who would show me how to be a man. It is not enough to just know that he cares for me. There are plenty of hard times in my life where I just feel like breaking down. I feel that if I had a father, things would better for me.
When I was younger my father used to always make promises that he could never keep. I remember one time he said that he was going to take my sister and me to New Jersey to visit his sister and her kids. That day my sister and I stayed home from school so we could pack our bags and be ready by the time he got there. We were so excited like little kids on the first Christmas. The whole day went by and he never showed, that day, or the day after. After that we just lost touch with him and that’s when I started denying I had a father.
For a long time it felt as if something was missing. And for a long time I did not know what it was. I used to be like forget my father and act like I did not miss him. I guess I thought it would be easier to act like I did not care than to show my affection for him, but it’s not. He does try to be a father, but he has some problems that he has to deal with and I understand that. I just wish he could be here and handle his responsibility as a man. It is because of my father that I have learned not to take things for granted. You never know what you have until it is gone. If you love something, go for it and don’t let it slip away; once it is gone you may never get it back.
My love for my father was blind
But now I see
That I am a part of him
And he is a part of me
I can continue through life without him
But it won’t be the same
Maybe one day he will come back home
And make my life a change.
Amity Junior High School
Orange, CT
Grade 8
“Look at all the beauty still left around you, and be happy” - Anne Frank
A lot has happened to me since the fifth grade. Many things have been good like changing schools and adopting new pets, but a few bad things have also happened. My parents divorced. Right before they did, my dad told me about worse things that have happened to others. He used Anne Frank as an example, since she was almost my age. He told me about how she was sent to a concentration camp, and while she was there she lost her mother and her sister. Though I never had a sister, the thought of permanently losing one of my parents was terrifying. Then he told me something that she had written. “Think of all the beauty still left around you, and be happy.” Later that day, while they were packing my dad’s boxes, I went for a walk to get away from all the chaos. The quote echoed in my head as I strolled along. I sat on the curb a few blocks away, and noticed the beautiful trees, bright green grass, and a bunch of brilliant yellow flowers across the street. A cool summer breeze rushed across my face, and seemed to carry all of my troubles away. That’s when I realized that there were a lot of beautiful things still left in the world. I knew then that I’d make it through, and it’s all thanks to Anne Frank. Her quote has become a law of life for me to follow.
When Anne Frank wrote her quote, I think she meant that you should look at all the good things in life, not the bad. I really looked up to her, not only for her quote, but also for the bravery that was reflected in it. It was hard to believe that a girl my age could have ever lasted that long in such a position. As I thought about what my dad said, I realized that this was what she was probably thinking when she lost her mother. It was then that I wondered if she went for a walk too. I wondered if she noticed how the flowers gently swayed in the breeze, or how the water in a pond shimmered and glistened in the morning sunlight. Did she feel as though the wind was carrying her troubles away? I wished I could ask her. To me, her quote meant that we spend too much time thinking about our losses, instead of our gains. It is almost as if we were concentrating on all the negative things about life, and not noticing all of the wonderful things we already have. I think, that her quote means not to take things for granted, because if they all
one day disappear, there’ll be nothing to cheer us up when the rain clouds come in.
Since I moved to the junior high, I learned about the diary that Anne Frank wrote. In English, when we started to read it, it seemed that her diary was the one thing that was keeping her up and running in that dark, quiet annex during the day. While I was reading her diary, I got to better understand why she wrote her quote. The other people that she was staying with in the annex must have been losing hope of ever getting out of their position. There were a lot of bad things that were discouraging them. They were trapped in a small annex that they couldn’t even move around in. They couldn’t run, or even be in fresh air without being discovered and sent to the concentration camps. They would never be able to have the fresh breeze blow away their troubles and fears. But little Anne figured out the one true secret to surviving. If you can still have one enjoyable thing left in life, you can be happy. This is where I think her quote came from.
Anne and I aren’t the only ones who could put her quote to use. Her words of advice are also valuable to anyone facing a challenging problem. The scientists at NASA have been working extremely hard exploring Mars. They recently sent two robots, Spirit and Opportunity, deep in the starry skies of outer space to learn about Mars. When Spirit broke down, a lot seemed lost. They must have panicked, thinking how they were going to continue their experiment without it. But like Anne Frank said, “Think of all the beauty still around you and be happy.” They still had Opportunity. However, Spirit recovered a while later! Then the wind swept the feeling of despair clean away, so strong, it was likely to go clear to Pluto! They were back in business! Since then, they have found evidence of water that could have possibly sustained life! This is another great lesson to never give up, and to never take anything for granted, because it may not be here tomorrow.
