Childhood Education

Childhood Education (a) Addition of two key concepts to the writers vocabulary The showing of schooling as ‘monocultural and ‘taken-for-granted practices in schools and centres do not easily support or match those of the children and their families. In universalist truth and monocultural perspective, the culture of one group/class is clearly privileged above the other where human agency may be frail, especially among those with little power, but it happens daily therefore it deserves our attention. In such circumstances what is often silenced is the known socio-historical and cultural world of concerned families, the familiar signs and symbols, and established social and cultural practices and beliefs. Until we appreciate the physical existence, experiences, and knowledges of the traditionally marginalized, our concern for child will never be realized. (Nicola Yelland, Critical issues in early childhood education, p 26-32) The Mosaic Approach, involving a process both the gathering of materials and dialogue, reflection an interpretation of these documents facets of the preschool. It recognizes that children are experts in their own lives and uses range of different ways of documenting childrens views and everyday experiences. It is multi-method recognizing the multiple languages of childhood and adopt the participatory approach by involving children. The UN Child Rights convention also recognized the children participation and importance of their views in matters relating to them. (Gunilla Dahlberg Peter Moss, Ethics and politics in early childhood education: p 158-161) b) Concept needs more study Yelland, in â€Å"critical issues in early childhood education† states that childrens experiences and expectations are determined by their local communities, particular political and economic strata, and specific ethnic and cultural groups. The mono-cultural approach is ethnocentric and that it ignores the range of life contexts and knowledges experienced by children from diverse cultural, ethnic, linguistic and value contexts. Therefore I want to investigate that the current mono-cultural practices prevailing in the preschools and child care centres, is how much detrimental to the children mental and physical development and effects of parents resistance in following such practices. c) Linkage of ideas (a) (b) to child in surrounding As the world becomes a global village, few countries can lay claim to a truly homogeneous population. Today, multicultural diversity characterizes most countries, a factor that has enormous implications in early childhood education. Childrens experiences and expectations are determined by their local communities and particular ethnic or cultural grouping. Muslim origin Australians living in neighbouring environment have specific cultural sensitivity predominantly female and can not be merged into mono-cultural setup. Therefore they need education services that take into account their diverse cultural, economic and ethnic background. Community Reflection a) Central idea a reading: critical issues in early childhood education (Nicola Yelland) Yelland, in â€Å"† portrays that many early childhood educators, researchers and theorists throughout the world are focusing attention on the ecology of childhood. Numerous researchers, as part of an ecological approach to understanding childrens development, have explored family characteristics and how they interact with the community at large. In order to truly children, however, we must select a broader orientation. Development can only be fully understood when it is viewed in the larger cultural context. A child culture may be the mainstream or dominant culture, or it may be one of many subcultures that can found in almost any country. Therefore there is a need for dialogue among early childhood educators, both within their own communities and with colleagues from other countries. This collegial communication deepens early childhood educators understanding of childrens similarities and differences. Therefore, Yelland emphasised that reconceptualists and developmentalists should join together to generate new discourses and to construct actions that actually challenge the power that has been created over children which has led to their being constructed and labeled as ignorant, innocent, and without agency beyond their own developmental explorations. b) Other proposed reading The â€Å"critical issues in early childhood education† examines research across a range of settings on professional development and school readiness and provides a solid foundation of knowledge the early childhood education field needs by viewing childrens native culture in the larger context. In agreement to the above study I would refer to the study â€Å"Multiple literacies in early childhood† of Jones Diaz, Arthur Beecher arguing that early childhood educators need to go beyond developmentalist and constructivist models of literacy which categorise cultural and social difference within fixed boundaries as add on inclusions to mainstream views of language and literacy learning. It explored frameworks of poststructural and critical theories, providing contextually effective starting points to maximize childrens social and cultural capital. The study identified the significance of popular culture and childrens divers literacy practices. It further describes that challenge for early childhood educators is to find out about childrens multiple literacies and integrate these into the program. Reference ___________________ Jones Diaz, Arthur Beecher, Multiple literacies in early childhood. Paper presented at AARE, Sydney University, Dec 4-7, 2000 on line: http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-66494206/multiple-literacies-early-childhood.html

Compare Contrast: Hitler and Roosevelt

