St. Augustine

Desmond Tutu once said, "You don't choose your family. They are God's gift to you, as you are to them." Family is the foundation of everyone. We are prepared for life through our experiences as we grow within our families. Both positive and negative family experiences affect individuals and make them the people they will be as adults. Our values are developed by our family as we grow. Those lucky enough to have positive, healthy family will have a safe harbor for the rest of their lives. Family is a gift.

I am lucky enough to be an individual with a positive, healthy family. My greatest memories in my life are with my family. As the youngest of three boys, I have always been taught to work hard and be strong. Unfortunately, over the past year my brothers have not been right with me. I was used to always having us together. My oldest brother was deployed to Afghanistan and he could not even be with us for the holidays. My other oldest brother now attends St.Augustine, after I was used to us being in school together every day since I was in kindergarten. I am hoping to be back with him next year for his final two years of high school. My older brothers were always there to protect me whenever I am in need of extra support and I do the same for them. Our family continues to struggle at times and be in times of need, but we constantly remind each other that God has given us the gift of family.

Everyone should be blessed with a family who loves and supports them. I am thankful to have a family who loves me and continues to prepare my foundation for a strong, healthy adulthood. The bond my family created for us will forever be with me. They are and always will be my "gift from God." I will continue to have my place as a "gift from God" to each and every one of my family members.