I'm Grateful

I’m Grateful

Alyssa Abbate 5^th hour

There are a few important things that I value that most any teenager would: friends, family, and my faith. Without any of these aspects of my life, I would be void of love and happiness. All of these give me support and it’s nice to know that there’s someone there who cares for you. Quality time with my friends and family gives me joy, because we’re always laughing. I also value honesty. In my opinion, honesty is one of the values that keeps the world stable. Lying and cheating never leads to anything positive. I know who I can trust and who I should think twice about their words. I find it disheartening when I catch someone in a lie because I feel that it is unnecessary and I don’t want them to think they can’t tell me something important. I keep my word and keep things confidential when told to. Trust is key to a healthy relationship with those I love.

I am thankful for a manifold of things. From the house I live in, to the school I attend, to the small, simpler things that I enjoy. I often thank God for each thing I take pleasure in, such as drawing, bubble baths, and hot cocoa. Little things like those perk me up, and I am very glad I have them because sometimes they’re what get me through the day. I have a roof over my head, cupboards of food packed every day, and a warm, cozy bed to relax in each night. I feel secure when I remember that I can call 911 for an emergency, because sometimes I’m afraid something bad will happen. Knowing there are fire fighters, police officers, and ambulances there when I need them is a comforting feeling. Whenever I’m feeling down, my mom reminds me to count my blessings because I am certainly more blessed than most.

The Abbate residence keeps a few traditions each year: we put up the Christmas décor and go to a relative or friend’s house. More often than not, we’d visit my Aunt Sandy, Uncle Lenny, and my cousins Gina and Wesley. We had attended Thanksgiving dinner at their house so many times, we were thinking of having them over ours. But now, it’s a pity because we cannot invite them over. Last year, Wesley lost both of his legs in an accident and cannot get his wheelchair into our house. This year, we are not going to my Aunt Sandy’s house because she is very stressed out with caring for Wesley. We got invited to my mom’s friend Nancy’s house, whose twins Kelly and Dana will be coming home from college and cooking the meal. While they make the best food (Dearborn honey baked ham and more), I am not looking forward to visiting with them. Her house is quite dull and I often get restless sitting around. Not to mention she likes us to visit until almost midnight. It’s hard to muster up the energy to score deals on Black Friday the next day with little sleep! Despite my protests, we will be going there. Although I will not enjoy Nancy’s house, I will enjoy her daughters’ cooking and putting up our Christmas decorations.