Compare/Contrast Hitler and Roosevelt The World War II era brought out many leaders, but two that were commonly acknowledged were Franklin D. Roosevelt and Adolf Hitler. Both men were very popular and were known throughout the world for their choices. The men had differed personalities but some traits were the same in both of them. The similarities and differences when comparing the two men are extremely noticeable. Hitler and Franklin are similar in the way of both being leaders of a powerful nation. Hitler led Germany while Roosevelt led the United States.These men both had a stubborn trait, which could be used good or bad. They both used the media as a way to convey their messages and to convince the public that their argument was better. Both men were also considered to be very headstrong in their ideas and opinions. In addition to their similarities, these men also have numerous differences. Roosevelt was well known for his kind demeanor and his ability to lead the United States during depression and war. Hitler was known for being a dictator and a mass murderer.Roosevelt felt sympathy for the people and his choices in politics reflected this. Hitler was arrogant and racist against various groups of people. The World War II era was a difficult time for the world to overcome. There were many disputes and feuds. Franklin and Roosevelt both contributed to World War II although not always in a positive way. Roosevelt was admired by the public,while Hitler was despised by a majority of the people. The similarities and differences between the two mens personalities and strategies is interesting to learn.Compare/Contrast Works Cited â€Å"Franklin D. Roosevelt. † Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 12 June 2012. Web. 06 Dec. 2012.

My Life As An Immigrant Essay - 1109 Words

My Life as an Immigrant â€Å"Mom, will I ever be treated as a regular person? When will I be like the others without people look at me in a strange way and make fun of me, when mom? When?† Those were the questions I did to my mom almost every day after getting home from school. Fourteen years ago that my parents brought me to this country offering a better life with better opportunities than where I was born. I was seven years old when came to the United States, but I still remember the happiness I felt when I first step in this country. Throughout the years, I have realize that not everything is easy and simple as I imagined. My parents worked in the fields because of the lack of a social security and not knowing how to speak English. Many Americans do not know how hard it is the life of an immigrant, they should have a consideration for us and not just blame us for the deviance of the United States. â€Å"Mija look at the buildings, they are so tall and see those lights they shine very strong at nighttime.† The happiness I had when I came to America was enormous, I never in my life felt as happy as that day. As a girl of seven, my imagination was radical. I could not wait for the morning to arrive to go to school and meet new people. When we arrived at the house where we were going to live, I wander around and for me it was an elegant mansion. Never in my life have I imagined living in such a beautiful house. That day was one of the best childhood days that I ever had. The dayShow MoreRelatedMy Life As An Undocumented Immigrant Analysis961 Words   |  4 PagesJose Vargas tells the story of his life; from coming to America, finding out that he is residing here illegally, learning how to live with that, and finally to sharing with everyone that he is an undocumented immigrant. Jose has a difficult task in front of him, though. He must win his audience over to his side so that he can further his agenda of developing an easier path for undocumented immigrants to receive citizenship. There are many ways he could go about this, trying to skirt the topic ofRead MoreAnalysis Of My Life As An Undocumented Immigrant1127 Words   |  5 Pagesauthor, shares his life-long journey as an undocumented immigrant in his text, â€Å"My Life as an Undocumented Immigrant.† As the title suggests, Vargas attempts to convey to his audience, who likely never has and never will experience anything similar to what he has, what it is like to live as an immigrant in the United States of America. Skillfully, Vargas details the perfect number of personal stories to reach the emotional side of his audience, which is anyone who is not an immigrant. Through the useRead MoreMy Life As An Undocumented Immigrant By Jose Julia Lips1301 Words   |  6 Pages A life without tribulations is a life that has not yet been lived. It is so often that people are intimidated by the simple thought of change due to the inconveniences that arise. Being stagnant, however, limits your opportunities to prosper and take challenges as an advantage. To do so, one must persevere and leave no stone unturned. The act of perseverance correlates with having hope due to the fact that one must hope that going the distance and pushing through will consequently lead to successRead MoreChallenging Obstacles for Immigrants Essay657 Words   |  3 PagesChallenging Obstacles for Immigrants Many people migrate to the USA for several reasons, to get better life. As we all know the USA is highly developed economically and technologically, and it can become a different world to most immigrants. Thus, immigrants face various challenges during the first and second year of their entrance in to the USA. Among the challenges, language, getting a job and culture are common for most of immigrants. The first challenge for immigrants is the language barrierRead MorePersuasive Essay On Illegal Immigration906 Words   |  4 Pages Illegal immigrants have traveled to the USA to obtain better opportunities for themselves and their families. The idea of fleeing your home country to find a more suitable area to live in is what almost every