These songs give a loose narrative of my life. (1) September 11, 2001 stands as a stark and frightening memory. Even though I was living in rural Pennsylvania, and only 7 at the time, I felt the magnitude of the events that fateful day. While I lost no relatives in the terrorist attacks, the event continued to impact my life. My elementary school class visited the Flight 93 Memorial in Shanksville, Pennsylvania several times.
Shortly afterwards, (2) my older siblings began to leave home. My family is large – nine children – so we had many goodbyes. My childhood in the peaceful Alleghany countryside was idyllic, and the time passed quickly.
Then, (3) in September 2004, my uncle died suddenly of a heart attack. He was only 54 years young. One minute walking down the sidewalk, happily talking, the next minute dead. As a ten-year-old, I could not deal with the pain, instead going numb. Yet, as the months passed, and my family grieved, I finally realized he wasn’t coming back. (4) Then I, too, could mourn the loss, and move on.
As I matured, (5) my social awareness grew. This country, the whole planet, was on the wrong track! Hurricane Katrina brought poverty and racism alive. Terrible wars ripped lives apart. Climate change altered our globe forever. I must protest! There was so much possibility! (6) I could do anything with my life.
Adolescence hit with full force. (7)I often felt confused or unsure of myself. There were frequent arguments with my parents. I just could not see their point of view! Looking back, while I by no means did all they said, they were really trying their best. In fact, I have a super-solid family. My parents celebrated their 27th wedding anniversary last year, having raised eight other nutcases besides myself! (8) I owe so much to the world because of this. I have no time to waste. I must appreciate everyday, every detail, every encounter. I must find a productive way to spend my life.
Recently, (9) our nation has become increasingly polarized. Ideologies and wealth disparity appear to be creating two America’s out of one. Yet, we all still live here, it is our home. Can’t we live together in peace?
(10) As I reflect on all this today, I realize that my life is before me. Carpe Diem! Seize the day! After all, it is a beautiful day.
– Dickon McPherson
I really love how you took every song on your playlist and connected it to yourself and your experiences. You clearly have an opinion and you feel comfortable expressing it, which is admirable.
You have a great attitude about looking forward and appreciating all aspects of your life which is something I hope you always remember to do going forward.
Good job!