508's Secret English Garden

    I didn't know how much important health is until I broke mine. I'm a pop-dancer, and I usually practice dancing without a warming-up. I thought doing a warming-up is time-wasting and useless, so I never do it before practice or performing.

    The result proved that I was wrong, because my ligament was seriously injured. I felt I was in great pain when I climbed stairs, but I can't reach my classroom without climbing stairs. Doctor said that, furthermore, I might feel uncomfortable when I was old. I didn't appreciate my health at all, and I felt regret for losing it. Health is more significant than anything. We should appreciate and protect our health.

Appreciate What I have

50820陳可馨

  I didn’t realize the happy life what I have is so valuable until my mother told me what her earlier life like. I used to be a child who always wanted to play computer games but not do any chore. When my mother asked me to do something, I always shouted to her. I was such a impolite child before.

  A surprising event happened that changed my terrible attitude—my mother cried in front of me. The thing occurred because of my wayward character. I had a quarrel with my mother for playing computer games more time. As her cried with sadness and told me how discontent I was, and my heart was broken. I finally know what I had done was stupid.

  If me mother didn’t cry, I would not know I was such a lucky child that have a lot of luxury thing that others mar yearn for. I have to appreciate what I have because I was lucky enough.

Appreciate what you have  508 29 蔡宜芳

    My grandfather and his genuine love can bring me spiritual comfort in the time of sorrow. He is also the best audience to share my joy. I feel that I am on top of the world because of him.

  However, my dear grandpa died of the heart disease when I just was a high school student. From then on, I truly realized that my grandpa and  families were so important for me. Thus, I embarked on spending more time keeping company with them in my free time and put my love into words so that they could understand how much I love them.

  My grandpa’s death inspired me that my families’ love is unique in my life. So, appreciate what you have and enjoy your life.

Appreciate what you have 50812 李樺香

I thought everyone has family and get love from it.  I have father and mother to take care of me and help me grow into a good person.  Whenever I’m sad, family is my harbor.  But my thought changed when I entered senior high.

I was a volunteer in Children’s Home when I entered senior high.  Children’s Home is founded to help children whose parents fail to bring them up.  My work there is to look after children between three to five years old, play with them, and chat with them.  I can tell they are different from other kids at first sight.  I can see they need more love and patience than other kids obviously.

“ My father is going to bring me home! ”A little boy said excitedly with his eyes shining one day.  Only when he told me that did I realize how lucky I am.  I have a happy family, which these kids are looking forward to but I didn’t seem satisfied.

        This reminded me of appreciating what I have every moment.  It isn’t necessary that parents do everything for us.  Parents' love and warmth from family make me unique.

Appreciate What You Have

Like a refuge, my mom takes care of me in spite of pouring rain and angry wind. Home is warm for me because Mom is there.

  However, everything changed one day. Mom became strange to me. She got angry easily, cried frequently, and felt overwhelmingly disappointed. She got tired easily but can’t fall asleep. It seemed that an ordinary sleep was a luxury to her. Everything interesting can’t lift her up. She no longer cooked, and a lot of extra housework became my daily routine. 

  With family’s encouragement, my mom agreed to see a doctor. When she was on examination, I shed tears of regret. Mom devoted deeply herself to our family. I should be more thoughtful to her. If she needs someone to share sorrow and happiness, I can do them. After all, Mom is the most beloved treasure for me.          

Appreciate what you have    50801王昱仁

  Once I did not appreciate what I have until I went through the important thing. When I studied in elementary school, I was always upset. So I didn’t study hard, and I fought with classmates. I even made trouble in school, such as breaking the windows and pulling off the tap to make the floor flood. Because of the bad things, my mom often apologized to others.

  Though my mom helped me solve those which I created, I should no regret. One day I make a big trouble that I injure my classmates with fist. Then my mom knew, and she can’t help giving me a slap on the face. To her surprise, I ran my home. With the mood turbulence, I ran along with street until I was tired. Then I discovered that   I was in the strange by my side. Feeling very lonely, my tears shed in silence. Suddenly, a warm arm hugged me. That is my mom. Actually she pursued after me. At that time, I cried so loudly.

  From then on, I know that I am not own a thing in the world. The fact I have a warm family. Hence, I appreciate what I have.  

Appreciate What You Have               508  35  盧彙諭 

  In the past, I wasn’t satisfied with what my parents gave me. And I often complained that I didn’t have enough money to spend. Thus, I not only quarreled with my parents constantly but also lived an unhappy life before.