immigrant has dreamt of. Most illegal immigrants have moved to America to find new opportunities which they have not had in their home countries. They move here because they know they have better chances of providing for their families. It is imprudent to claim who is an American citizen andRead MoreThe Phenomenon Of Human Migration1521 Words   |  7 Pagesof human migration. My understanding of human migration was stretched in that I learned a lot about factors that lead to migration and how immigrants are affected by migration. This course taught me that people immigrate to other countries, not because they want to leave their homes, but because they have no other choice. Immigrants are forced to leave behind everything in order to save their lives as they escape from war, violence, poverty, and in search of a better life. Currently in AmericaRead MoreThirty-One Years Ago, My Parents Were Illegal Immigrants1582 Words   |  7 PagesThirty-one years ago, my parents were illegal immigrants that came to The United States to reach the American dream just like a U.S. Citizen. With hard work, dedication, and with the help of an amnesty they were able to reach their goals and provide a good reputation to this country. But how do illegal immigrants benefit The United States? Government budget surplus, agriculture food prices and the economy are one of many rea sons why illegal immigrants reflect an important benefit in The United StatesRead More Is Third Worlld Immigration a Threat to Americas Way of Life703 Words   |  3 PagesAmericas Way of Life Is Third world immigration a threat to America’s way of life? I do not believe it is. I agree with Isbister. He argues that cultural impacts of immigration â€Å"are positive, constructive changes, that most Americans will benefit from living in a more multicultural society, and that tension between the different ethnic groups can be alleviated. I for one am a Filipino-American and proud of it. My parents came to America from the Philippines to make a better life for themselvesRead MoreReflection Of Jose Antonio Vargas989 Words   |  4 PagesReflection on Jose Antonio Vargas’ Documented There I was, hanging on the edge of my seat as I watched Documented. This was the story of Jose Antonio Vargas; the story of how one man helped lead action to reform immigration laws. Throughout the entire movie, I constantly asked myself what is American and can I even call myself that? Documented changed my viewpoint on immigration and opened up my eyes to the cruel world of bias and constant stereotyping. This documentary made it pertinent to me thatRead MoreShould Amnesty Be Illegal Immigrants?855 Words   |  4 Pagesamnesty to immigrants can bring happiness in both the country and immigrants. For those who do not know what amnesty is, it is an official pardon for people who have been convicted of political offenses. My topic is about granting amnesty to immigrants in any country and to let them have every right a legal citizen has. I will be covering mostly on the immigrants who are currently living in the United States. Having illegal immigrants â€Å"Can help with the coun try s economy†, â€Å"Bring a better life for immigrants†

Middle East Fashion - Turkey Free Essay Example, 1250 words

Culture of Turkey is heterogeneous in nature and it is heavily diverse in nature. Culture of Turkey is hybrid in nature. Culture of Turkey is combination of Islamic culture and modern Western culture. Some parts of Turkey (like Istanbul) are just like part of Europe with respect to culture and clothing. Today, most of the men and children like to wear pants and shirts. But the traditional dress of men and children is different. Traditional dress of men and children is similar to pant and shirt. Traditional women dresses in Turkey include long and loose dresses and also cover their head with a scarf or a cap. Traditional Costume and Accessories Worn by Men, Women and Children Majority of people in Turkey like to wear Western style clothes. Unlike other Muslim countries, skirt is vastly worn by women of all ages. Rural is area is still a major part of modern day turkey. Traditional dresses are widely worn by men, women and children in villages. We have discussed in the previous section that the traditional dress of men and children is similar to pant and shirt. We will write a custom essay sample on Middle East Fashion - Turkey or any topic specifically for you Only $17.96 $11.86/pageorder now Women in Turkey wear a variety of traditional dress. One can observe a similar pattern of traditional women dresses. Traditional women dresses are up to feet long in nature. These traditional dresses of women are of different colors. Traditional dresses in Turkey are accompanied by either scarf or cap or both scarf and cap (www. turkishculture. org). Traditional Bridal Dress Special Clothing for Occasions - Festivals, Weddings and Traditional Activities Most of the time people of Turkey like to wear Western style clothes. Especially men and children like to wear Western style clothing. People in Turkey like to dress up in different type of clothes than casual clothes on special occasions. People of Turkey like to dress up in traditional Islamic, Turkish and European clothes. The nature of clothing depends on the particular festival and event. People of Turkey like to dress up like western wedding clothes. Men wear suits on weddings, whereas, women wear long or short skirts and other dresses like dresses Western societies wear on weddings. People dress up in pants and shirts on music and other art related festivals. On the other hand, some people wear pants and shirts on Islamic events, whereas some people like to wear Islamic and traditional clothing on Islamic events. (www. kultur. gov. tr) Comparison between Past and Present Status of Clothing Clothing in Turkey has greatly changed due to governments.

