Each year, many children and adults die in car accidents. Some of the accidents have been caused from individuals driving drunk and talking on the phone while driving. However, I never thought one of my nephews was going to die at a young age.

            It was a beautiful morning in June 2005, when two of my nephews visited me. Ken was 2 years old, and Nashawn was 3. I was very excited to see both of them, and I knew they were happy to see me. I started playing video games with them to join the fun they were having. After we played the games, I asked, “Does anyone want snacks from the store?” Ken and Nashawn screamed, “Yes”! When we arrived at the store, I told them to get the snacks they wanted. Next, I paid for their snacks and we returned to my mother’s house. Then, the boys and I watched television while we ate our enjoyable snacks. Ken asked Nashawn, “Can I have some of your candies?” Nashawn said, “No, because you had candies.”

            A few seconds later, Ken grabbed five pieces of Nashawn’s candies and ate them. My two nephews started fighting and I had to stop them. They apologized to each other and continued playing their video games. A year later, Ken and I were watching one of his favorite television shows. I said, “I have to leave Ken.” He said, “I want to go.” I told him I was going to work, and he had to stay with my mother. Five minutes later, I went to my car and Ken ran behind me. When I got in my car, Ken kicked one of the doors because he was mad. During that moment, I told him bye-bye but I did not know that was going to be my final goodbye.

            Furthermore, my 3-year-old nephew was in a car accident with his mom during March of 2006. His mother lost control of her vehicle which caused the Chevrolet Suburban to flip five times. Ken died one day later at a hospital in South Carolina, but his mother survived. I was very sad to hear about my nephew’s death because I was not expecting it. I also was unable to apologize for not being able to take him to my job. As a result, I learned that I have to live each day like my last because the next day is not guaranteed.

            Everyone thinks about getting revenge or not during a time in his or her life. Some people are successful with returning harm toward another person while others believe it is pointless. However, my cousin, Kendra has always been a faithful wife, but her honesty was not good enough for her cheating husband.

            On a cloudy day in September of 2008, my family members and I went to Six Flags Amusement Park to enjoy our vacation. When we arrived, we paid for our tickets and started to experience the exciting roller coasters and activities. The foods smelled very delicious just like they tasted, but the weather was not looking at its best. I was happy to see a smile on everyone’s face because I knew he or she was having fun. During that moment, I did not think someone was going to ruin the fun we were having. Kendra and her husband, Omar started arguing about him getting another female’s telephone number in front of her. I thought he was very disrespectful and rude, but I did not want to get involved with their problems.

            A year later, Kendra caught Omar and two females having sex in their house. She felt humiliated and angry until she wanted him to suffer. After she left her house, she came to visit me. She said, “I am tired of trying to make my marriage work with Omar. I hate him and I wish he dies!” I said, “It is not good to wish death on another person.” She said, “I know but I have to get my revenge.” I said, “Do not do anything crazy because it is not worth losing your children or going to prison.” Three months later, my cousin started dating another man while she was still married to her husband. Kendra told me that she wanted a divorce, but she loved her husband.

            On October 18, 2009, Omar was involved in a car accident with one of his friends. His friend died but Omar is in a coma, and Kendra is praying for him to recover. In contrast, I think my cousin is a wonderful woman and wife, because she continues to support her husband after he had an affair. As a result, getting revenge does not make things right, but I think each person should treat his or her significant other like he or she wants to be treated because anything can happen.

            Many parents have always told their children to avoid using illegal drugs because they are dangerous. Some teenagers are following their parents’ instructions, while others are using drugs to experience the affects. However, my cousin, Tyquan developed a drug addiction that created a terrible impact in his life.

            On a rainy day in January of 2004, Tyquan and I went to church. When we arrived, the preacher informed Tyquan about a new position in the church. Reverend Solomon said, “The members and I would like you to teach our teens’ class on Sundays.” Tyquan said, “I would love to teach the teenagers about God.” I was very happy for him because I knew I was going to learn a lot from being in his class. I thought his new position was outstanding, because he was able to relate to the teens more since he was 24 years old. He enjoyed being a Christian that constantly read the Bible, and he always talked to me about getting baptized. Three months later, I was baptized along with one of my brothers. I felt very happy and proud for receiving a closer relationship with Christ.

