Everything you live though helps make the person who you are now

Nancy Chen 8.9.11

Everything You Live Through Helps Make the Person You Are Now

“I've never tried to block out the memories of the past, even though some are painful. I don't understand people who hide from their past. Everything you live helps to make the person you are now.” by Sophia Loren. Everyone has memories of pain and ecstasy of the past, but we should keep them so it will help us in the future. In the book The Giver by Lois Lowry, the receiver is the only one that holds all the painful and happy memories. The Committee of Elders asked him or her for advice. The receiver then looks into the memories and these memories tell him what to do or not to do. Memories can be a lesson that you learn that will help you in the near future. Everything that you live through helps make who you are now. As I recall to the many memories of Christmas I had, there is only one particular Christmas that was very special to me. I woke up to the sound of laughter from my family. I scrambled out of my bed quickly, remembering it was Christmas. As I sprinted down the stairs, I already saw my cousin and brother unwrapping their presents. I swiftly grabbed a box that said “To: Nancy”. I was hoping this year was different from the rest: no more boring books or girly dolls. To my surprise, this year in this special box was a heart- shaped- locket made out of sterling silver. It had a picture of my whole family and the words “May all of your wishes come true.” My mom gave me a inviting smile, and I hastily ran to her to give a big, meaningful hug. This present was one of the best I had ever had because it was filled with love and passion. A painful memory that scarred my heart was when my best friend moved away when I was 6. We were always together at school and trips. We never split up. Until the day came, she moved away without telling me. As I walked up to her doorstep to ring the doorbell, I looked into the window, her living room was vacant; everything was gone. My little hands banged on the door, but no one answered. I ran home and quickly dialed her house phone, but no one picked up. Tears started flowing out of my eyes. I was devastated. My mom came over and said that they had to move immediately because her father needed a new job. A few months passed, and I still didn't see her. My mom said that they were going to come back, but they didn't. After a few years, my mom told me the real reason why they moved. They didn't have enough money to pay for the taxes and heating/ water bill. I still recall the day before she left. Amanda and I were together playing with our dolls when I looked outside across the street and saw a big truck parked outside of their house. I should've known that they were going to move, but I was trying to be optimistic. Instead, I found out what I thought was going to happen first, was true. After this painful memory, I became stronger. From this experience I learned that many things happen for a reason. In conclusion, the memories that I have lived thorough made me the person who I am now. I became stronger and understand why some things happen for a reason. When my friend moved away I was extremely sad, but now when I think back, I understand why she had to move. Some memories of the past can be painful, but it can help your future and present. Everything you live through helps make who you are now.