Getting to Know Mary Harris Mother Jones - 878 Words

1. Who was Mother Jones? Mother Jones was a person that loved to help people get better jobs (Mintz and McNeil), so she devoted her life to help the working class (Horton 10). â€Å"The working people whose rights she fought for loved her† (Horton 12). This shows that the people who she helped appreciated the work she was doing to make their lives better. She was present in many different worker strikes, like coal strikes, steel strikes and cotton mill strikes (Mintz and McNeil). She campaigned all day, every day for workers all over the country. Mother Jones first got a firsthand look at child labor when she traveled through Alabama. She got a job at a mill and saw little girls and boys as young as six years old doing dangerous jobs that could seriously hurt them. The little kids got paid 10 cents a day for working from 5:30 a.m. until dark (Kraft 54) She was also was an active supporter in legislation against child labor (â€Å"Mother Jones†) Mother Jones looks were very deceiving. People des cribed her as looking like a grandmother, barely five feet with snow white hair, and genuinely sweet looking. She used to wear elegant Victorian dresses with lace and a bonnet with flowers, usually violets, tucked in (Horton11). But then they heard one of her speeches and they were surprised. She spoke with strength and fiery language, which was covered in profanities (Kraft 2). Mother Jones had a very good personality. She was loyal to her work and so determined that nothing could stop herShow MoreRelatedSwitching to a Year-Round School Calendar Essay1092 Words   |  5 Pages In the United States, most schools still use a ten-month calendar that was developed when our country’s students needed school off to help with harvesting (Palmer). Trimble Local Schools Superintendent Kim Jones says, â€Å"year-round schooling is the notion of getting away from the old agrarian calendar...which was formed up around the planting season. Students were out of school from April until ha rvest to work in the fields,† (qtd. in Hapka). Under the agrarian system, most United States studentsRead MoreMass Culture Of The United States : Technology And Time Off2041 Words   |  9 Pageshereditary elites which were by definition a small and very limited market. The central question of how to let this massive new market know about the wonders of modern consumer society was a major cause in the rise of a mass consumer society. Mass communication in the form of advertising was the solution and perpetual engine that would fuel this revolution. It was just getting started. The confluence of manufacturing efficiency and the new and exciting technologies of radio, movies, and phonographs poweredRead MoreThe Rise Of Mass Culture2019 Words   |  9 Pagesdefinition a small and very limited market. The central question of how to let this massive new market know about the wonders of modern consumer society and their new ability to partake in this brave new world was a major cause in the rise of a mass consumer society. Mass communication in the form of advertising was the solution and perpetual engine that would fuel this revolution. It was just getting started. The confluence of manufacturing efficiency and the new and exciting technologies of radio,Read MoreMass Culture Of The United States : Technology And Time Off2072 Words   |  9 Pagesdefinition a small and very limited market. The central question of how to let this massive new market know about the wonders of modern consumer society and their new ability to partake in this brave new world was a major cause in the rise of a mass consumer society. Mass communication in the form of advertising was the solution and perpetual engine that would fuel this revolution. It was just getting started. The confluence of manufacturing efficiency and the new and exciting technologies of radio,Read MoreEnglish: Past Tense and Verb Tense Exercise7200 Words   |  29 Pagesahead of me and (complain) that I am too slow. I (do) my best to keep up with him, but he is younger and stronger than I am. Maybe, I am just feeling sorry for myself because I am getting old. Right now, Liam (sit) with the owner of the inn. They (discuss) the differences between life in England and life in Nepal. I (know, not) the real name of the owner, but everybody (call, just) him Tam. Tam (speak) English very well and he (try) to teach Liam some words in Nepali. Every time Tam (say) a new wordRead MoreJohn Rolfe s Impact On America5544 Words   |  23 Pagesand Powhatan she managed to maintain peace with the two groups. Due to her marriage, she was able to make peace between the two. Which allowed settlers able to settle permanently and allowing her husband s business to aspire. She was known as the mother of the two. With the help of the marriage the Englishmen no longer felt threaten by the