Bob Marley

"Only once in your life, I truly believe, you find someone who can completely turn your world around. You tell them things that you’ve never shared with another soul and they absorb everything you say and actually want to hear more. You share hopes for the future, dreams that will never come true, goals that were never achieved and the many disappointments life has thrown at you. When something wonderful happens, you can’t wait to tell them about it, knowing they will share in your excitement. They are not embarrassed to cry with you when you are hurting or laugh with you when you make a fool of yourself. Never do they hurt your feelings or make you feel like you are not good enough, but rather they build you up and show you the things about yourself that make you special and even beautiful. There is never any pressure, jealousy or competition but only a quiet calmness when they are around. You can be yourself and not worry about what they will think of you because they love you for who you are. The things that seem insignificant to most people such as a note, song or walk become invaluable treasures kept safe in your heart to cherish forever. Memories of your childhood come back and are so clear and vivid it’s like being young again. Colours seem brighter and more brilliant. Laughter seems part of daily life where before it was infrequent or didn’t exist at all. A phone call or two during the day helps to get you through a long day’s work and always brings a smile to your face. In their presence, there’s no need for continuous conversation, but you find you’re quite content in just having them nearby. Things that never interested you before become fascinating because you know they are important to this person who is so special to you. You think of this person on every occasion and in everything you do. Simple things bring them to mind like a pale blue sky, gentle wind or even a storm cloud on the horizon. You open your heart knowing that there’s a chance it may be broken one day and in opening your heart, you experience a love and joy that you never dreamed possible. You find that being vulnerable is the only way to allow your heart to feel true pleasure that’s so real it scares you. You find strength in knowing you have a true friend and possibly a soul mate who will remain loyal to the end. Life seems completely different, exciting and worthwhile. Your only hope and security is in knowing that they are a part of your life." - Bob Marley

I've always said that the best kind of relationship to have, is one where your other half is not only the one who has your heart, but someone who is also your best friend. Bob Marley's words always put a smile on my face. So! I thought I'd share this with you in the hopes that it makes you smile too :)

Something I wrote for Writing, tell me what you think! :3

Friday, September 23, 2007....Due date! Kaelyn's story begins...

Life is full of surprises. As Forrest Gump says, “Life is like a box of chocolates... you never know what you're gonna get!” and for Anna Baker, that quote was definitely something she could never forget. Anna is a nineteen year old girl who really didn't have the best of luck when it came to life. She lives under the bridge on Sunflower Ave with nothing but a dirty old blanket, a journal, and the clothes on her back.

Every day while driving to the community college, I would always see her sitting under that bridge with her journal writing away like there is no tomorrow. Sometimes, when the traffic would get heavy, I'd be stuck under that bridge and I would just watch her, wondering how she ended up living where she does now. I would imagine her making trips to the nearby homeless shelter while trying to find any work so she can to get food for herself. She caught me once or twice watching her and every time she smiled politely and gave me a little wave. I, of course, was always embarrassed when she would catch me looking because my parents always told me it's rude to stare. But despite my embarrassment, I would always smile and wave back. She would then continue with her writing, still having a smile on her face.

I've always believed that every person is connected in some type of way. Whether it's through family, friends, work, school, etc. Or maybe it's the type of connection you can have with a person that is not really explainable. So basically, it's that time in your life when you tend to see one person all the time and when you do you notice that you're drawn to them for some reason. You've never talked to them, or maybe you've said a couple of words, yet something about them just keeps you wondering. I think it could have to do with a little something I like to call fate. And in this case, I think I might be right.

The morning of February 9, 2007.....

“Good morning class! I hope all is well with you. I'm excited for today so hopefully you are all awake and ready to listen because I have a doctors appointment to get to! And yes, that means it'll be a short day today.” Mrs. Schmitz smiled at us as she put her things down and sat on her desk as she does every Tuesday and Friday. She is my English teacher, probably the best in the world if you ask me. She is young, very creative and cheerful; always has a smile on her face!

“I want you all to write a paper for me...” Mrs. Schmitz began, “Not just any paper but one that will give you and I both a lesson about life. I want you to go out and find someone to write about, preferably someone you don't know at all. I want you to write a little about them, get to know them, what they've been through, how they got where they are now. A lot happens in life and I want to know just how many different stories you guys can give me. If it makes it easier for you, think of it as if you're writing a story for the newspaper, or maybe a short book about the person. I want to feel like I'm watching a movie through your words, if you know what I mean.” She winked at us and continued, “You all are great writers whether you believe it or not, and I trust I will have a handful of amazing stories! This will be due February 23^rd, which is a Friday. Now, I must get going because I have a doctors appointment. Any questions?”

