It all started on a hot summer day in the summer of 2010. This is when my life began to change. It was the middle of June when we found out my aunt had breast cancer. It was hard for everybody to understand because she was feeling so well. We all hoped for the best. Soon she started chemo therapy every other week. She became very tired and weak but it was all to help her in the end. In an effort to help my aunt and uncle, we had lots of sleepovers with my cousins. My cousins’ became our best friends. They are close in age to my siblings and me. Spending time together made things easier and happier because it kept our minds off our worries. My cousins and I are like sisters now since we have been through so much. Weeks continue to pass and my concern for my aunt is still a constant reminder of how fragile life is. However, I have hope and pray for strength and good health so my aunt will soon be well again.

Later in the summer, my family experienced another life changing event. My family and I were getting ready to go to a swimming pool nearby. We were all in our suits ready to go when my dad got a call. He was talking on the phone with my aunt who was in Florida. We soon found out she was in the hospital because my uncle had a heart attack. We arrived at the pool nervous and shocked because no one knew what would happen next. The next day we called to find out the details of my uncle’s health. It was hard to relax with so many questions unanswered. Later, the doctor confirmed my uncle was in a coma. Days passed, then weeks, still my whole family wishing, hoping, and praying for the best.

About a month passed with no change in my uncle’s status. Then my mom entered my room in tears with the tragic news. My uncle passed away. So many thoughts raced through my head. I thought to myself why now, he was so young, and what about his family? The room was spinning. I didn’t know what else to do but to burst into tears. Three days passed and that was when my whole point of view changed. I came to realize that I am so lucky to have a great family. We grieved for my uncle together. We supported each other during this great time of sorrow and remembrance of a great man. We also celebrated the life that he had and shared with us. From this experience, we have become closer than ever. We will always try to make the best of things. I take each day and enjoy it as much as I can because you never know when things might change. I always tell myself to keep smiling. The summer of 2010 will never be forgotten because of those life changing experiences.