From the time i was very young, I noticed that my family was different. It wasn't until I was older that I realized how special they were. I used to feel that our family was out of place. When we were little kids, for our birthdays, my mom would make us birthday cakes frosted with peanut butter with grapes. Up to my adolescent years, I'd wear clothes that my mom would make for me. At 12, I started working on the weekends washing dishes for a Chinese Restaurant. My father works 10 hours a day and see him one day a week. Till this day they still don't know that I had gotten in a fight was a black boy in elementary school. I knew we were different from other people.

Growing up was hard knowing how different my life was compared to other kids. When I went to school everyone had a packed lunch filled with sara lees, sandwiches, and cool sugared drinks. My parents would never attend Parent teacher conferences because they can't converse with the teachers. My parents never knew what went on at school because I never shared with them what I was going through. Throughout my high school years, I had wished that my parents came and watched me play tennis. I wanted them to be proud of me for making the honor roll every report card and for working hard. All those years, I wish I had someone to share my achievements with. Up to the end of my high school years, I'd kept all my acomplishments to myself. I never wished to have what I did not recieve out of free will, but at the same time, I resented the fact that my life was different.

12 years later... I choose my mom's homemade peanut butter cake with grapes. I had learn to value my father's hard work. Because I have had a job at such a young age I understand what it's like to work hard and earn my money. I appreciated my parents so much more for teaching me to love what is not always popular. everytime I look at my parent's tired face, I knew how much they love me.

I needed my mom this week. She gave me the strength to go through with my days. All I needed to hear was, "We are all there to back you up Ping," and I know I will do just fine.

My brother has been really encouraging to me. From the time I quit nursing till now, he's been very supportive. I am very proud of Alan most of all. He had overcome many many things....Things that people would never understand.

My dad showed me love by coming up to lansing with my mom and took care of my car for me.

I Love my family and I prefer peanut butter and grapes.