I remember reading a book. It was interesting and it made me think. I liked it. It was about the bloody battles of WWII. I remember reading about men humbly laying down their lives for their families and friends. These men were so, so brave. I was a ten year old boy back then and I was innocent. This book opened my eyes. I think I cried when I finished the book.

The book itself captured the life of a certain man during the war. It followed him as he went into battle and came back carrying his brothers, his comrades. The book explained how he charged into hell, knowing he may not survive. I was amazed at his courage to face this terrible evil. I could imagine his face, as if it were cut into stone. His eyes shone like diamonds as he faced the enemy. I could imagine his face when he finished his battle. It was worn and his eyes dropped low while he stared at his feet. He was sad.

This man inspired me. He lived through these terrible battles. He fought with his might. He even said, “I fight for my family, so they may live in a more peaceful world.” This was a man of vigilance. He had an intensity to live and strive for good. He made it through by the sheer want to see his family peacefully resting in his home.

As I got older, I went through life. I entered middle school. And then I entered high school. I matured and grew to love those ones close to me. I always had that feeling that I needed to protect them from harm. I thought back of the man in WWII and how his family gave him strength. I wanted to be like this man. And I knew I could be. I stuck up for what I thought was right. I worked for what I wanted.

Then, when I was twenty one years old, I remember hearing about this man dying. I cried when I heard the news. My hero in life had passed away into the great adventure. I was left without mental support from this man. I went to his funeral, I loved him so much. Everyone I knew cried. They loved him as well. He was such a great man. And as they lowered him into his grave, I saw the man’s face. It was how I had always imagined it. It was strong, battle-worn, and promising. He had a smile on his face that spoke out, “Make good in everything you do.” I knew what I need to do in my life now. This man had given me support and a light to guide me on my way.

Three days after the funeral, I kissed my mother and father good-bye. I told them to worry not about me, but only to pray for me. I did not tell them where I was going. This was my quest. This is what I had to do. And I set out to do it.

The bus took me to the military base. I trained hard for weeks. I grew in strength and love for my friends. I know how the man felt about his comrades now. I would do everything I could for them. I would lay down my life so that they could continue theirs. And they would do the same for me.

The man who inspired me was loved by many. He was a war hero. He was a father, a husband, a comrade, and a fighter. He wanted to make the world good. I want to do the same. I will continue in his footsteps.

I know something else, too, now. There was one thing the man said to trust in his book. He said one must find it for themselves. I think I found it. I found the love of friends and family. I also found the love God. The man said this was another reason why he could not fail.

My grandfather was a great man. I loved him much. His sacrifice is why I am here today. I will do the same for my children and grandchildren. I will start my quest, my beginning, my sacrifice, so that others may have peace.



In this piece, I tried to use simple sentence structure to give the meaning of how important every last thing is. I believe this is a (very) short story of the growth of a young boy into his adulthood. Enjoy.