            On May 11, 2007, Tyquan’s grandmother became very ill, and he believed it was his job to care for her because she raised him. As months passed by, Tyquan became depressed with his grandmother’s health condition. He had begun snorting cocaine and other drugs to help him feel better, but it made things worst. Tyquan was arrested for causing a car accident under the influence of alcohol, but no one was injured. Two months later, he was released from jail and he had begun to make positive changes in his life. He started teaching the young people in different communities about Christ, and he also tried speaking to drug dealers about finding legal jobs. Everyone was extremely happy to see my cousin’s improvements, but his positive changes did not last long.

            Finally, on August 28, 2009, his grandmother died. He felt sad and lonely because he loved her more than anyone. Now, he is back using drugs because he is upset with God for the passing of his grandmother. However, I am very disappointed in Tyquan’s behavior, because I admired him for teaching me about Christ. As a result of his situation, I have learned that using drugs only make problems worst instead of better.

            Many African American children grow up without having fathers in their lives. Some kids do not have fathers to care for them because their dads are in prison or dead. However, my father is still living but he has never been a reliable parent.

            As a nine-year-old child, I always dreamed about having a close relationship with my dad, because all my friends had wonderful relationships with their fathers. My mom and I had one of the strongest relationships that a child can have with his or her parents, but I always felt like I was missing something. I was missing a relationship with my father. On December 20, 1996, which was my birthday, my father came to visit me and he brought me a present. I was very excited to see him and to open my gift. My dad said, “I really didn’t know what type of gift you wanted, so I hope you like it.” I smiled and I quickly opened my present. It was a talking doll and I was happy to have it.

          Before my dad left to return to his house, I asked, “When are going to take me to the theater?” He said, “I will take you next Friday.” When Friday came, my father did not show up. I was very sad and disappointed because I wanted us to spend time together. A year later, my dad came back to visit me. He asked, “Would you like to go fishing next Saturday?” I said, “Yes, I would love to go with you!” When Saturday arrived, my father was nowhere to be found. I felt upset and angry because he was a liar. As years passed by, my father continued to tell me lies about taking me places and giving me money.

       Finally, my mother raised me as a single-parent, and she had to play the role as my father. Sometimes I wished I was able to create a father for myself. If I was able to create my father, he would have the characteristics of loving, caring, understanding, and trustworthy, because those are some of the traits I have never had in a father.

           Several teenagers enjoy planning for their futures without knowing when their deaths are going to arrive. Many juveniles do not think about dying because some of them believe they are too young. However, my cousin, Tiara was an intelligent female that experienced a horrible death.

            On a sunny and windy day in March of 1995, Tiara’s father died from the most deadly disease in the African American culture which is known as AIDS. She was very sad and emotional about her father’s death because they were close friends. During the previous year, her mother died from AIDS and the passing of her father made things worst. As months passed by, Tiara graduated from Jasper County High School, and she was very excited about joining the United States Army. I was very proud of her because she was a wonderful cousin and an amazing role model. Tiara loved taking me places because she knew I admired her caring personality.

           In November of 1995, Tiara and I walked to one of the stores in our hometown. When we arrived, she said, “I have something to tell you.” I smiled because I thought she had good news. She said, “I am not leaving in December to join the military.” I felt happy because I did not want her to leave me, but I still wanted her to do something positive. During that moment, I thought she was finished sharing her news with me, but I was not prepared to hear the rest of it. She stated, “I am pregnant and I plan to join the military during the next year.” As a 10-year-old child, I felt very jealous and sad, because I thought she was not going to have time for me. On May 10, 1996, Tiara gave birth to a handsome boy, and I begun to like my new relationship with Tiara and her son.

           Finally, the worst tragedy of my life came too soon. Tiara was shot five times by her new boyfriend on Christmas Day because she ended their relationship. I felt pain and sadness because my role model was gone forever. She was killed two days before her 19^th birthday, and she was also expecting another child. Tiara’s death will remain unforgettable because she was my angel.

            Many females develop thoughts in their minds about having children. Sometimes several females are unable to have children, because of different problems that can occur in their bodies. However, my friend, Shanna experienced a miscarriage that strongly affected her.

