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This I Believe: You Can Count On Family

Rachel Lattimore

 

             I believe in family. Many teens nowadays tend to take their families for granted. They don’t stop to think about how important family actually is. Whenever they are having problems, especially teens, they go to their friends for help. It’s mostly because they think that since adults aren’t from this generation, they don’t know anything. I actually have learned that no matter what, family will always be there to lend a shoulder and to brighten up your day.                                 

The first time I realized this was when I was going through a very difficult time. My parents had separated. The first thing I did was to go and tell my closest friend. As I was telling her what was going on, I could tell that she didn’t want to hear it. I felt like in her mind she was saying, “Oh, please. You’ll get over it.”  I was already upset about the separation, and this made me feel even worse. It felt like somebody had stabbed me in the back. After a few weeks, my mom and my aunts asked me what’s going on. I told them everything. As I was telling them what had happened, I bawled my eyes out. Then my mom and aunts gathered around me and hugged me. They each told me that they would be here for me no matter what. They also told me how much they loved me and not to forget it. I also realized that as I was expressing my feelings, they were being sympathetic. They knew exactly what to tell me and how to mend the pieces of my broken heart. That is when I immediately knew that I could count on them for anything. I now see my mom and aunts as my big sisters that I never got to have.

I also remember a time when my grandpa, who lives in California, was feeling down because he thought everyone forgot his birthday. He didn’t know that we were actually planning a birthday party for him. My dad and I flew to California to surprise him. We also had invited some of his family members that he hadn’t seen in a long time. At first, he thought that we were throwing a party for my dad and me, since we came to visit, but once he saw it was for him, his face brightened up. He had the biggest smile ever. He started to cry tears of joy. Seeing his face made me feel great. He thanked everyone for coming and said that being surrounded by family was the best gift ever. It made me realize how important family is.

            I learned that the love that I receive from my family is never going to end. No matter the consequences or time of day they are there for me. There’s a special bond between us that holds us close. Family is my greatest treasure in this world. This I believe.