Live, Love, Laugh

I believe in love for life. This belief came from my aunt Missy and my Papa. They were both very generous people who enjoyed life to its fullest extent. My aunt passed away in February of 2005, and my grandpa in October of 2007.

The first major lesson I learned in my life was indirectly taught to me by my aunt. She showed me how to give back to my community. My whole life, I have been pushed to do things like volunteer with church or with girl scouts, and until now, I didn’t realize how important those things were. Ever since I can remember, my aunt was always volunteering. She worked at her children’s schools, she helped out with stuff at church; she did everything. When I was about 11, Missy was diagnosed with breast cancer for the second time. Throughout her struggle with life, she was adamant about continuing everything she had always done, about being happy. About a year and a half later, my aunt passed away on Valentine’s Day of my eighth grade year. But she was always happy, doing what she enjoyed doing. She left behind a spirit of giving in my heart, and the memory of her passion toward helping others and giving back to the community.

The second major lesson I have learned in my short lifetime was taught to me by my grandpa. Papa was the most energetic and fun old man I have ever met. He loved being with all of his grandchildren and always had a good time. He passed away suddenly of a heart attack last October, but just thinking of everything he did for everyone is amazing to me. One of his favorite things to do was to do things for other people. His whole life was devoted to helping others. He was a great handy man, and that is what he loved to do. He was like a little kid: he wanted what he wanted and he wanted it now. But what he wanted was never for himself, it was always to make someone else happy.

These two amazing people in my life have greatly influenced my beliefs and what I treasure most. Everyone that knew Missy, especially my grandma, always tell me how much I remind them of her. They always tell me how I am so much like her, and how, inside me, I keep her spirit alive. They tell me how I am just as stubborn as my Papa, and that I share the same joy of life that they both had. I am proud to possess these qualities, and plan on keeping the joy for loving others alive.

I believe in loving life.