            On May 10, 2009, Shanna and I went to the beach on Hilton Head Island, which is located in South Carolina. Hundreds of people were at the beach enjoying the warm and sunny weather when we arrived. After Shanna and I took our supplies from out the car, we had begun playing volleyball. I was having a lot of fun as the soft and brown sand comforted my feet during the game. I asked Shanna, “Would you like to have a volleyball match?” She said, “Sure, I would love to beat you!” We played a total of five games, and Shanna won three games while I won two.

         After the final game was over, we had begun to cook beef patties on the grill. As we both took turns cooking on the grill, I watched the rushing waves in the beautiful and sparkling ocean, as I listened to the birds sung their sweet tunes. Finally, we ate our delicious burgers and relaxed, as the cool water from the ocean touched our bodies. The next day, I went to Shanna’s house for her to braid my hair. When I arrived, I noticed her appetite was bigger than usual. I asked, “Why are you eating a lot?” She said, “I have something to tell you.” I asked, “What is it?” Shanna said, “I am pregnant, and I want you to be my child’s godmother.” I told Shanna that I would love to be her child’s godmother. On September 12, 2009, I was told that Shanna and her boyfriend were fighting, and it caused her to have a miscarriage. I was also told that she would not be able to have children. I cried once I heard the news and I felt very sad, because I knew Shanna always wanted a big family.

            Consequently, Shanna was upset and emotional over her situation. Each time when I think about Shanna’s problem, it makes me cry because she is only 25 years old, and I know she would have been a great mother. As a result of her situation, I have learned to always avoid abusive relationships because they do not have happy endings.

          Several individuals dream of having an amazing career or job that provides them with a numerous amount of money each year. Many people struggle with different situations that can occur in a working environment such as fights and arguments. However, Cindy who once was my manager developed a stealing habit that destroyed her reputation and job’s position.

            On a warm and sunny day in June of 2004, my aunt, Annie and I went to Bluffton, South Carolina because I was interested in finding my first job. The first place we went to was Wendy’s restaurant, and I did not have any luck with getting employed. The next place we went to was Burger King, and I was told by the manger that he was not hiring. During that moment, I started to feel sad, because I really wanted someone to hire me. After I was told the disturbing news from the manager, my aunt and I left to continue my search for a job. As my aunt was driving her vehicle, I asked, “Why is it hard for a 17-year-old female like me to find a job?” My aunt said, “I have no idea, but you have to keep trying your best to find a job.”

            Finally, I was hired by Cindy who was the manager at McDonald’s restaurant. During my first day at work, I felt excited because I was interested in receiving a weekly paycheck. Cindy trained me for the cashier’s position, and I thought she was one of the nicest individuals I have ever met. As months passed by, Cindy and I became friends and we used to car pool together. The employees and I loved working with her because she was humorous and friendly. In April of 2005, I noticed that cash was being missing from my cashier’s drawer. I asked a co-worker, “Have you been missing cash from your drawer?” He responded, “Yes, I have been missing cash each day Cindy works.” Jerome and I reported the problem we were having to Sandra who was the store manger. When Sandra approached Cindy, Sandra realized that a total of $1,300 was missing. Cindy stated, “I did not steal any cash. It was Tori that stole the $1,300.” Tori and Cindy started fighting after Cindy made that remark and they were arrested.

            Consequently, Cindy was caught stealing the cash on a videotape, and she was also terminated. Tori received her job back at McDonald’s restaurant, and she was promoted to a manager’s position. As a result, I discovered that I can not only judge a person by his or her character, because he or she can be capable of committing crimes.

            For several years, many teenagers and young adults have been distributing drugs throughout the urban communities. Some drug dealers choose to sell drugs because they do not want a legal job. However, my cousin, La-Brone became another young black male caught in the criminal justice system. 

            During the year of 2004, La-Brone received major accomplishments such as being the most outstanding cadet and the most valuable player of his high school’s football team. He also was an honor student that enjoyed showing his intelligence in the classrooms. We were very close cousins that shared secrets and protected each other. On January 5, 2006, I went to La-Brone’s house to invite him to a party that I was sponsoring for one of my friends. When I arrived at his house, I asked, “Would you like to attend a party with me?” He asked, “Who is having a party?” I said, “I am having a surprise birthday party for my friend, Nicaya.” La-Brone said, “Yeah, I guess I will go with you.” During this moment, I did not know La-Brone was going to make the biggest mistake of his life.

