508's Secret English Garden

Appreciate What You Have

  I think I have been happy since I was born.  I seldom feel angry or depressed because I can’t obtain what I want.

  From reading newspaper everyday, I know something bad happens to many people.  Some of them have to face many difficult things.  For instance, they may have to take care of their parents who are sick or dealing with financial problems.  As for me, in fact, I just need to study.  If I have these problems, I don’t think I have courage to solve them.

  I always feel I’m content with myself.  Regardless of how small house I may live, how bad grades I may have, and how low salary I will get, don’t forget one thing: someone is worse than you.  Learn to appreciate what you have.

Appreciate what you have

I once kept a dog when I was in elementary school.  In a bleak afternoon, on my way home, I was appalled by a scene.  A thin and bony dog injured from head to toe, shuddered because of coldness.  It was his helplessness eyes that tempted me to take him home.  From then on, he had become one of our family members. 

Thanks to our attentive consideration, he recovered rapidly, growing much bigger and stronger.  Every day after school, he came to “pick me up”, rain or shine.  On Sundays, I would take him out for a walk and played in the park till night.  Day after day, we became best friends.  I would share my sorrow and joy with him, telling him how upset I was.  Every time I shed tears, he would look at me as if he understood, and barked in response. 

Nevertheless, pleasant hours flew fast.  One day, he didn’t show up after a long time.  At first, I didn’t find things strange.  “Did he forget the time?” I thought to myself.  After a couple of moments, I began to worry about him and started to look for him.  Yet no matter where I went, I just didn’t see him. With deep depression, I walked home.  And this time, once again, I was totally horrified by the scene—a dog lying on the middle of the road, shaking fiercely.  However, all I could do was watch him bleeding, and die.  It was too late.  He had a car accident earlier. 

This event dawned on me that you don’t have to regret after you lose something.  And the best way not to feel sorry is to appreciate what you have “now”.  Should you lose it one day, you will feel less sorry, because you have already valued its importance.    50836 蕭行雅

50813 周怡萱

        I didn’t cherish the time I was with my grandpa when I grew up. I always shed tears of regret when I see the old pictures I took with him.

        My parents were very busy when I was still a baby because their business had just started. I was raised by my grandpa, who was a retired soldier. It was the happiest time of my life. My grandpa taught me how to explore the world. At the first time he taught me how to fish, I was amazed when I discovered I had a natural talent to catch fish just like him. Moreover, he bought many toys and candy to satisfy me. He also comforted me when I was frightened by thunders and protected me from terrible things, such as cockroaches.

        As my parents’ business became stable, I moved to the city to live with parents. I only visited my grandpa during winter or summer vacations. One day he just passed out and fell while he was walking up the stairs. His brain was badly injured and he was diagnosed brain dead. I felt guilty and blamed myself for not being there for the most important person in my life. Although my family comforted me by saying it wasn’t my fault, I still thought I should have spent more time with him and care more about him.

        It is stupid that people need to learn a lesson by getting hurt. So I want to make this painful lesson worthwhile. I have decided to appreciate every moment with those who are important in my life.

50813 周怡萱

Dear Becky,

        You told me that you have a crush on a cute boy in your class and you want to ask him to be your boyfriend. As your elder sister, I have to tell you I don't think that's a good idea.

        First of all, 90% of couples in high school will break up. We are too young to deal with problems between boyfriends and girlfriends. We often act without thinking twice, we can't imagine what the result will be.

        Second, we should spend more time with family because you'll leave home soon for college, job or marriage. So don't waste time on something that is not necessary.

        In the end, I want to tell you I love you because you are my only sister. So you don't need to seek love from others. Doing things at the right time will keep you from getting hurt in your life. I hope you'll always remember that.

                                                                                                                                               Your loving sister,

                                                                                                                                                 Phoebe

Appreciat what you have                11  李慧品

When I was in junior high school, I had a good friend who sat next to me in the cram school. We talked about everything, such as, stars, family, novels, and studies.

We ended up breaking up because she loved to make fun of every one. For example, I was once stuck in the classroom because she blocked the classroom’s door. After she played tricks on me for several times, I was really upset and even had an argument with her. From then on, I didn’t talk to her, go home with her, and want to see her anymore.

