Uncle Steven's Lessons by Tayla Rivera

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    Tayla Rivera
    Ms. Beltrami
    Period 2
    September 26, 2011
    
    Uncle Steven's Lessons
    
    I always used to hold grudges and thought that life was long enough. I thought that if you stayed mad at people it did not really matter because you would eventually find other people to replace them with. I was wrong. About four years ago an uncle, whom I was close with since I was younger, was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer.
    
    Once he was diagnosed, the doctors gave him a few months to live after all the surgeries and procedures he had to go through. He was in his early fifties. My uncle did not want to hear it, he was such a fighter. He lasted four whole years with his battle. Then he passed away after his long road of fighting and beating the odds.
    
    During my uncles long battle he never got along with his father (my grandfather). He always had said that he never wanted him at his wake if anything happened to him during his battle. Near the end of my uncles four year battle he finally wanted to make peace with my grandfather because he knew God would not take him if he did not make peace with all of the people in his life.
    
    We had all knew his death was coming we never wanted to accept it though. His death made me open my eyes and realize a lot though. I learned that no matter what you go through with someone you can never hold a grudge. No matter how bad the fight is, or how upset you get with the person because life is way to short to stay mad. You never know what people have going on in their lives. I learned that no one is perfect you have to accept people for who they are and what they believe in.
    
    Another thing my uncle taught me was how to be strong and courageous. When you have cancer you only have a certain time limit from your doctors. My uncle was given months to live after his chemo-thearpy and surgeries. But he fought and did not give up. He lasted four years with his cancer. He beat the odds and never gave up. He knew he had to be strong and courageous if he wanted to continue his life and that is exactly what he did. He was dedicated to surviving and I learned if I want something I have to fight my hardest to get it and fight my hardest to win all my battles.
    
    I know now that holding grudges is not worth it. You have to let go and make peace in order to be happy. Wether you want to be happy in life or in your after life. You have to make peace with everyone in your life, and just forgive and forget. Thats a life long lesson my Uncle’s death taught me and I’ll always remember it. My uncle was one of the greatest men a lot. He taught me so much in my short life. I will never forget my uncle or his amazing courage and strength to fight as long as he did.
    
    
    Thank you Tayla,
    Aunty Betty
    X <3 X