This I Believe

Together, mankind can accomplish greatness when people work together for a common goal. This can only occur because of the individuals who come together to find incredible things about life, and create something amazing. Each individual has a path; something they believe in. On my path, I work to accomplish what I perceive to be a successful life. In order for that goal to be reached, I must be confident, and feel proud about all of the great things in life. Through accomplishing this, I recognize my connection to other people. I understand that people have to come together, and love each other. We have to hold the important people in our lives close to us.

            The summer before Senior year was a difficult one. My dad had finally taken care of his own personal problems, when the rest of his family was having trouble. His father was sent to a VA in Brockton due to his now inability to walk without falling. He was lonely, and my dad enjoyed going to visit him every now and then to check on him and brighten his day. At the same time, my uncle was having trouble with alcohol and depression. He had been living this way off and on his whole life, but things were getting worse now. My dad tried to work with him and get him to see the good things in life. The last few months my dad had spent more time with his brother than ever before. He enjoyed seeing him and getting to talk about life with him. He had never known his brother more than at this time in life. My father was focusing on seeing the good things in life, and trying to help my uncle recognize them. I believe in this way of thinking. Being able to look on the bright side, and being thankful for everything I’ve been blessed with. It was something my uncle had trouble doing. Over the summer he passed away, and I was worried for my family. I didn’t know how my dad would react in the long run, and I was especially worried for my grandparents. My uncle was a great man; he just kind of drifted away toward the end. I remember the good times we had when I was younger. I remember the happiness I still believe in. We would watch wrestling with his son and my brothers, and he would take us to his restaurant when it was closed, and cook us hamburgers while we watched sports. He was always thinking of other people. My Uncle Arthur was also my godfather, and after he passed I really started to remember the good times. He always brought back an autograph for us from someone famous, and he remembered birthdays until the end. My grandmother was devastated, and never found help for herself. My father and the rest of our family did what they could to help, but it’s out of our hands now. She can’t get better until she accepts the help and tries to get better. I pray she can find the help she needs.

            I believe in the importance of connecting with other people, and keeping friends and family close to us. Alone, we can’t do much. I would just be a very confused teenager without my parents, the rest of my family, and my friends. Who knows who I would be. Without them, I wouldn’t have an identity. They’ve been there for me while I grow as a person, and continue to strive for success. There have been bumps in the road, but none of them throw me off the trail because the people closest to me are there to steer me back on track. When alone, we don’t know our own identity. But together, we can accomplish greatness.