A Woman I Admire the Most
By Thomas Wang

            She's the one I trust, the one I can respect, the one who's lived a life worth of hardship. I grew up with her, a stubborn woman at the least, but what really stands out about her is how on the inside, her heart is nothing but a shimmering, golden treasure, a treasure which has created a bond between us. That is definitely a thing I want to keep.

           After growing up with her my entire life, I have gotten to known her as not only a close relative, but even a friend I know I can be safe around. She's a great person in this sense, as she is unselfish, and always hopes for the better for me. Everything you want in a care taker can be found in her, whether it's just her overall aura of love, or her knowledge and always knowing what to do next. If you've been with her even just a moment, you would understand the caring love she shines from the deepest of her heart.

           I don't know what my life would be without her, though. Her cooking and general common sense has somehow kept me going for the past few years. I can always look to her for guidance when necessary and when I need help with just but a simple task, she always finds a way to help no matter what, even in the smallest possible ways.

            Her life was hard if you really take a look at it. She grew up with a plan set by her father, and hadn't had a clue what was going to happen next. After a tough arranged marriage, she ended up having 10 kids to take care of and all by herself too. Her husband had been sent to serve in the American Military, and had been going back and forth throughout the poor children's childhoods. That's where she was needed, to step up as a parent and care for them, a little like she cares for me today. Everything in the end turned out for the better, for without her I probably would not be existent.

            Right now, she stays with my family, just like she has been for the past 13 years. Though she is getting old, she still does her job, but because of old age this has restrained her to even walk without sitting down now and then. I help her as much as possible. She deserves it since she's the reason why I am today, and I believe she shouldn't have to live like this, So, I do the best I possibly can by doing my duties and I always stick by her side, whether it's helping her around the house, or helping her across the street, because I want her to feel as secure around me as I am when I'm around her.

            Aside from all of this though, I still love her, and I will always until the day I die. She has done so many things, she has taken care of me, she has guided me, she has inspired me, and of course, she has been the best grandma possible to me.

Thirteen-year-old Thomas Wang, son of Dr. John & Lucy Wang of Scotch Plains, New Jersey received an A+ from his teacher for this beautiful essay.  Thomas's grandma, Ceferina Samonte Badiola, is also the mom of Carousel Pinoy founder Terry Badiola.