The Give to Your Take

Chapter One

     5 years ago today my grandpa died, and as they do every year on March 3rd, memories and depressing thoughts burden my brain and make it hard to carry out my day-to-day activities for 24 hours.
     I was just 11 years old when my grandfather, Michael James Miles, passed away from lung cancer caused by the chemicals he inhaled during his fight in the Vietnam War.
My grandpa was my favorite person when he was alive. I always found myself going to him when I was seeking comfort for whatever reason. Sometimes we didn't even talk when I was having a hard time, because his presence was enough to make me feel better.

"How was school today?"
"I don't want to talk about it."
"Ok."
I sit in the armchair next to the identical one that he is sitting in. He reads To Kill a Mockingbird for what is probably the thousandth time while I stare at the carpet beneath me.
After about a half an hour of sitting in complete silence, I look over to see him fast asleep. I get up, tiptoe over to his resting body, and gently lay his favorite red blanket over him so every part of him except his head is covered.
I go back to my chair and resume staring at the floor, but this time I am smiling. I feel ok now. I'm not sure where my previous emotions went, but all I know is that I feel better, and it's because I'm around my favorite person in the universe, the only person that is able to pull me out of my slumps. I'm happy again.

Exactly two weeks from now, my little brother, Austin, will be 5 years old. Austin is my favorite person in the whole world. Although he is young, he seems to be the only one who listens to me without judging me. He's the smartest child I've ever met, and I'm so lucky to have him as a brother.

"Austin, will you promise me something?"
He takes his eyes off the book we are reading together and directs them towards me.
     "Promise me that when you're older, you won't get yourself involved with stupid drama and people that don't matter."
     Confusion washes over his face as he says, "Isn't that what you do?"
     I stare at my 3 year old brother, who I assume never pays any attention to my rants that make about my petty high-school problems.
"Ya, I guess so, but I don't want you to. I want you to have a stress-free academic experience.
He nods and turns back to the book, ushering me to continue reading.
This kid is amazing.

It has always been strange to me. Why did my family have to lose someone special to us to get someone special? And why does it feel like the same thing is happening again?

HOPE Y'ALL LIKE IT SO FAR!!! I really like the idea of this book and it's a reflection of what has happened to me in my own life.