No one had any questions, which I know she enjoyed because she doesn't like being late. “Great! First things first, go and find yourself a person to write about. Remember, don't rush these things! If you need a little extra time just ask. I hope you all have a great day and I will see you guys Tuesday!” She smiled one last time, got her things, and waved at us before she went out the door.

I knew exactly who I was going to write about, and there was no doubt in my mind that this was supposed to happen, kinda' like fate. I'd spent months passing under the bridge on Sunflower Avenue knowing something was bound to happen that would bring the girl who lived there and I closer. I then walked out of the classroom, got in my car and headed straight over there.

February 16, 2007; The story continued...

I met Anna Baker on February 9, 2007. I had parked my car in the parking lot closest to the bridge and began to walk over. At first, I was extremely nervous. I had no idea what she was like and I really didn't think it was going to go too well, but I managed to have some hope.

I was getting closer to the bridge, and finally, there she was. She looked so peaceful while writing, like nothing could go ever wrong. As I got closer, I noticed there was a nice energy that was around her, that made me relax a bit. I got close enough for her to hear me coming and that's when she looked up. She smiled and said, “Hello!” I smiled back, pleasantly surprised by her reaction to me being there. “Hey there. I'm Kaelyn Young.” I put my hand out to her and we shook hands. She smiled and said, “Nice to meet you, I'm Anna Baker. Or, as most call me, the girl who lives under the bridge.” She laughed and then asked, “What brings you over this way?”

I didn't really think of what I would say past this point, so I just said what came to mind. I told her I was writing a paper for english class and explained the assignment. I asked her if I could talk to her about how she ended up living where she does and before I could say anything else she smiled and said, “Sure! I'd be happy to help you.”

I was honestly shocked by her answer. I know I'd be a little hesitant if someone asked me the same thing. I invited her to come with me to lunch so we could better hear each other, as traffic started getting worse, which meant more cars and more noise. I could tell she was uncomfortable with someone taking her to lunch, but she accepted anyway.

We quickly started after ordering our food. The earliest memory she has was when she was at age six, because that's when things started changing. Her dad left for Afghanistan then and Anna was definitely a daddy's girl, so she wasn't happy about it at all. He was her best friend; they did everything possible together. Before he left he promised her he'd come back soon and when he did things would go back to being the same. Well, four years went by and he had only come home twice. Both times he kept his promise. But then, in the month of October, they got a call saying he would never be coming home again.

“I remember that day like it was yesterday,” Anna said, “I was turning eleven in a week and my dad was supposed to be getting home two days before my birthday. It was during lunch when we got the call. My mom and I were eating grilled cheese sandwiches and salads while talking about what we were going to do that day. That's when the phone rang. She smiled at me when she got up, laughing a little at the lame joke I had told her. When she answered the phone her face dropped pretty quickly. She went from smiling to sobbing in about 30 seconds. I remember her shaking her head saying things like, 'No, not him. You must have the wrong person.' and 'He's coming home next week! No, please, he has to come home!'.”

Anna stopped to collect herself and also to thank the waiter for our food. I thanked him too and then I realized I was a little teary eyed. Before I could really get a hold of my own emotions she continued, “When my mom got off the phone, she fell to the floor crying. I'd never seen her like that before and it scared me. I walked slowly towards her, 'Mommy?' I said. She looked at me and opened her arms to me. I went to her and she held me tight. She then looked into my eyes and told me this, 'Honey, your father won't be coming home next week.' At first I didn't understand. I asked how much longer he was staying over there, which made her cry even harder. I hugged her, confused as to why she was acting like this. When she calmed herself a little she said, 'Sweetie, it's nothing like that. He won't ever be coming home. Your father died from a bomb that hit his base. I'm so sorry.' I looked at her in shock. He was really gone...forever. My mom and I cried together and after that day, things were never the same.”

