Growing up, my dad was not a part of my life, so my grandmother filled that void. She was there for everything that I did. I would not trade these moments with my grandma for the world. From a young child, she molded me into the person that I am today. I never knew that this bond would lead to something inspirational in my life; that was simply believing in positive thoughts. I take those positive thoughts and it helps me with my confidence and my relationships with people. I never knew that the one question I asked her would have made a difference in my life.
It was a sorrowful afternoon when I came home from aftercare to the news that my grandmother had Colon Cancer and just received surgery. That is something that no fourth grader wants to hear especially because of the connection that me and my grandmother had.
That day I found out, I went straight to the hospital. When I walked in her room, she had the biggest smile on her face as if nothing was wrong. I asked her why she didn’t tell me. She said, “Angel I didn’t want you to worry, but now that you do know I wanted you to think positive about this situation.” My fourth grade mind had no idea how to think positive about it.
As years went on my grandma was in and out of Chemo Treatment, and we still had our bond. From looking at her or even having a simple conversation with her, you never would have thought that she was battling such a horrible disease. She continued to take vacation trips and enjoyed her time with family and her senior friends. I continued to watch my grandmother’s display of courage and strength.
During my 9th grade year, I asked my Grandmother an important question. “How do you stay so positive while battling cancer?” She said it’s simple I just have positive thoughts. When I’m in pain or at the Doctors getting bad news I never actually feel bad because I think of all the positive things I have in my life like you. I may be feeling the absolute worst but as soon as I start thinking positive I feel better. Those words my grandma said to me changed my life forever.
Positive thoughts can build your confidence and get you through any negative things in your life. It can also get you through relationships with anyone. I am a very emotional person, so it is easy for me to break down. When going through hard times in relationships with friends and families, I simply think, “Everything happens for a reason”. Not only does this phrase help me think positive, but it prevents grudges and negativity. It is also a phrase that my grandma spoke repeatedly.
Although my first result was not always to think positively about things, I realize that thinking positively is really a powerful message. You can be going through what you believe to be the worst things possible, but it is all on your head, whether you let it affect your life negatively or not. After several life-changing conversations with my grandmother, and seeing how strong she was, I too live my life with positive thoughts. Even though in my senior year of high school my grandma passed away, I still believe positive thoughts will get me through, and I will continue to believe that for the rest of my life. She survived 13 long years battling cancer, and lived a happy life simply because of her positive thoughts.