The Most Important Person In My Life

Joan Smetana is an eighty-four year old, four foot ten, Catholic-German woman. She is sister to Mary-Ann Koenig wife to the late-Robert Smetana, and mother to Therese and Mary. She has five grandchildren, one of them in me. I love my grandmother, or as I call her: “Nana.” She is one of those woman that everyone loves, whether you know her or not; however, those who are closest to her, her family, tend to love her more from a distance, but love her none the less. She is literally the center of her family, as her house is in between the homes of her two daughters, otherwise known as my backyard and two streets over from my Aunt Mary. Eighteen years of growing up, knowing she was watching out her window for any sign of trouble and having

However, as time progressed my nana’s once sweet smell became stale and her loving embrace started to weaken. she became a shadow of who she was. Dazed and confused, I struggled to hold onto her once strong presence and witnessed a semblance of the strong warm woman that she personified throughout her life. My mother had warned me of the effects of Alzheimer's, but witnessing the transition of my once vibrant Nana turning into a feeble old woman was something that couldn’t be explained. It was something that no one could prepare me for. It was a perspective that helped me grow into the person I am today.

Furthermore, she also fills the nurturing role for my young cousin Sami and showers her with love and attention. Her nurturing tendencies have truly impacted my life, major, and career decisions. As well as being a nurturer, her concern and care knows no bounds. She spends her time, energy, and money rescuing animals from stray cats to racoons and Bryan 2 possums, she has a deep concern for all life.

She always had interest in health and gradually became more passionate about helping others and helping solve whatever problem they may be facing and that’s something I really admire about her. She willing to help whenever she has the opportunity. She had always had a huge passion for learning and reading. Reading is one thing she did a ton with me when I was younger and she really pushed for her kids to know that reading is a very important need in life. She is also very passionate about her family and making sure she attends all events. My mom has taught me through my life to find something you are passionate about and follow through with whatever that might

She told stories that began to have new meaning when she told them for the last time. They felt deeper and drive themselves further into my heart where they still reside. Nana then went on to explain how she was sick of fighting and her one wish was for us to just let her go peacefully. At the time I was so angered by her selfishness. How could she give up when my aunt had another baby on the way. A baby that would never know her grandmother. A baby who would never know the warmth of her hugs. I begged her to stay. I cried at her side begging her to stay so we could make more memories like the ones that she had just told. She refused and told me to stay strong with a smile that I took the wrong way. I was so angry at her. How could she abandon her family? How could she be so greedy to do this? I told her I loved her and walked out of the room in a rage and when I got to the hallway I collapsed in an immense rush of emotions. This competes for the lowest part of my life. I sobbed on the floor and didn’t care who saw me or when a kind nurse tried to help me up. I was frozen in anguish as my mind tried to figure out what was happening. If I had known

Weather can create many mix of emotions that may confuse anyone. A story that can relate to this is “The Love of My Life” by T.C. Boyle which illustrates the theme of weather and its connection to love. Weather always have some sort of connection with humans’ emotion regardless the person’s situation. In “The Love of My Life” the main characters Jeremy and China show their love through moments of certain weather.

At the age of fifteen, I knew I wanted to walk my own path. I was very close to my grandparents when I was younger and we did everything together. On December 11, 2008 my grandmother was coming to the end of a long hard fight with ovarian cancer. A hospice, Julie, was always in the house checking my grandmother’s conditions as she was in a coma. On this particular night I remember Julie taking my grandpa into the kitchen and him running up the stairs after she came out. I knew that this represented bad news for our family. Julie sat at my grandmother’s bed side with me through the night. She comforted me as I was mourning the passing of my grandmother. How Julie was able to balance her care for me and my grandmother that night was amazing. Julie gave me hope and reminded me that I would always have my grandmother in my heart.

Seeing my Nana’s eyes light up when we visited her is a memory I can picture as vividly as a moment that happened yesterday. Being the reason you make someone’s day, or even the reason why she smiles for a split second, is an indescribable feeling to me. This was why it was so necessary for me to want to be there for Nana, even if it was such a small contribution. After she passed away, I realized that while it meant so much to me to be there for her, it meant even more to her. Seeing all of her grandchildren, and children, almost everyday was something that I think, helped her cope with the disease of

Ever since I was a little girl I looked up to my granny. She helped raise me and my brother when my parents had to work. To this day she has made me realize what it is like to be loved and supported. Whenever I need her I know she is only a phone call away. In the future,

There are many people who have shaped my life in a positive or a negative way. One person who has impacted my life in a positive way is Michelle. Michelle used to be my neighbor, and her and her family were the first people to welcome us when we moved. She treated me like family, and I even considered her as my second mom. I was able to tell her anything, and she would always be there for me. Michelle always has a smile on her face that makes me want to smile. Her laugh cheers up the room. Michelle always makes everybody feel welcome in her home.

I could stand up here and tell you all a million of my favorite childhood memories, but we don’t have the time and you would all know much more than you ever wanted to know about me. Anyways, one thing most of those memories have in common, is my Grandma Jo. My Grandma Jo has always been my person. You know, that one person who was placed on Earth to make your life better? Yeah, that’s my Grandma Jo. She always says that I’m the lucky grandchild and I gladly accept that title, take that Daina. I thank my Grandma Jo for teaching me who I am and who I want to be through her passion to serve, love for others, and absurdity she lives by.

My grandmother, Esther Turner, has impacted my life in more ways than just simply being there for me, as a grandmother. She’s much more than that, in my eyes. Being the eldest of three, I’ve always taken on more responsibility as the older sister. It was my job to show my little brother and sister which paths were safe to take in this wild, confusing maze called life. At times, I felt like a mother myself, and at a young age, I found myself slightly intimidated by all the responsibilities that were laid on my shoulders. The main person I could talk to freely and openly, without judgment, was my grandmother. We have always been able to speak to each other about any and everything, nothing was off limits. That’s what I think brought us so close, the fact that she accepted me entirely for the person I presented to her.

Moreover, my mother listened to all my fears and nightmares with patience which can only be admired. She covered my heart and soul with caring love.  Her eyes were so soft, wandering, and full of comprehension when they focused on other people. My

Dear family, mother, father, dearest grandmother, and beloved cousins, if my misfortune is your happiness, then I'll gladly suffer. If my wails at night are music to your ears, then I’ll write you a symphony. If my blood, sweat, and tears keep you shining, then I’ll bleed you an ocean. To my family of whom I would do anything for, if the Hannah Pham in front of you doesn't meet your standards, then, I’ll gladly see her out.

My past has really shaped me into the person I am today, it is the reason I work as hard as i do weather its in school or outside activities. My goal is to better myself to get to where i want to be as I get older no matter the outcome.