I realized I was crying and then apologized to her, embarrassed. Anna smiled sweetly and put her hand on mine. Calmly and with a very soft voice she said this, “It's ok sweetie. Really it is. My daddy always told me everything happens for a reason. I later found out he died trying to save three of his best friends, along with his country. My daddy meant everything to me, I'll never stop missing and loving him. But you know what? I think it is better this way. He's in heaven now, at peace and happy. He doesn't have to deal with death or hatred anymore. And though I wish I could've seen him one last time to tell him just how much I love him, I know I'll be seeing him again someday. And I can tell him then.”

February 20, 2007....

I can't believe I'm late! I know Mrs. Schmitz will understand why I am, but still! I haven't been late this whole semester. And like Mrs. Schmitz, I really hate being late. I pulled into the parking lot and ran into the building.

When I got to the classroom, Mrs. Schmitz looked over at me and smiled, “Hello Miss Young, You're late.”

I smiled apologetically, “I know, I'm sorry! I ran out of gas and had to push my car to the gas station. Then I had to sit behind a wreck. I didn't miss anything did I?” Remember when I said that she is the best teacher ever? Yea, She really is. I love her!

“Oh I'm sorry to hear that! The good thing is that you're here now. Go on and take a seat sweetie, you haven't missed much. I was just reminding everyone about the papers that are due Friday. How is yours coming along?”

I sat down and replied, “It's going great! Almost done with it actually.” I swear it looked like she was going to jump off her desk and say 'Yippee!' but she didn't, instead she said, “Oh good! I can't wait to see what you have written!” She then continued along with another lesson.

Friday, September 23, 2007....Due date! Kaeyln's story continues....

I decided she didn't need to say anything else about the subject because I know it had to hurt her to talk about it. I told her we could continue the next day, which we did. I picked Anna up and we went to lunch again. I honestly didn't think I'd end up knowing everything about her life, but I did.

“After my dads funeral my mom wasn't the same. I knew I had to stay strong for her, and that's what I did. But it was hard because she later took up drinking. She drank until she was passed out on the couch. Sometimes, she would get so out of control that she would beat me. She'd hit me with everything she could, blaming me for everything. Then it became an everyday thing and it's almost like she couldn't stop sometimes.” Anna stopped when the waiter came to give us our food. We thanked him and she continued when he left.

“It really got bad by the time I was thirteen. Not only was she still drinking and beating me, but she would disappear for days at a time. One day she came home with Gary. She claimed he was her new boyfriend and a week later he was living with us. He was worse than her because not only would he be drunk all the time, but he'd beat me AND my mom. Mainly they'd both get together and beat me, but still, he'd beat my mom every now and then too. That lasted for years and by the time I was fifteen, I had sense enough to get up and leave the house . I'd stay gone as long as possible and always go to my neighbors house, Mrs. Vivian Rodgers. The sweetest, old southern black lady ever! And I don't say that to be racist or anything, because I'm not, obviously. I'm just saying, if you think of the traditional sweet southern black lady, that's what she was.”

Anna stopped and smiled while thinking of Vivian. I could tell she loved her a lot. “I started going to her house for hours. Sometimes I'd stay a night or two there. She knew there was something not right about my home life...I never told her too much and I knew she was suspicious definitely when she would see huge bruises and scratches. I always had a cover story, I was good at those. I had to be, with school teachers and other people always asking me what happened. It was embarrassing but at least I was as clumsy as I said I was. That always helped the stories become more believable yet Vivian never fully believed my stories. I still thank God every day for her, she's the reason I'm here with you right now.”

She continued her story and as I was listening it made me realize how lucky I am to have the life I've had. She had been through so much in nineteen years. More than most people in the world.

When Anna was seventeen, Vivian ended up finding out what had been going on. Anna showed up at her house one day with bruises all over, a black eye, busted lip, and severe cuts/stab marks. Vivian had to take her to the hospital and after she got out Anna was taken away from her mom by the state. They helped her recover from what had happened and was put in a foster home since she wasn't legal age to be by herself yet. Her mom and Gary were taken to prison for child abuse and assault and battery.

Anna hated it at her foster home. She swore the lady who ran it was mentally ill. She planned on running away but she just needed a little more money. A couple months later, Anna got a call from Vivian's sister, Louise, saying she had died from a heart attack. She said that she left her something and wanted Anna to come by the house to get it. So Anna listened and went over the next day.

