Brent Salyer

9/14/12

My life is like a battle between two opposing armies, indecisive in its time of start. All is balanced as the forces stare down the field at one another, but, when that first shot hangs in the air, all sense of stability is shattered and the death toll rises. In my life, there is but one rock holding back the impending eruption. That rock is my Grandmother. As a child I was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder, commonly referred to as ADHD. To most kids, this doesnt mean much. As far as I was concerned, it was a curse. In school I was out casted and/or bullied due to my difference in personality. I felt like I was a mentally handicapped kid as far as fitting in with the general crowd goes. All the name calling and hatred, it made me angry inside. Eventually it would build up and my anger would get the best of me. At its worst I would be sent home every other day for physical/verbal violence. Eventually, the anger spread to home life. I had issues with my parents and siblings to the point of being sent away. I was entirely convinced my stepmother was an alien with the sole mission of assassinating my entire family and leaving me without the resolve to live. I felt she abused me, punishing me for asking questions, or simply because she didnt understand me. Sometimes she would chase me around the house while screaming profanity at me. Her wickedness always seemed to avoid my fathers gaze, till the day she ran off with another man and left him. Grandmother saw this from the very beginning and was my sole support in these dark days. My Grandmother drove many hours to pick me up at two in the morning. She assured me that I was not to blame for the domestic issues, that it was my stepmother contributing to my already unstable emotions. She was the only one who really understood what was going on. Every time I reached her house my heart leapt as the cage of my reality was opened. Grandma Sues house was a sanctuary, a place where I knew I would never be abused. Where I would get the love and attention I needed so much at my young age. I would simply lounge on her bed and watch TV with her. It didnt matter what was on, for there was a silent love emanating from her very identity. This was more than enough for me. Grandma also had a fixation on sweets, and would often offer me a snack. I remember she would make brownies layered with ice-cream, caramel, bits of candy bar and then a shining cherry on top. She would never forget the cherry and neither did i. Of course I had hobbies as well. As I was born in the age of technology, gaming was the popular hobby for young kids like me. And to be honest, not many things made me as delightful as a good game did. Grandma knew this, as she would take me to the game rental store often, if only to make me happier. Everything she did was for my happiness. And for Gods happiness, she would never forget God. As she was my shelter in a time of Storm, God was hers. My Grandma was a devout Christian always taking me to church and getting me into bible school. She believed it was important for me to develop morals and values at a young age and I cant really argue with that point. Every summer I always made sure to come down to Wharton for vacation bible school. She gave me that longing for Gods word. The only father I could currently rely on in my life. My Grandma never did anything to disgrace god, everything she did and will ever do is in his favor. She is my angel among men, my Statue of Liberty.

Brent Salyer

9/14/12

If it were not for my Grandma Sue, I would not be who I was today. I would not have selfconfidence due to lack of emotional support, nor would I be able to function in society without being arrested. My Grandma fixed my past and will forever be my guide and role model. Every life she has touched is, and will be forever changed. Especially mine.