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Prompt: Describe a situation where your values or beliefs
were challenged . How did you react? (200-500 words)
Hanging above a simple Chinese alter in my living room is
a faded picture of a slumbering baby. When I was eight years
old, I asked my mother the infant's identity. A strange look
passed over her face, as though she were debating the wisdom
of answering me. After a moment, she took my hand and said
in a serious tone, "That is your brother Victor." I laughed
playfully at what I thought was a joke, exclaiming, "No, mommy,
I don't have a brother!" But the sadness with which she responded,
stating "He died when he was a baby, " convinced me it was
true.
The shock of this revelation at such a tender age affected
me as nothing ever would again. "My brother?" I repeated to
myself. "I had a brother?" My confusion was profound; everything
I knew about my little world was shattered, torn as ragged
as the edges of the baby's photo. >From that point onwards,
my life changed dramatically. Reality replaced the simplicity
of my former, carefree days, and thrust me into an adult world
of sadness and pain. How could life be so unfair? What could
a little baby have done to deserve this? I couldn't answer
these questions, which made me feel helpless and frustrated.
At that age, comprehending death was a monumental task. I
had only been exposed to it on television, with fictional
characters I did not know. I never understood until that moment
the finality of dying. I would never know my brother, or play
with him, or even look into his eyes. The pain this caused
within me has not lost its intensity to this day, and it never
will. A wave of sadness always breaks over me when I think
of him--even as I write these lines.
I had always longed for a brother, even before I learned
my mother's secret. An older brother to guide me and be my
companion would have been a blessing. When I learned of my
lost opportunity, I felt cheated. My entire life would be
empty without Victor there to share it with me. There would
always be something missing. For many years, I thought I would
never escape the devastation of his death.
Five years ago, however, a miracle took place. My half sister
Rebecca came into this world. I cannot explain the love I
feel for her. When she looks at me with her bright eyes and
tells me that she loves me, it brings me so much joy. Each
one of her smiles is priceless. Best of all, she has something
I have always longed for: an older brother to look up to,
and to go to with her problems. That person is me! This knowledge
is an overwhelming blessing. Through her, I can fulfill the
role that Victor never had a chance to. I can guide her in
the right paths, and be a shoulder to lean on for the rest
of her life.
My relationship with Rebecca has been instrumental in dealing
with Victor's loss. She has given me purpose. This is my opportunity
to be the elder brother that I always longed for. I look forward
to this special gift every day of my life.
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