“Think of all the beauty still left around you, and be happy.” This quote really has two meanings to me. First, it means that you should concentrate more on the good things in life, and not the bad. Second, I think it means to not take anything for granted. Since Anne Frank wrote this, I’m guessing that these were her thoughts when her mother died. To me, I use them ever since my parents divorced instead of plunging into an abyss of despair. Whenever I feel down, I think of everything good that I still have, and seem to rise above the abyss into the trusting glow of the sun. Sometimes, I feel as though I could rise into the many stars of heaven. Other times, when thinking about things just does not cheer me up, I take a walk around my neighborhood. I pay special attention to the breeze rustling the trees. I hear every leaf as it falls and blows across the pavement. I sit on the curb and look at the beautiful shades of green in the grass and ferns. Most of my friends never take the time to notice all the truly beautiful things in life. Now I remember what Anne Frank said and make sure I do not take anything for granted. Now, instead of looking at my parent’s divorce as a bad thing, I try to think positively. I have two nice houses, more room for pets, and I still have two parents, even though they are not in the same house. Ever since I heard Anne Frank’s quote, I realized that my life isn’t half bad. In fact, I wouldn’t want it any other way.
Everyone has at least one bad thing in their life. So what? If our lives were all perfect, there would be no challenge left. It is how you deal with your problems that matters. If you look at things positively, the cool breeze may just swipe your troubles away. No matter what happens, the world isn’t going to stop spinning. The breeze will continue to blow, the birds will continue to sing their cheerful tunes, the rain will continue to refresh our ponds and streams, and as the sun rises, so will you and hopefully you will take the time to think about all the beauty still left in your life, and be happy.
Griswold High School
Griswold, CT
Grade 9
My Beloved Blur
I collapsed on the floor as the whole room seemed to spin around me. The dots before my eyes seemed to slowly dissipate, but my dog was just a small black blur darting around the room so fast it made me get even dizzier. I let out a high shriek of joy as the blur jumped on me before I could get in the position to do my next set of somersaults. My dog, Scamper was her name, pounced on me playfully and her tongue left a trickle of saliva on the cheek of my smile. This was over 10 years ago, but it seems like it was just last weekend.
Well before I was born, my parents got their first child, a Yorkshire terrier named Scamper. My dad would tell me the story of the day they bought her. He had described it to me so many times that I’d be able to tell you what happened as if I was there with my parents that day. She was so tiny, my father would always begin, you could fit her in the palms of your hands.
I would look on intently as my mom would glide the scissors over Scamper’s fine black and gold fur. My mom was a hairdresser and never forgot to put a red bow on the top of Scamper’s head after her haircut. With the snap of the barrette-part of the lacy scarlet piece, my mom would clasp her hands together with admiration as Scamper cocked her head to the side and seemed, in a way, to smile back.
My dad would tell me that when my brother and I were babies, Scamper never liked to leave our sides. Whenever a neighborhood cat came to visit us, there she was; the only problem was that even when she tried to be intimidating, she still looked so innocent. The effort her tiny body made just to try and bark baffled me since all that would come out was an iota of a yip. Scamper protected us as much as she could, and we gladly protected her. She was a member of the family, even if she couldn’t have her spot at the dinner table. My brother and I made sure we’d sneak her something to eat. I even remember watching my dad slip his hands under the table and the faint jingling of Scamper’s collar would follow.
My whole family loved her for 14 years before the gold color in Scamper’s fur turned as gray as steel. After the last trip to the vet, as my parents told me when I got older, we had found out Scamper had a type of tumor. My whole family went to bed one night after that, and a long, never-ending whimpering was all I heard that broke the nightly silence.
I awoke to the sound of the familiar jingling collar and my parents talking softly to one another. They sat both my brother and I down and told us the devastating news. My brother understood Scamper was in pain and deserved better, but all I cared about at seven years old was losing the family member I’d grown up with my whole life. I flew from the room once I’d heard, tears running as fast as I was. When my sobs ceded enough for me to catch my breath, Scamper found me hiding behind a chair in our living room. She approached tentatively, to see as if I would accept the offering of the comfort she lay upon me regularly. I hoisted her up into my lap and stroked her over and over as if doing so would get rid of the tumor that had taken over my beloved blur.