“Vivian knew I loved to write, because I would spend hours at her house writing her stories to read to her grandkids, and also some stories for Vivian to read herself. When I went to the house that day to meet Louise, she gave me a hug and told me that Vivian loved me as the daughter she never had. She then handed me a huge leather journal and told me that there was a note in it for me but to read it when I was alone. I didn't read it for weeks. I went to the funeral, and after that I ran away from the town I grew up in I had saved up as much money as possible and took a bus here to Virginia. I've been here since I was seventeen and it hasn't always been easy. But I have God, my daddy and Vivian watching over me every day to make sure I'm doing ok. Even though I have nothing, I'm happier than I've been in a long time, and that alone means everything to me.”

I never was told what Vivian wrote to her in the letter, but she did tell me that Vivian put 500 dollars in the journal and that she used that money for food.

“My daddy used to say this to me all the time, 'Life: It is about the gift, not the package it comes in.' by Dennis P. Costea, Jr. I obviously didn't get my life in the best package but at least I got the best gift of all. The gift of life, staying true to myself, and being strong. Everything that has happened to me and the people that I've met along the way has helped me grow into the person I am today, and I'm happy about that. I wasn't always this way, I hated life and actually thought about killing myself. But one day some little old man told me the same quote my daddy used to tell me, the one I've just told you, and I just knew it was him giving me a message. I couldn't give up on life and well here I am! Things can't stay bad for ever. Just remember, there's always a bright side at every end of each dark tunnel. You'll make it through if you just have faith.”

Anna Baker's story is truly inspirational to me. She lost her dad at a very young age and then everything fell apart for her. Yet, she was able to stay strong. Maybe not always but a lot of the time. The best part is that she is now able to walk around with a smile on her face and her head lifted high. She might live under a bridge for now, but she's ok with that. I have huge respect for her and applaud her for not giving up on life.”

The girl who lives under the bridge; The life story of Anna Baker

February 9-23, 2007

Written by: Kaelyn Young

When I was finished reading this everyone clapped. Mrs. Schmitz was in tears, amazingly, and she said it was one of the best things I've ever written.

October 14, 2010...

Hey it's Kaelyn! I haven't wrote in this for years but I just had to give you an update! I'm going to keep this short and sweet too because we're almost at the graveyard. It's been nine years since Anna's dad died. We just got off the plane in North Carolina and are on our way now to visit his and Vivian's graves. After I wrote that paper about Anna, my teacher Mrs. Schmitz wanted me to get her to write some things about how her life is now, and also what we both learned. So we got together and we wrote a book called “The girls who met under the bridge”. Silly name, we know. But we did meet under the bridge! We ended up being best friends and have been roommates since mid summer of 2007. Anna and I have been able to travel all around the world because of our book and my goodness it's been amazing! Anyway, well, we're here now. I'll try to write in this thing more often, but I'm not as obsessed with writing in journals as Anna is :P

Hey it's Anna!! I totally stole the pen from Kaelyn:) I just thought I'd say hi! And don't you worry, I'll make sure she writes in here more! Haha, much lovin ♥ Anna Baker

I swear she needs help... :P Goodbye for now

♥ Kaelyn Young

Short story by Coral Franzen

September 21, 2010

English

© 2010 Coral Franzen. All rights reserved.

Remembering September 11, 2001

Click here to listen: Only Time by Enya

Everyone always asks you these days, "Do you remember when the two towers fell? Do you remember where you were, what you were doing?"

In my case, I do, just barely. My mom was in the hospital at the time. Her colon ruptured and she had to have surgery. I'm pretty sure that day we went in to visit her because I remember standing in a hospital room looking at the TV and wondering why I just saw an airplane hit the first tower, and then the second one. Then they collapsed. I remember watching people running, hearing them scream, seeing some jumping out of the buildings.

I was only seven when it happened, and back then I just really didn't understand. I look back now and watch a video every year to remember what happened. So many died that day. Just think, if it was someone you loved in that building, or you yourself. It makes me feel so grateful to be alive. I thank God every morning I wake up, just to be alive feels amazing. To know I'll be able to see my family, or maybe a friend or two that day. To know I'll be able to talk to the ones I care about, or be around them. Anything can happen to cause you not be there the next day.

