A Child's Courage to Survive

Author’s Note: Although writing isn’t my strongest thing to do, I need to take the time and write about abuse and how many people do get physically, sexually, and emotionally abused.

I was washing the dishes after dinner, and I feel a heavy breathing on my neck. I’m starting to shake and think in my head, “What did I do this time? I didn’t do anything bad.” She keeps on staring at me while I wash the dishes squeaky clean. I could see her reflection off the kitchen window. I didn't know what she was going to do next. Was she going to drag me somewhere? Is she going to yell at the top of her lungs again? I never knew what was next. Child abuse is something you should never do to anyone in anyway.

According to National Child Abuse Statistics | Childhelp, in 2009, approximately 3.3 million child abuse reports were made involving an estimated 6 million children just in the United States. Every day, more than five children die of child abuse. That means that in a week, more than 40 children die because of child abuse. Luckily, David had the courage to stay alive even though his mom beat, yell, and did terrible things to him every day. He had to suffer through things no child has. Such as being placed on a gas stove while it was burning or having his baby brother's diaper rubbed against his face.

This book taught me that abuse is never right, it hurts others by making them suffer when they deserve more. What David’s mom did to him was something no person should ever do. “A Child Called “It”” also taught me to do something when I see someone hurt or is being bullied not just being abused. We should make a difference or do something about it, just like David’s dad. His dad was so brave and had so much courage to stand up to her. When I read that part of that book, I felt so inspired to help someone.

David’s mom did a very wrong thing; however his dad did the right thing. He stood up for David and tried to protect him. When you have kids, you need to treat them with respect, give them love and show them that you care for them. Whenever you see someone being abused or being bullied, you should always do something about it. You should never abuse anyone in anyway because that is abuse and abuse is wrong.

Change Between Hollywood and Westchester

Author's Note- This essay is about change and how hard and life-changing it is for all of us, including Claire. 

Change and choices can be hard for us. Everyone goes through change and choice like an obstacle in life. Personally, I have gone through change and making important choices. Claire had to go through change and making different choices in her new Hollywood life. Living in Hollywood doesn't seem as great at you think.

Change is hard for Claire and is hard for all of us, including myself. The choices for Claire could change the rest of her life. Claire had the opportunity to audition for a big movie part and of course, she thought that Massie or Alicia would get the part. Did Claire get the part? I can’t tell you that, that would just ruin the book and if you really want to know,  then I guess you will just have to read the book for yourself. It’s hard for someone or for you to change in a heartbeat and you have to be patient with other people around you trying to change.

Speaking of change, friends are part of change. There are two types of friends, ordinary friends and true friends. Claire and Abby were just two different types of people who just happened to hang out with each other.  Claire and Layne on the other hand, are true friends that always tell each other everything and do everything together. I have so many true friends and I have so many friends. My true friends are the ones that I can tell them anything and depend on them when I need help, have any problem or someone I can just talk to. It’s always great to have that one friend that is always there no matter what.

Choosing the right friends are also part of choices and choosing the right choices can change the rest of your life. Claire got the choice to go to Hollywood again to go and get another job and be an actor. Did she take the job or did she decide to stay at Westchester? Read the book to figure it out! The choices you make can effect the way the rest of your life is. For an example, going to college can effect your life and your lifestyle. About 63% of high school graduates go to college right after graduating states www.usatoday.com. Soon, my sister will be going to college after she graduates this year, but she doesn’t know where she is going yet. Just going to college can change everything.

Choices can change everything, friendship can change everything. Claire had so many choices to make and change has happened to her so many times. Change is hard for everyone, it’s hard to do it in a heartbeat. It takes time and patience to get used to change.