The trip to the humane society seemed to last forever in the silence the car had, but after the ride was over I wished it could have been twice as long. I couldn’t go in the building to watch as she’s put to sleep, so I said my goodbyes in the car outside. I placed Scamper’s paws on my shoulders so I could see her face and tell her how much I love her and how I’d miss her every day. Her eyes just stared back at me blankly and she sunk onto my chest as if she was hugging me, only it was because her energy was so drained. I couldn’t hold the tears any longer and they surged from my eyes as I handed her to my dad. I squinted through my clouded vision as I saw my gray-black blur disappear around the corner of the humane society. I remembered my earliest memory of Scamper then, that day she was my spectator who cheered me on as I did my toddler-gymnastics routine on the living room floor. The good times I’d had with her popped before my eyes and played themselves back to me like a slide show. I knew now it was time to let go, no matter how much I love her, and no matter how much it hurt.
Bolton Center School
Bolton, CT
Grade 7
Ann Manette Ansay is a little-known author from a small, rural town in Wisconsin. Her books include four novels, a book of short stories, and a memoir. She’s won a few awards, but nothing extraordinary. Yet, this woman is my inspiration for life.
Ann began playing the piano at the age of three. As she grew older, her teacher recognized her talent and dedication to the instrument and recommended her to a teacher who could better fit her needs. As Ann’s love of the piano grew, she began to practice more and more, sometimes two hours a day. She also started to develop aches in her arms after she played. The pains became so frequent and so painful that she had to soak her arms in freezing water every time after practicing. Soon, she began to feel the same throbbing in her legs after she ran as she did in her arms after she practiced. Her parents and her doctor told her it was nothing and that she should stop complaining, so despite the agonizing pains, she pounded away at the keyboard day after day in hope of soon becoming a pianist. In college, however, she began to find ordinary things had become a challenge: holding a pencil or knife, and keeping her arms above her head long enough to wash her hair. Her legs weren’t quite as weak as her arms, but they “burned” after running or walking for a long period of time. In the spring of 1987, she acquired a power wheelchair to help her get around. Ann quit playing the piano and began to major in biology. After realizing that this was not what she wanted to do, she took up a writing course at a college. “Writing fiction began for me as a side effect of illness,” Ann states in her memoir, Limbo. Though writing was tough for her, because she could only write for short periods of time before her hands cramped and ached, she kept trying and did not give up. Just as she had done years ago with her piano, Ann wrote as hard as she could and as long as she could, refusing to give up yet another thing she loved to her illness. To her surprise, she acquired many adoring fans with her touching and illuminating stories about life and love.
Ann Manette Ansay possesses each of the three values I believe are the guidelines for being a commendable and admirable person. First, perseverance: Ann found something she loved, and stuck with it. Though it pained her and caused her anguish, she kept practicing every day and dedicated herself entirely to her music. Her first piano teacher described her piano playing skills “absolute attention”. This phrase describes not only her technique, but her devotion to the instrument. She did not let her illness or her less than encouraging parents stand in the way
of what she loved. She related “absolute attention” to her goals and let nothing perplex her. She stopped only when it would have been impossible to keep going.
Second: courage. When faced with a frightening sickness, most people would back down and confine themselves to a hospital until they could be cured. Ann Manette Ansay did not: she simply dealt with what she had to deal with. When her arms ached and burned, she did not cry: she found a solution to relieve the pain and did not cry. When she was restrained to a power wheelchair to get herself around, she did not cry and complain. Imagine how scary this momentous change in her life must have been: the constant staring of strangers, the confusion of large crowds or, perhaps, a building with only stairs. Ann made her way with her head held high.
Third, and most important, hope. Ann Manette Ansay had hope, a quality that must be found deep within one’s soul and held onto tightly, for once it is lost, it is difficult to reclaim. When challenged with a strange and undiagnosed illness, Ann probably felt afraid and depressed. What if she had to give up playing the piano, the one thing she felt she truly loved? Ann dismissed this thought. She held in her heart the hope that someday she would recover and be able to play once again. She grasped the hope that she would one day be able to walk again and do ordinary things without such trouble. Without this hope, she surely would not be where she is today.