So don't take things for granted. If you want something go for it. You love him/her? Tell them! Live life without regrets, do what it is YOU want to do. Don't do things just because people expect you to do them or they think it's best for you. Be who you are and be proud to show your true self! Also, be sure you let those you love know just how much you care for them. Take a second to reflect on your life; Are you living everyday like it's your last? Life is an amazing thing and sadly, we tend to forget that.

9/11 is a good reminder that anything can happen; Life is unpredictable as we know.

For everyone who gave their lives to save someone else's.

For the people who lost loved ones, or who were injured.

We shall keep this day, We shall keep the events and the tears

in our minds, our memory and our hearts,

and take them with us as we carry on.

We will never forget.

"If we learn nothing else from this tragedy, we learn that life is short and there is no time for hate." - Sandy Dahl, the wife of Flight 93 pilot Jason Dahl.

9/11 tribute video

Love and Hate...

...Two of the worlds most powerful words.

Love, such a wonderful thing to have; it's such a wonderful thing to give. It brings light into our lives, positivity into our souls and it brings out the best in everyone. Love gives us hope. Without love in this world, there would be nothing.

When I think of love, I think of many things. One of the purest though is the love in a child's heart. The love they have for everybody just because; They don't need a reason to do it, they just, love. I'd give anything to love from a child's heart again. But it's hard now a days isn't it? Too many people judging one another. What ever happened to "Love your neighbor as yourself."? If a kid can do it, why can't we?

People take the word love and throw it around like it's nothing. Why? If I say I love someone, I mean it. But not everybody does. I found it rather shocking myself, but it's true. What about young love? Joyful, playful, and if it's true, absolutely amazing; breathtaking. But why doubt in young love? Who said just because you're not grown yet you know nothing about love? Whoever did, they should know they're wrong. I've seen and experienced what young love is like and you know what? It can last a lot longer then you older folks who are getting married these days.

How about love in general? Love for another human being. Caring for them, wishing them the best, helping them in any way possible with no thought of getting anything in return. Why can't people do anything like that anymore? How come the churches are usually the only ones out there helping those less fortunate? Why can't people compliment someone or help someone out? Not JUST because it's the right thing to do, but because you want to. The world is turning into an interesting place...

Hate on the other hand; Hate is darkness. The more hate there is the darker things get. It is the negativity that flows through the air and pollutes it. There's so much of it, that it's now polluting our minds. We've become so greedy. We act selfishly, wanting what's best for us and only us. Have you noticed that "I" is become really popular again?

We're always thinking of how we can get more money too. What's up with that? Money, it can get you a lot of things, but it can't buy the REALLY valuable things in life such as happiness, family, love etc. So why don't you all stop raising the cost of every little thing that comes up?There's no point to it because most the people in the world can't afford it anyways.

Hate is tossed around these days just like love. You constantly hear others say "I hate you!" to one another. How come that's taken so lightly now? Hate is a strong strong word; It destroys. So why would you say to someone that you hate them? Why not say "I really don't like you!". Sure, it's not as harsh but not being as harsh isn't a bad thing.

I think people are too focused on the negatives, and are ignoring the positives. Like yin and yang, they go together. Love and hate, peace and war, positive and negative. Notice how in every bad thing there is good. And in every good thing there is bad. Nice huh? I figured out that everything works that way. It's a balance. And without that balance your life goes outta whack! It's just how the world works.

I didn't mean to write so much, I know it's a lot to take in too. But I feel this is something we should really look deeper into. Look at your life...see how you can change what you've noticed is off balance, and then help a friend do the same. As Justin Timberlakes song says, what goes around comes around. Lets have some more love come around shall we? I think that would be pretty awesome :]

Just one simple thing...

...It can honestly make someones day go from horrible to amazing.

We all have our ups and downs. I love the ups a lot more then the downs. Who doesn't? My friend showed me this website that completely made my day and I thought I'd share it with you all :) Just remember...this is what you are. Click here to go to the website.

I was thinking about how the smallest and simplest of things can make everything so much better for someone. Even if they're not having a bad day, it can still, at least, make someone smile and that's all that really counts.

I'm all for making people happy, and I think you all should too. If you're reading this, I want you to contact someone ((however you normally do. Calling, texting, facebook messaging..you know..that stuff)) or multiple people and tell them just how wonderful you think they truly are. Whether it's just passing along a simple website, telling them your own words, or simply letting them know they're on your mind; it'll mean a whole lot to them.

Spread love around and show people that the simplest things in life, they're always the best :]