I was at home with my family, (mom, dad and little sister) and we were talking around the table. My dad spoke up and he said “Girls, I just signed us up and payed for a weekend at family camp!” My little sister and I looked at each-other and we groaned. “Why do we have to go to that?” My dad kind of had a hurt look on his face and he said “To spend time with family and to enjoy those around us. I thought you wanted to go.” I replied, “Dad, none of my friends are going. Do we have to go? I hate playing the family games and everything is boring.” So we ended up going to the camp, my little sister and I didn’t have a great time and we complained about it a lot while we were there. Looking back, I feel really bad about complaining. My dad only wanted to have a good time with us, and I couldn’t see the bright side. I still feel regret to this day for complaining. My dad probably doesn’t even remember it but I do and it makes me sad and angry at myself for grumbling. Him and I have a great relationship, but it still pains me to think about how ungrateful I was during that time. I was a spoiled child and I couldn’t go a second without thinking about myself.

I have many regrets in life, but this one is the cherry on top. As I've said in the previous forms I've submitted I come from a broken and disheveled household. Since my upbringing I've become deeply depressed. As I get older my will to live weakens, and the only reason I've made it this far in life is because I have a little brother seven years younger than me. His name is Mark and he's the most precious thing in this world. I love him to death and I would protect him with my life. At first I thought "As long as he lives and breathes so will I" I was confident in that decision and yet here I am hoping the next morning I don't wake up. Every regret in my life catches up to me. At times I'm afraid I'll really do it. Though because I'm afraid at that thought I have hope I'll gain the courage to live on and see him grow into an outstanding gentleman (or lady the choice is all his). Now for the main part of this message I want to say that my biggest regret is letting my surroundings define who I am, because now I'm a mess. To everyone who reads this I want to say to you to not let your mistakes or the people around you mold you into a terrible person. You are not your mother, father, uncle, aunt, cousin, etc. You can be better than them and I truly believe that. I fear it is a bit to late for me now but it's not for you. Lastly. As I write this my fingers tremble as I'm afraid to submit this but I know there's someone out there who's exactly like me. I hope my message gives strength to those who need it. Thank you for reading. English is not my first language and I need more work on my punctuation but If you post this I would love tips on how I can improve and how you received my message. Thank you again.

• July 31, 2023