I was fortunate enough brought up in a very close-knit family. My mother raised my two sisters and I to always love one another, because nothing was as important as we were to each other. She told us to never let anything or anyone come between us. She taught us to care for the world but be cautious of it. She told us how beautiful and ugly the world could be at the same time. It was hard to believe people could be mean or that people could wish the worst for you; but as a child, you only see the best in everything.

Until I grew older, I never realized or believed that people were capable of being jealous or have bad intentions. Its hard to live in a world that is filled with people who are obsessed with what they do not have and hate those who do have it. It is not until recently that I truly understood these wrongdoings.

Our mother instilled us with the best raising I believe possible. She taught us to always be strong, to never take anything from anyone, and to always give when we could. She taught us how to carry ourselves and how to truly live a gracious life. She would always say "never give anyone any room to say anything about you, not even me". This saying always stuck with me; it has lead me through my life. It has always reminded me to do my best and leave the rest. Although this world can not be pleased, no matter what I had done, I know I did my best, and i'm okay with that.

Jealousy is so very alive. I've had people say my sisters and I should not be as close as we are, especially with our age gap. I've also had people admit they wished they had a family as caring and supportive as mine. Past friends have tried to turn me against my family. Friends accept my mother and sisters as their own. So many people have said I am too dependent on them and they are too worried over me. I realize how many people are envious of my big house, bright future, and strong family, personality, etc.; they are flat out upset at how easily things come to me.

I don't worry about what other people think. I used to wonder why people would ridicule, use, and abandon me. I used to wonder what was wrong with me for them to do this. I now understand how unfortunate these people are. I've learned to pity instead of be angry; and just pray for those who need it. Just because someone has everything, does not mean they are perfect. I'm thankful I was blessed with such a strong foundation mother and two sisters who warned me of these things. In a world that is so obsessed with being perfect, I'm glad that I was raised to remember what's truly important.

To all those who scorn my family, just remember that my roots are strong and I'll be praying for you to understand that.