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A loud endearing Italian family mixed in with the gentle kindhearted nature of the English kin with a dash of Lebanon heritage, is my exotic upbringing. Both families come from different places and customs but united with such ease. Like the puzzle was complete when my parents got married. Two pieces missing each other absolute opposite personality traits to be in balance
She’s so poise intellectual and confident in every step she takes, this is what used came to mind every time she strolled in the room. Before the age I realized who “me” is, I was convinced I wanted to be her. Now she is simply my inspiration and challenger, nothing more nothing less. For now she stands on a pedestal I’m constantly jumping to reach. It may be too tall and me too short but I’ll grow in time and strength.
It was just a happy light spirited evening, my whole family relaxing in the living room at my grandparents, Just high on life it self. Celebrating each other and pure happiness. My aunt Jessica was the star of the party. Handing my six cousins and me our favorite sweets. Telling about her exciting adventure to Venice in incredible details. But in foresight this joy was only mocking us. Grief was about to strike and strike hard. My mom just looked so pretty that sunset but something was amiss something I couldn’t name. She had lost that twinkle in her old two eyes but still held that smile on her face like life itself depend on it. I was seven that evening but in one sentence I realized life wasn’t going to fair in any way. Finally I got was told the secret that everyone in the room had just be told a moment before. My grandfather, who was so full of life, was now running out of it. He had lung cancer and the doctors wouldn’t be able to do anything. I remember how I rushed to the medicine cabinet to hand my Guido (grandfather in Lebanon) some cough medicine my mom would give my sisters and I when we were terribly sick. When I handed it to him everyone was silent even the wind that was blowing through the open window didn’t dare make a sound. But this gesture only seemed to make my mom cry. I hate to see her cry and out of confused and fear I soon found hot tears rolling down my pink cheeks as well. But the one thing I’ll never forget is during this dramatic and heartbreaking moment in time my Guido never failed to keep his warm smile on his lips. He patted my dad; his son on the shoulder to remind him things will be okay. It was remarkable! No one would have guessed that this was his tragedy. It was almost like he was apologizing to us. He’s lived a great life of love and burdens. He’s discovered Indian barrel sites and help save tribes. However he’s always said having children was his smartest choice ever. |