Indians. This allowed the New World to grow and expanded even bigger which economically helped the colonies. The relationship between John Rolfe and PocahontasRead MoreAmerican Sport Movies Dealing with Racism6989 Words   |  28 Pagesdefeat after becoming famous. For example the movie â€Å"Never give up† showed the hard fight of a sport star who has to cope with illness. Then the movies started getting affected by the pop culture of the 20th century and the â€Å"American Way of Life†. Most of the movies had the same story. Underdogs making the big brake through and getting famous. Particularly the black athletes used the sport to get a better social acceptance. And the movie maker found a lot of true stories which were worth to be madeRead MoreSports17369 Words   |  70 Pagespersonal favorite sportscaster is: . Answers 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. Infotainment Multibillion dollar industry Draw and sustain audiences 140+ million viewers, with advertising costing $2 million per thirty seconds Roone Arledge Mary Carillo, Gayle Gardner, Robin Roberts, Lesley Visser, etc. Major J. Andrew White 24/7 ABC $1.33 billion, CBS $1.43 billion, NBC $472 million, ESPN $1.16 billion and ESPN2 $219 million, Fox $1.18 billion, and TNT $221 million. Seven â€Å"Trashsports† ABC—$225Read MoreSports17363 Words   |  70 Pa gespersonal favorite sportscaster is: . Answers 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. Infotainment Multibillion dollar industry Draw and sustain audiences 140+ million viewers, with advertising costing $2 million per thirty seconds Roone Arledge Mary Carillo, Gayle Gardner, Robin Roberts, Lesley Visser, etc. Major J. Andrew White 24/7 ABC $1.33 billion, CBS $1.43 billion, NBC $472 million, ESPN $1.16 billion and ESPN2 $219 million, Fox $1.18 billion, and TNT $221 million. Seven â€Å"Trashsports† ABC—$225Read MoreJuvenile Crime Issues in Today’s Criminal Justice System18893 Words   |  76 Pagesthe supporters of individual rights or the advocates of public order ultimately claim the day? We cannot say for sure. This much is certain, however: Things change. The future system of American criminal justice will not be quite the same system we know today. Many of the coming changes, however, are now discernible—and hints of what is to come appea r on the horizon with increasing frequency and growing clarity. Some of the more obvious of the coming changes are already upon us. They include (1) a

Love has to look like something Free Essays

As for my opinion, most of the people know will say that love is an action. And for me it it’s the most appropriate meaning then for me. Love can be felt, yes love but love is also the action you need to do to show reciprocity to what others show to you or has done for you. We will write a custom essay sample on Love has to look like something or any similar topic only for you Order Now As to Mr.. Dye, love started from loneliness, but as for what I have been taught. Love comes from God. And because he loves us first, we are able to love him back and his example of love has been our model as to how should we love others. According to Mr.. Dye, loneliness started the experience of being love. I know I ant question him right there because every individual has his own say but as for me, it isn’t. Because love is the most beautiful thing that God has given us. Because without his love, we are maybe not here anymore. But I know some will tell me that because of love u became broke. But we can only be victorious because of Jesus. Although we have different backgrounds and different time frames with Jesus, one thing that we find that remains the same is God’s love for us. His love never changes, His love remains the same, and His love never fails. So if you feel like someone betrayed you, why not eve him first. Sometimes love can be taken for granted and the word used over and over. For example, you might say, â€Å"l love my car, or I love the smell, or love ice cream. In our minds though, love has to look like something. But when the words â€Å"l love you† come to mind, we become scared of it because of our past. Maybe someone you loved left you and so you want to guard your heart and don’t really want to believe those words anymore. What then is God’s definition of love? In 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 it says that, â€Å"love is long suffering† (patient). That’s the first definition. The second is, â€Å"Love is kind. † Then continuing it says, â€Å"Love does not envy, does not parade itself, is not puffed up, does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil, does not rejoice in inequity but rejoices in the truth, bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things, and love never fails. † I might emphasized the words LOVE NEVER FAILS. Yes, true love, it does not fails. So you’re probably thinking then now that