After graduation, I felt somewhat repentant, every time I recalled what happened between her and me. I should communicated well with her and not just take my anger out on her, but I knew our friendship wouldn’t come back. Because of this experience, I decided I will treasure the friendship with my friends more than ever.

Appreciate what you have

508 26 黃香瑾

I have a nice grandmother, but I never value her before.

She prepared dinner for our family everyday. She provided what I wanted and she loved me so much. Not until she got serious illness did I know how much I love her.

Once she cared about me, but I argue with her and broke her heart. After the quarrel happened, I had not talked to her for a long time. Then my grandmother was sent to the hospital suddenly, because she always suffered from diabetes. Though she is fine, she is really much weaker than before and cannot have fun with me.

After that, I discover how important she is. I should treasure and appreciate what  I have.

Appreciate what you have 18號張淑婷

   Seven years ago,I was like a princess living a happy life. There was no pain and no worry in my world. I thought my parents would stay with me forever,so I didn't treasure their love. I even took my anger and frustration out on them when I was in a bad mood.

   One day,when I came back home from school,there was no one at home. I was angry because they went out but not with me. After several hours,my mom came back and told me that dad had a car accident. Dad's leg was injured so he had an operation. For the first time,I was so scared that my parents would leave me. I also felt ashamed of what I had done before.

   After the accident,dad is disabled. My family isn't as rich as before,but each of us feels it doesn't matter. Due to the lesson we learn from the accident,I know love is the most valuable fortune. And luckily,we love each other. With love,I can cry loudly when I'm sad because my parents will cheer me up,and when I feel tired I can go back home forever because my parents will protect me. This is what “family” means. Though we are not rich as before,we appreciate what we have now.

39 鍾心維

Appreciate what you have

  I always appreciate that my parents give me enough privacy.

  I have known I have enough privacy since I was in elementary school. Classmates in my class often talked about the rules in their home. They can’t even close the door of room. I was shocked. When I first heard it, at that time, I thought that was a kind of sick! One day, I was sitting in the living room watching movie with my mom, the movie is called “Truman’s show”. It’s about a man who has been pictured secretly since he was born. Everything around him was faked but he had no idea about it. After the movie, I asked my mom “Will you ever do that to me?” and she looked straight in my eyes, said “Never”.

  I can’t imagine the life without privacy. For me, privacy is much important than health, so I really appreciate the privacy my parents give me.

                                                                                                                                              50819 張醴元

  I have an aunt who got married and had a cute child. My aunt’s family was wonderful and they enjoyed life. My aunt was thoughtful to everyone and filial to my grandmother.

  Ten years ago, they had a vacation in Indonesia. Unexpectedly, when they came back, they had an air crash. We felt astonished, painful and depressed. We didn’t even  know how to deal with this disastrous situation. For the first time, I saw my dad’s tears.

  As time goes on, not only do we face difficulties, but we learn to value the people we love. My dad said, “Although their death broke our family’s heart, we’ll love and remember them forever.” We do never know what will happen at the next moment. What we can do is appreciate what we have, do our best to reach the goals and show how we cherish our family and friends in time.

508 38 謝瑀倫

I haven’t regarded food as invaluable since I was young. I was always particular about carrots, green peppers and pumpkins when having a meal. Sometimes I didn’t finish my rice in bowl because I was totally full, so I poured out all the leftovers into the trash can. At that time, I didn’t view it as an awful deed until I saw news on TV.

It said that the people in Africa were so poor that they don’t have money to buy food to eat. They are starving and thirsty all day long so that their bodies are thin and weak. However, to my astonishment when they can’t help but feel hungry, they make several cookies which were made of grass and soil to provide some energy. Worst of all, on account of these diet problems, Africans have suffered from some terrible diseases like oedema not a disease for years. Besides, this situation is difficult to improve so they need assistance from all over the world.

After seeing that news, I feel quite regret about what I did before. I wasn’t content with my life and wasted too much food.

Therefore, I made a decision that I’ll squander no more and avoid extravagance. I can also save my pocket money to help the poor. I believe if everybody can give their little effort, the world would be much better.