Winter, Florida, 2014

My grandfather is one of the veterans he fought in the vietnam war. He helped me and my generation be free and have so many of the rights I have today. The freedoms we have today we did not have years we

The fresh morning air was cool against my face. Father had been gone for a while now, he had been called by his work for some “serious business.” As my sister Aliah, and I played in the pond by our 2 story house, we heard a faint muttering of Father’s pick-up.

And then, the day I had feared of most, finally arrived. We lost our father, the only figure I truly felt safe with. After months of mourning and painful transformations, our mother fell sick. In those terrible days, days during which I was locked in the basement most of the time, for my safety and even more: for the safety of my family, I was incapable of helping. To this, I regret even today.

I lazily stared out a large pane window until my gaze locked on a truck, slowly removing the snow on the winding road with its bright yellow plow. I jumped up from the warm couch, running across the dark, hardwood floors of the living room and onto the gray tiles of the kitchen.

Morning arrived yet this time with a cheerful face of my mother and my healing brother’s smile. For the first time, this felt like home exactly, the way we lived 2 years back with warmth and happiness echoing in our house. I almost forgot the comfort of sitting on a couch or laying on a bed beside my mother. The aroma of her devouring food filled the house and the riddles of my ever loved brother never stopped, now, I had no need to keep track of

“Dwight, Grandpa has passed away,” those words would haunt me for the rest of my life but those few words would change my life forever. I couldn’t believe those few words that I was hearing from my mother. My denial was just too great especially my grandfather was the one who dropped me off early that day and he looked as healthy as ever. I couldn’t think straight after I got off the phone except of the idea that I wanted to lock myself out from the rest of the world and breakdown in my own world. Eventually it was like I slap back to reality when my mind came across these two questions, “who’s gonna be the man of the house and who’s gonna help my family get through this difficult time?”

The Coldest Winter Ever is a novel by Sister Souljah. It is about a teenage girl, Winter Santiaga. This novel tells Winter’s story and what happens when fast money and a flashy life style tares her whole world apart. The author Sister Souljah did a great job in depicting the characters in The Coldest Winter Ever. Winter being the main character; is the most depicted out of all the other characters in the novel.

My grandfather in law, Ray Schmitt, had a true connection with me and my family. Even though he was not directly related, he always treated me and my family like his sons and daughters. He would always welcome us with smiles and even though he fought through hard times, like occasion strokes, he never forgot to put a big smile on his face. My mom said, “ He was a devoted family man to everyone, and he was devoted to the faith, and that showed in his actions.”

Both of my grandfathers have always been an enormous inspiration to me. Growing up in Germany during World War II, my grandfather on my mother's side was forced to overcome a great deal of disapproval and diversity. As a result his family moved to the United States and he became a minority in his school and society seeing that he only knew a few English words. His strength during his adolescence is beyond inspirational, however, beyond question his greatest influence on me is his passion for golf. I️ began playing golf with him when I️ was ten years old and it was the best decision I️ have ever made.

I was walking to my house after a long day of school. All day I was waiting for this moment; To see my dog. I walked inside. I saw my dad, which was strange because he was never home. I look around. There was an empty dog bed, covered in brownish-red fur. My sister’s head was in her hands, she was shaking uncontrollably. I turn towards my dad, his eyes filled with pity and sorrow. I set my backpack down and search for my companion. Being the insensitive and ignorant child I was, I ask, “ Where’s Duke?”. My dad glanced at me making direct contact. The words I was about to absorb , were almost deadpan. He replied monotonously, “ He’s gone.”. The only word that can explain how I was feeling was numb. I hadn’t realized the stumble backwards into the wall, or the tears shed, not even the comfort I was trying to be given. Though I thought that this was going

Approaching the age of fourteen, my mother told me stories of my Grandpa Creg. My grandfather, a Vietnam War Veteran, World War II War veteran, and recipient of a purple heart, fought courageously for the United States of America. One of

The veterinarian placed a blanket on the floor in a room where I could snuggle with Emmy and say my last good-bye. As I crouched down to the floor and placed my face by Emmy’s, I heard one sound that I will never forget. A soft, little purr escaped from Emmy, almost as if she was saying good-bye to

One morning I got called down to the office with my cousins they said they will be here shortly when they pulled in we walked out and they said grandpa gust passed away and when we

Some may say winter is the best time of the year. On the other hand, some may say they don’t think it’s so special. I happen to think that winter is when God received the thought in his mind to create me. Yes, that’s how at one I feel with any and everything that has to do with winter. From the cold days where you can barely walk without feeling the chilly linen rub your unshaved legs. To the mornings where your car creates a blaring noise that communicates to the neighbors it will not be leaving the drive way. It’s all a part of the winter chronicles and I wouldn’t have it any other way. The main thing that comes to mind when I think of why I love winter so much is Christmas though. This time of year people get in the spirit of decorating and they also change the way the treat others on a daily basis. And thinking of their loves ones through special gifts makes it even better. The saying goes Tis the Season to be jolly and I certainly feel jolly the whole season when I know that I can look forward to these wonderful things taken place.

Both my parents burst through the doors, looking slightly concerned. “Mehak, why are you screaming?” My mom questioned. My eyes started to get watery, thinking of all the terrible possibilities, and I got a feeling in my gut that something was wrong. “Grandpa... H-he...w-were t-talking a-and h-he started c-coughing a-and the l-line w-went d-dead.” I stuttered, not knowing what to think. My dad flew out of the room, probably to contact my grandma about what was going on.