why that many relationships has to be end, and families come to be ruined, say, it is cause they don’t have the right foundation of love. I have read this note which I rephrased that â€Å"most of the reasons why we commit mistakes and doomed ourselves, is because we were not willing to wait, that we were not been patient. It might be true right. Because according to statistics, each year, the number of teenage pregnancies are rampantly going higher each time, many relationships has been broken because they were not patient to each other. And according to the bible, the very first definition is â€Å"long-suffering†. Jesus is a perfect example of that love, he has suffered a lot of insults, he has en accused of many things and yet he has given us patience just so we can see his purpose here unto this earth. He suffered and bore all the pain because he loves us and he doesn’t want us to be lost again and because he knows that through him, we can be redeemed and we can be accepted as God’s children again.. Love should not be over busy with other things. In Luke Chapter 10 -it is when Jesus visited Mary and Martha household. Martha was so concerned with the things that had to be done so she asked Jesus to send Mary to help her. But Jesus said to her that Mary chose the good part by listening to His words, and t shall not be taken away from her. In the Bible, Paul says that we must rely on what Christ Jesus has done for us and not on our own human efforts; because our human efforts, our achievements, and our possessions are simply garbage when comparing to what we have In Jesus. There are times when we don’t understand what is happening in our lives. We feel, we hope, we trust, we get let down, and we get burned. But God in His sovereignty says to you who are spiritually mature to keep pressing on. He has something better for you but you need to go through this in order to obtain it. That’s the race you’re on. When you get there you will understand. But in the process, love has to look like something. Otherwise, who will the unsaved look for in love? How are they going to know what love is? Thus, we need to be the light to show the world what love looks like. In 1 Core. 14:1 it says, â€Å"Eagerly pursue and seek to acquire his love. † Furthermore, the Bible says in John 15:2 to be glad that, â€Å"He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. † This just means that we should row the thing that brings out the best in us and prune those we think that will put us into ruin. Love cannot be over busy. One day I remember God talk to me and he revealed something to me, some people think that they are unworthy, they are dirty, they were ashamed to approach people because they were afraid that you’ll goanna judge the, most of this people felt unloved and so, that is why, our love shouldn’t be busy overlooking into things that it felt like weave filled them with much attention already, there are lots of people who needs to be love. And because I am filled with love by God and by the people rounds me, why not share my love to this people. Why not share a glimpse of how God filled you with much enthusiasm and joy in your heart. They were all just like us, Jesus came to the world so he could love everyone, and when he went up to heaven, he has given us the authority to love his people. Just by merely talking to them could give them a hint how much loved you’re filled with. Because when they can see the passion that resides in you, they will then reflect the light you’ve given them. John 15:4-5 says, â€Å"Remain in me, and I will remain in you for a branch cannot reduce fruit if it is severed from the vine. And you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. Yes, I am the vine. You are the branches. Those who remain in me and in them will produce much fruit for apart from me, you can do nothing. † All the energies we have when we’re investing in the Lord, sitting at His feet, don’t know how many times we continuously say devotions, devotions, devotions. We sit at His feet, listen to His voice, but don’t you close the book and say that we’re done. Devotions begin our time with the Lord, but it doesn’t end when we close the book. He says for you to look like love in this hurting world. How to cite Love has to look like something, Papers

The Last Night free essay sample

