Sterling was like the little sister I never had. Not many people believe that they can die anytime
or anywhere, but her accident proves them wrong. It was ironic for Sterling, God called her a she was
leaving church. As strange as it may seem, I find peace at her grave, under the oak tree.
crossed the lines of child abuse plenty of times, but I never let his stupidity get the best of me.After a
squabble with my father, I may be found under the oak tree. Even if I would only stay for five minutes, I
relax and escape this world of pain and agony.
a problem with shaking the winners hand, until I competed in the long jump. Too see girls shorter than me, jump
further than me, bothered me. I couldn't understand why, especially when I trained just as hard, if not
harder, than them. Until one day when I sat under the oak tree. I realized it may not be how far I
jump but how high. With that in mind I decided to try the high jump. Despite the fact that I broke
four bones in both feet shortly after that, I understood that under the oak tree I could find the silver lining in things.
allowing simple things like "Will my father flip out on me, if my mom comes home late?", "What will I do after
my semesters at Thomas Nelson are complete?", or "Why does it seem that everything good in my life
plunges to an end?" get to me, I stopped eating. Not by choice, but I would constantly try to keep myself
busy so I couldn't notice the stress. It wouldn't have been so bad if I followed a set schedule, but I
didn't I lived in the streets during the day and would hide myself in my room at night. The only
way I would eat is if somebody reminded me. Dehydrated and disorientated I thought I was going to die.
My mother and I calculated that I had a total of six meals in two weeks. No water, unless you count the
drop they put in soda and about thirty-five sodas After an appointment with my nutritionist, I went to the
oak tree. That's when I realized that I was blessed and that my little sister didn't get a chance to live a
life. I do. So why put myself through things that prohibit me from living this life, no matter how crazy it may get.
strength to forgive my father for his faults, after all no one is perfect. I am grateful to have the courage to
never give up and to keep my head up. Most of all, I am grateful to have the knowledge to appreciate life
and conquer any challenges. I find serenity under the oak tree.