Humans are meant to grow old and become their own person. They have their own beliefs and ideals. That is part of their makeup. But there are many people who come in and out of other people’s lives, each leaving a mark. However, ultimately each person makes his or her own decisions.
My mom grew up in Ventura, California. She was a beach girl. She had bone-straight brown hair, chocolate-tanned skin, and was less than 100 pounds until she was in her mid-twenties. Everyone loves my mom. She lights up the whole room with her smile. It sounds cheesy, but it’s true. Our family is known for our chubby cheeks, and whenever my mother smiles they bunch up and make her eyes turn to moon crescents. She will hang out with anyone, and she always is the center of attention.
My dad grew up in a very small town called Independence, Oregon. When I was growing up, most of my classmates did not even know what Oregon was. “It’s the state above California,” I’d always say. He was a shy guy, but everyone wanted to be his friend. Every girl thought he was handsome. Unfortunately, he said he would get nauseated just thinking of talking to a girl. He was the best at every sport: football, baseball, hockey, you name it; he was good at it. He always reminded me of Dennis Quaid, he has the same broad shoulders and thick body build. When I was young, he had thick, wavy, black hair with a black mustache to go with it. But when he was growing up he was a sandy blonde, and now he has Santa Claus-gray hair. He has small blue eyes, and when he laughs his whole face goes red and his eyes vanish.
I laugh like my dad, and I smile like my mom.
My parents were both popular and were loved by everyone. Sometimes my brother and I felt pressure just being their children. My mother was a great cheerleader, while I was a nerdy writer. My dad starred in every sport, while Ryan played every musical instrument.
Many of our relatives and close friends always say, “Kelsey, you look just like your momma.” I like hearing that once in a while, but most of the time it gets kind of tiring. I am my own person, and no matter what my parents tell me, I am going to make my own decisions. Life is too short to follow everyone else’s footsteps.
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