Just like any normal school night, I was in my kitchen watching cartoons eating my dinner. I was sitting as close to the TV as I could with my chair pulled up to the countertop. My father had recently gotten his gallbladder out and was still having problems so he was at the doctors getting more tests done. As I was finishing up my dinner, the front door swung open and in walked my parents. Looking at the expressions on their faces, I could tell that there was something terribly wrong. â€Å"Will you go get your brothers and meet us in our bedroom?† my mother asked me kindly with sorrow in her voice. I carefully got out of my chair and headed down the stairs where my two brothers were playing video games. They were sitting on the couch together laughing and yelling at one another playfully. After I finished telling them what was going on, we climbed the stairs in fear for what we were about to be told. None of us wanting to speak what was on our mind; we stayed silent and walked through their bedroom door. We sat there on their new bedspread they had purchased earlier in the week, still stiff from not being washed yet. We sat in silence for what seemed like hours. Scanning the freshly maroon painted room for something I could put my focus on instead of the teary eyes of my parent, my eyes landed on a picture hung up on the wall over their bed. It was a picture of the Latter Day Saint prophet Thomas S. Monson and all of the apostles; they were wearing white colored suits in a beautiful temple. Some were standing and some were sitting, smiling at what I could only imagine was the camera. The room they were in was a beautiful baptistery, pure and white. I was sitting there thinking about what it would be like to personally meet them when my father’s voice broke my trance. Once he finished talking, I looked at my mother as tears stung in my eyes, â€Å"Is it true?† I asked her. â€Å"Does dad really have cancer?† As she nodded her head silently I could hardly breathe—the room began to spin and I felt like I was going to be sick. I stood up and rushed out of the room, running through my bedroom door and slammed it shut. Trying to block out the sound of my parents still talking to my two brothers, my hands flew to my head where they were placed over my ears. I suddenly went weak and I felt like I might faint right then and there. My knees buckled out from underneath me and I fell to the floor. I cried out in despair as I prayed to my Heavenly Father, begging him to please help my family and to help my father. Being angry with God and angry with the world, I got up from my knees and in an outbreak of rage began throwing things at the wall. Everything that was in sight I grabbed and threw across the room; my school text books, a pictu re frame, pillows, my lamp. With every swift throw, the items crashed into the wall and were destroyed. Carefully picking up the pieces of the picture frame that had shattered against the wall; I stared at the photograph that had been inside. It was a picture of my family, sitting together in a grassy field, with great big smile on our faces. Looking at it I felt a piercing pain in my heart. How did it so quickly go from a happy family with no problems to a family that’s falling apart? I felt like I was in a dreaming, I was in a nightmare and I wanted to wake up. He was in and out of the hospital weekly, having tests and chemotherapy done. For every week that passed, he began to look more frail and fragile. The drugs seemed to be making things worse for him, not helping. He would come home, appointment after appointment, with an anguished look on his face and pain in his eyes. I couldn’t take it anymore, so I began avoiding him. I couldn’t handle looking into t hose dark eyes of his and seeing the pain in them, knowing that there was nothing I could do to help set him free from his affliction. Looking back on those days, I wish I had reacted differently. I wish I had taken more time to talk to him, had told him I loved him more often, and spent a little more time with him. Instead, I had avoided him in the house, staying in my bedroom or even staying out late with friends just to escape looking into those troubled and sorrowful eyes. It was the night before Christmas Eve, and it was my turn to look after my father. Every day that week my family had been taking turns watching over him through the night and giving him his pain medications. Earlier in the evening we had celebrated Christmas together. That morning my parents had gone to the doctors and were told that it would be wise to celebrate early. â€Å"Just in case,† had been the nurses’ words. I looked over and saw him wincing with pain. He was trying not to make any sound, for fear he’d wake me. Little did he know, I’d been awake all night watching him; trying to memorize every feature on his face. He had dark olive skin, chocolate brown eyes, thick dark eyebrows, and a smile that could melt anyone with just one look. I didn’t want to forget anything. I couldn’t let myself fall asleep or even close my eyes, for fear that he’d leave me. I sat up as I asked him, â€Å"Do you need more morphine, dad?