It’s the people like Ann Manette Ansay who hold our lives together. With perseverance, courage, and hope, our aspirations and dreams become in clear view, helping us to grasp the true meaning of life and happiness, and making our goals more easy to reach. With perseverance and courage we can change the world and the lives of others, and with hope we can learn to rebel against acceptance of things that are wrong and hold on to our ideals and desires for a better future.
North Branford Intermediate School
North Branford, CT
Grade 7
My Sister, Stacie
I have learned many laws of life in these past twelve years. The most significant ones are the ones I have learned from my older sister, Stacie. Ever since I can remember Stacie has been special. Since she was born she has had daily seizures and severe learning disabilities. She had to go to a special school. She cannot do many things that I take for granted. There are times when I get very frustrated with her until I am reminded that she cannot help some of the things
that she does. Since Stacie is older than I am, by nine years, I expect her to do and know more than I do. She does not. As a matter of fact, I have to help her with many things. My brother also has to help her. We try to have patience with her, and most of the time we do.
Stacie had three brain surgeries and had to have her long, beautiful hair cut off. I think that was the hardest thing for my family to go through. The worst part is that the surgeries did not even work. She still has scars from this, some that we can see, and some, I am sure that we cannot. Through all of this, Stacie remained hopeful. She suffers daily, but in her own way she is happy. I wonder if I would be handle what she has to handle every day. She will never be able to drive, live on her own, or work on her own, but she accepts it and deals with it. Could most of us do that? I don't think so. Imagine not being able to do what everyone around you can do.
Sometimes I let little things bother me, then I look at her and realize I have nothing to complain about. Stacie takes great pleasure in the smallest things, such as her hair growing back and a new videotape coming out. I love to buy presents for her because no matter what we get her she is always thrilled. Sometimes she brags to me about having the longest hair, the most videotapes, or being the best at bowling, but I just say wow and admire her. I try to make Stacie feel good about herself.
There are many times when Stacie embarrasses me and afterwards I am ashamed of myself to be embarrassed by her. Sometimes I wonder what she would be like if she did not have seizures. My parents have taken her all over for help and no doctor can help her. My family and I have all accepted that. We try to make her life as happy and normal as possible. I really do
think that she appreciates it. I know that I would do anything for her, but we sometimes fight like all sisters do.
Stacie recently graduated from Foundation High School and received a high school diploma. That was one of the most special days in her life. My parents never thought that day would come. Many things that Stacie has done amaze the doctors and our family. She is now in a program call Sarah. They are teaching her life skills. Who knows how much more she can accomplish. We never thought she would come this far. She has surpassed her doctors’ goals for her and continues to astound them.
I have learned many life lessons from Stacie. I have learned to accept people the way they are and not to judge them or make fun of them. I would never want someone to do that to my sister. I really think I have learned to have patience with people. I must have a lot of patience with Stacie. Even though I sometimes lose it, I see the little things that make her happy, and I wish I could be more like that. I'm working on it. She has been through so much and does not even realize it. She does not know life any other way. I try not to take little things for granted because I see how hard it is for Stacie to do some very easy tasks. If she can work so hard to do little things, then I can work very hard to do the things I need to do. That is one of the reasons I work so hard in school. I think the biggest lesson I have learned from Stacie is how important family is. No matter what a person has to deal with family should be behind them and love them. The doctors have told my parents that the reason she has come this far is because of her family. We support her, encourage and spend a lot of time teaching her. We love her and she is an important part of our family. I will carry these laws for my whole life, just as I will have Stacie as a part of my life forever.
Saxe Middle School
New Canaan, CT
Grade 6
Laws of Life: Taught By My Uncle
My Uncle Andrew has greatly influenced me by teaching me some significant Laws of Life. I do not see him often because he doesn’t normally pass through New Canaan. He lives in a special home because of his mental condition. He is mentally retarded and lives with others affected by mental illnesses. Even though I rarely see him, except for when he is passing through New Canaan, he has still helped to teach me some very important Laws of Life.
When I see him, I realize something. You have to take what you have and make the best of it. It is difficult for Andrew to communicate with other people, which can be extremely frustrating. However, he finds other ways to get his point across. He takes what is available to him and tries to make things better for everyone. Even though certain tasks and activities are difficult for Andrew, he still laughs and enjoys himself. Seeing him making the best of what he has, has showed me that I do the same. For example, I recall an incredibly boring wait in the airport. Sitting in the large empty terminal bored me almost to tears, making me even more unhappy. However, I remembered the Law of Life I was taught, and refrained from complaining. Instead, I used the things available to me and created a sort of game. Because I took what I had and made the best of it, I was able to entertain myself and improve the overall situation for everyone. My Uncle Andrew and others have taught me this Law of Life. Without it, people everywhere would be unhappy.
