Mary Ann Walker Shinn

The most difficult time in my life was when I lost my grandmother. She was the only person that I could talk to when I had a problem. I looked up to her and really saw her as a second mother. My grandmother meant the world to me and I hate that I and my family lost her. My grandmother was a wise woman, and I and my family miss her so much.

My grandmother died when she was 52 years old. Her lungs collapsed and when it happened my life became difficult and stressful. When my grandmother got sick it didn't phase me. She went in and out the hospital but she always came home. Now this one time she didn't come back home and my life collapsed.

When I got the news that my grandmother had died, it took a huge toll on I and my family. I was so attached to her that it literally made me sick for days. I took it so hard at the funeral that I was escorted out. I didn't go to see my grandmother one last time at the grave yard. I couldn't take it. When it was time for me to go back to school I didn't want to go. She was on my mind all day and night.

When I arrived at school I stood strong for a few hours. Then time came for me to take a reading test; that's when I broke into to tears. I was in the third grade, and reading was my weakest subject, so my grandmother helped me every day with my reading homework and reading skills. When I looked at the test my mind went blank. I went to thinking about the days we had and the times she helped me improve my reading skills. I couldn't take it I left class and my godmother came to me and told me she was in a better place, and that she wasn't suffering anymore. I wanted my grandmother back so bad but I couldn't have her. I went back into class and took my test and passed it. My grandmother was by my side the whole time. I had one of the best grades in the class.

At times I wish my grandmother could still be here by my family's and my side, but I know she's in a better place, and I know her spirit is still with us today. I love her and I miss her. Now I'm in the twelfth grade, a senior at Blount High School. I'm planning to graduate and become a successful person. I plan to attend Bishop State Community College and Major in Nursing for two years in their Nursing Program. When I finish my sophomore year at Bishop State Community College, I'm going to transfer to University of South Alabama and Major in nursing also and join their Nursing Program to become a Registered Nurse.