† He nodded his head yes. Carefully climbing off of the couch, trying not to disturb him, I grabbed the medicine off of the coffee table in front of me. With shaky hands I placed the drops in his mouth. My eyes heavy with tears, I sat there and watched him. He’s in so much pain. Why him? Why would God choose him? This wasn’t okay with me. My dad was my best friend—I told him everything. Without him, who was I going to go to when I was upset or was having problems with friends or at school? Suddenly, there was a noise coming from my father. I looked over to see him fiddling with his fingers, almost as if he were pressing buttons on a small device. His eyes suddenly flew open and he looked straight at me, â€Å"Sorry.† He exclaimed once he saw the scared expression on my face. â€Å"I thought I was texting Colbie.† (Colbie is my sister. She was living away from home but had come to visit after hearing the inevitable of his death.) Oh no, I thought, it’s too soon. They told us he had another month. How can he already be acting this way? â€Å"It’s okay dad, don’t worry about me. Can I get you anything else?† â€Å"I’m okay sweetheart, but thank you,† he replied. Through the night I lay there trying to cover up the hurt and struggle I felt with this situation of his impending death. It was so hard to just sit there are watch him literally wasting away. I wanted my father to think that I wasn’t scared. I wanted to be strong for him; I needed to be strong for him. â€Å"Dad,† I said quietly. â€Å"Are you scared?† He looked deep into my eyes as they began to fill with tears yet again. â€Å"Yes sweetheart, I’m scared. But not for the reasons you would think.† I looked at him questioningly as he continued, â€Å"I’m scared for you, and for you mother, and for everyone else. I get to go to a better place where there is no sadness, while you guys have to stay here on this earth and go through more trials and tribulations. I’m not scared to die, I’m ready.† He began to smile, â€Å"bring it on.† he said jokingly. With tears streaming down my face I sat up and looked at him. I grew profoundly angry with him as he spoke those words to me. How could he say that? How could he just give up on life? â€Å"Don’t you dare say that, dad. Don’t you dare! How can you say that to me? How can you just give up? I don’t want to live without you; I can’t live without you. What am I supposed to do when I graduate? I want you to be there sitting in the crowd with mom, cheering for me as I get my diploma. I want you there in the temple with me when I get married to the love of my life. I want to have my daddy-daughter dance at my wedding like every other girl out there. What about when I have kids? They will grow up not knowing their own grandfather. Please, please don’t give up on me. Don’t give up on us,† I cried out. I lay there sobbing uncontrollably as he rubbed my back trying to comfort me. The roles had switched. Instead of me taking care of him, he was t aking care of me. â€Å"Ali?† he whispered, eyes glistening. â€Å"When you graduate, just have your mother save me a seat and I promise I will be there watching you, cheering you on. When you get married to your sweetheart, I will be there in the Celestial Room with a smile on my face, as proud as ever. When you have children of your own, I will be there to look after them. I will be their guardian angel. Ali, I will always be with you.† Hours later, the time had finally come. Sitting together as a family, watching him in his last moment of life, it seemed so surreal. Every few minutes his eyes would wander around the room, as if her were searching for something. I tried to focus on what was happening so suddenly. I was curled up on the chair next to the couch watching. I was numb, stunned, and unsure of how I was supposed to react. These things only happen in movies. I don’t know what I am supposed to do, how I am supposed to feel or even react? My older sister and my two brot hers were in front of the couch, crouched down by my father. He looked like he was in such pain and agony as he began to struggle for air. Swiftly but reverently, my brother, Sam, took my father’s hand in his and choking back tears he whispered, â€Å"Dad, it’s okay. Just go.† My father then took one last look around the room, and took his final breath. The sound he made before that last breath will be with me for the rest of my life. To this day, I can still hear it; exactly as it sounded. Over the few months prior to my father’s death and the months that have passed since the incident, my family has become closer than ever. Turning to God, we all grew in the gospel. Sure, it was a struggle and a testimony shaker, but in the end it only grew stronger. I know that my Daddy is in a better place, with his own father and his Father in Heaven; all of them looking down on my family and I, watching over us. We have all grown in the experience and have come out of his better and stronger. To this day I still miss him and I always will. It will never be the same in my household without him, but now I have another angel on my team, watching me, looking out for me, carrying me, every single step of the way.