Not only did I learn to take what I have and make the best of it, but I also learned that everyone is equal and deserves equal respect. This Law of Life helps to create a peaceful happy environment for people all around the world. My Uncle is different then most people. His actions and facial features aren’t like those of most other people. Even though he looks different and acts differently, he is still a person. We are all unique in our own ways. Diversity is what helps influence many of the things we know of today. Different cultures and beliefs can help us learn and understand. Each person has their own “culture” unique to them, and they too can be learned from. Andrew has helped me learn and better understand life by teaching me this Law of Life. Without equal respect for all people, we would be a world torn by segregation and war, instead of a united people living in peace and happiness.
Laws of Life create the structure for a healthy character. My Uncle has helped me create the foundation of my character with the Laws of Life he taught me. Now I must use what I have been taught and continue building upon the foundation of my life, so that I one day will have a strong, structured character and values that I can teach my kids. We need to take what we have and make the best of it and treat everyone with equal respect, and we will be able to change the world into a glorious, peaceful, and joyous place for the children of the future to live.
Bolton High School
Bolton, CT
Grade 9
Standing Back Up
“I’m going really high, and I’m not even pumping!” exclaimed Brittany, who was swinging on the swing at Herrick Park on a summer evening. Brittany was five, and I was fourteen in the summer of 2003. Her brother Brian, who was four, was marching around the playground with rocks in his hands while my best friend Evita tried to get him to put them on the ground where they belonged. The wind seemed so welcoming even though it wasn’t hot out. I watched Brittany, as she swung back and forth on the swing; her face seemed so happy and joyful. I wondered to myself how she could be so joyful at a time like this; I was on the brink of tears even though my loss was not nearly as great as hers. That day Brittany and Brian’s father was buried in the cemetery across the street from the park. He died so young from melanoma cancer. Their father Jim was my stepfather’s best friend, so our family and Jim’s family spent many times together before. The cancer came and every time Jim tried to proceed a step forward in his treatments, it was as if he was taking two steps back. It hurt me to see Brittany so happy; she didn’t know that the loss of her father would affect her for the rest of her life.
“Didn’t you hear me,” Brittany called down to me. “I’m going really high and I’m not even pumping!”
“Well, how are you going so high? Is the wind pushing you?” I asked, trying to be clever. She shook her head.
“Nope.” She said smiling.
“Then what is pushing you?” I asked again.
“My Daddy.” She answered while swinging, as if what she had said had no special meaning, but I knew she understood what she had said. I looked at her in total shock, not believing what had just happened. The tears I had been trying to hold in streamed down my face silently; there were no words to describe my emotion. At that moment I realized what Brittany felt inside but because she was too young, she didn’t know how to explain it. Although she felt the sorrow of her father’s death, she knew that tomorrow was a new day and that it would be the beginning of a new life. She knew that tomorrow was the day that she would decide to stand up from falling down and continue life but her scars would remain. Brittany taught me that day, that life had to go on no matter how off course we are thrown in life and to always remember it and
respect it. A five-year-old taught me my most valued law of life, which was this:
In one day things can go all wrong and you may feel as if you can’t get up from falling. Tomorrow is another day, in which you can decide to stand yourself up and continue living once again.
Brittany continued swinging on the swing as she began to sing a nursery rhyme. I stood up from the swing where I had been sitting and started towards Brian who was running around the playground with rocks in his hands while laughing as Evita chased him playfully. He stopped in front of me and I bent down on my knees to his level.
“Brian, can I have a couple rocks?” I asked him. He nodded and emptied five rocks into my open hand. I smiled at him and ruffled his hair back and forth while rising to my normal height.
The rest of that day went by with that emptiness that one gets when they lose a loved one, the emptiness of a gold ring without its diamond. Days turned into weeks, while the weeks slowly became months and as I was cleaning out my closet I came across a small jewelry box with five rocks inside. I wrote a note inside of the box to identify the rocks and then put it safely away somewhere where I would remember to give them to Brian when he married or graduated. Not a week goes by that I don’t recall that day in the park with Brittany’s invisible swing pusher and Brian’s rocks, or the law of life they taught me.
Further Program Information
2008-2009 Program:
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