            When we arrived at the party, I turned off the lights and told everyone that Nicaya was about to enter the house. Everyone screamed, “Surprise,” once she entered. Nicaya was shocked because she was not expecting a birthday party. While my friends and I were talking, I noticed that La-Brone and his male friends were exchanging small bags. I asked, “What are you doing La-Brone?” He stated, “I am making a hustle so I can have my own money.” I said, “You are too smart to sell drugs.” He said, “I have been selling drugs for two years, but I planned to stop as soon as I get enough money.” One of his friends told him that it was time for them to leave. I felt disappointed and scared because I knew they were going to get in trouble. La-Brone and two of his friends were arrested for arm robbery and possession of drugs.

            As a result of La-Brone’s situation, he received 13 years in prison and both of his friends received five years. For several years, I have been blaming myself for La-Brone’s arrest because I invited him to my friend’s party. Consequently, I have learned that it was not my fault for his arrest because he chose to sell drugs with his friends.

            Many people believe they would never have cancer because they take care of their health. Sometimes a person can have good health and still develop cancer, because some causes of cancer are unknown. However, I have never thought one of my relatives would have cancer until my grandfather was diagnosed with it.

            It was during the winter of 2004, when one of my aunts and I took my grandfather to visit his doctor. When we arrived at his doctor’s office, I waited patiently in the waiting area for my grandfather and aunt to return with some wonderful news. During this moment, my heart was beating fast because I was anxious to know my grandfather’s results. When my grandfather, Nathaniel and my aunt, Betty came out one of the rooms, I noticed that they did not look happy. I asked, “Is everything fine”? My aunt said, “I will tell you when we arrive home”. I felt clueless as I was driving the car, because my aunt and grandfather have always told me the results. After we arrived home, Betty said, “Your grandfather is not doing well”. I asked, “Why is he not doing well?” My aunt said, “He has cancer and he has to receive chemotherapy”. Tears fell from my eyes after I heard the worst news of my life, but I knew I was going to remain supporting my grandfather.

            During May 25, 2005, I was excited to see my grandfather at my graduation because he was still fighting cancer. When my graduation ceremony ended, my grandfather said, “I am proud of you” and he gave me a hug. After the ceremony, my family and I went home, and my grandfather started working in his garden. He loved working in his garden, because it kept him busy and it reminded him of his childhood. He enjoyed planting crops such as corns, beans, watermelons, and cucumbers. In August 2006, my grandfather had to receive a feeding tube, because he was not receiving enough nutrients. During this moment, I knew things were going to get worst. On November 1, 2006, my grandfather was rushed to the hospital because he was having problems with breathing. One month later, my grandfather died from lung and prostate cancer.

            Finally, I have never thought my grandfather was going to develop cancer, but I have learned from his experiences with it. One of things I have learned is smoking is a major risk for getting cancer, but sometimes nonsmokers get cancer because doctors do not know all the causes of cancer.

     Many females enjoy being great mothers to their children while others get abortions because they are afraid of the responsibilities. Some females share important reasons for getting abortions while others have unnecessary reasons. However, I have never thought my cousin Tonya was going to surprise me with getting an abortion.

            It was a beautiful sunny morning of July 8, 2005, when I found out Tonya was pregnant. I was very happy to hear the news from my mother because I loved being around children. After I left my mother’s house, I visited Tonya to congratulate her on her pregnancy. When I arrived at Tonya’s house, I noticed she did not look happy. I asked, “How are you feeling”? Tonya said, “I am feeling fine but I am not happy with my pregnancy”. I asked, “Why are you not happy with your pregnancy”? Tonya said, “I am scared because this is my first pregnancy”. I was surprised to hear Tonya was scared because she has always been a brave person. During that moment, I have never thought Tonya was hiding something from me because she was my favorite cousin.

            Three months later, I heard the devastating news about Tonya’s final result. Tonya had an abortion because she did not know which guy impregnated her. I was very hurt by the disturbing information because Tonya and I always shared our secrets around each other. After I heard the news, I went to Tonya’s house to speak with her about the situation. Tonya said, “I did not want to tell you the truth because you always had a lot of faith in me”. I said, “I still would have kept my faith in you and remained to accept you”. Tonya promised that she would not keep anymore secrets away from me.

            As a result of Tonya’s situation, she has learned not to have unprotected sex with more than one man. However, I was left unhappy with Tonya’s abortion because I thought she should have given birth to her first child.