  Not until my mother had a serious illness did I change my thought. At that time, she lay in bed for several days. In order to look after Mother, my father hadn’t gone to work since then. Without the source of income, we had to make every effort to decrease the living expenses. We learned to share housework, too. Gradually, I was aware of my parents’ toil of supporting a large family. Meanwhile, I also felt very regretful for causing my parents so many troubles due to my willfulness.

  After my mother recovered from her illness, I seemed to grow a little more, too. Furthermore, the relationship between my family and I gets closer. I realized that my family can get together and all be healthy is the greatest happiness.

Appreciate what you have    508  08  王萱蓉

After entering senior high school, maybe because of the pressure or because I reach the age of puberty, the argument between my parents and me became more frequent.  The strict demands from my parents always let me feel out of breath.  Instead of accepting their advice, I tend to do the opposite.

      Not until I knew a friend did I realize I’m lucky to have a mother.  I have a friend who hates family reunion on holidays because she has to put up with the disappointing absence of her mother.  My friend’s parents divorced when she was a kid.  She chose to live with her father; therefore, she lacked Mother’s care.

      On one Mother’s Day, my friend called me with tears, telling me how she longed to celebrate this holiday with her mother, and she wondered why everyone deserves the happiness with family except her?  To avoid being caught in depression, she forced herself not to think of the holiday and isolated herself with her family.  Little did I know that an atmosphere of happy family means so much to her.  Contrary to my rebel, she wishes to have discipline from parents.  Even arguing with parents can make her feel a part of her family.

      The care from parents and close family relationship are important for each kid. Although my friend has abundant material life, without a complete family she always feels empty.  As a result, I appreciate that I have lots of parents’ attention which means they love me very much!

 50827廖芳誼                  Appreciate What You Have Now

      I was once a wayward and discontent girl.  When I saw my classmates play the piano, I envied them so much.  However, my family was not rich, so there was no extra money for me to take piano classes.  I used to get angry at my parents and complain about my poor family.

      Not until I saw some astonishing news did my attitude change.  One day, I saw a report saying every 7 minutes a person died of hunger in Africa.  I was shocked by the number.  I was shocked to see many African children with big bellies and helpless eyes, because they were so poor that they need to eat even bugs and dirt to replace food.  I was shocked that such poverty actually exists in the 21 century!  From then on, I finally have realized I was so blessed to have my family with me.

      As a proverb says “In the country of the blind the one-eyed man is the king.” Now I am much happier than ever because I appreciate that I can live a comfortable life.  I have sufficient food to eat, clean water to drink, and good schools to go to.  The news gave me a valuable insight into life.  Although my family is not rich, when I think of the Africans, I feel satisfied.  I will learn to cherish everything around me, especially my family, and make up for my past immature thoughts because I have understood happiness lies in contentment rather than in wealth.         

    When I was 12,music was my love. I learned to play the piano and the flute. I practiced them without any pressure until my parents asked me to take an exam of the specialized music class.

    I feel so stressful that I hate to stay at home,and I started to take my frustration out on my friends,such as blaming them without any reasons or keeping squabbling with them.They all left me,but I didn't really care about it. I made friends with someone who were rebellious. I did everything bad at that time.One day, Iwent to a department store,and I wanted to have a CD player. I didn't have enough money,so I stole my mother's money from her purse. I didn't return the money to my mom.Instead, I cannot help but steal my mother's over and over again.

    Someday,she asked me '' Did you know where my money is?''and I said''No.''She believed me.Suddenly, I felt very ashamed myself and frustrated,so I told her the truth.She said''My good daughter.It is never too late to admit your fault and I'm proud that you apologize bravely.''Had my mom not forgiven me with her love then. I would have become more rebellious. Do something wrong isn't shameful,as long as admit it courageous,and I appreciate that I have my mother's love.It encourages me to face the difficulties valiantly.

    Appreciate What You Have                    50830蔡旻螢

    Once, I thought my friend, Laurie, was wealthier than me in all aspects. Recently, she shared her secret with me. And I found maybe I was happier than she.

 Laurie’s parents got divorced and since then, she had to live with her father and mother by turns. When she came back to her big house which once filled with happiness was no one in there.

What I have is just a small house and a sweet family, when I come home; there are delicious dinner and considerate parents.

Maybe, Laurie can enjoy a rich material life, but she often feels lonely. Instead, I live a medium life but I enjoy the sweetness of my family. So I don’t envy her, I am content with what I have.

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.

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.