2009

A child; so pure and full of life.

Not a care in the world, unable to sin.

Naive to the outside because you were always safely boxed in.

Parents-overbearingly nurturing.

Siblings-old enough to know what is going on.

Why are mom and dad so uneasy, what could have brought this on?

You sat, and you asked which only made dad mad.

He looked at you with defeat in his eyes.

You could feel his hurt and wanted to hide.

The reality was harsh and simple-your family was losing your house.

Though you could not help financially because you were too young,

Your good grades brought such light and strength, soon it became your job.

A satisfaction you could not explain.

It was almost as if your success in school allowed your family a break from the harsh realities.

You never wanted to see them down again,

So, you made it a plan to succeed in what no one in your family ever did¾school.

You family continued to struggle for years,

Concerns of food and necessities became great fears.

So young yet wise beyond twelve years.

Flashforward to high school,

Your family was limping, nonetheless standing on two feet.

At this time, you found your strength and would not accept defeat.

From honor classes to honor roll,

You realized the true power of education,

How you could save your family from desperation.

You are now about to enter your fourth year of college,

Stronger than ever.

How you made it your priority to keep moving forth when it seemed like there was no Heaven.

When you think of the past you can’t help but laugh.

How a child so pure and full of life learned the most valuable lesson;

Never forget the pain of the journey, for it makes the destination that much richer.