Influence

For my speech class at school, I was required to write a story about the person who has influenced my life the most. After pondering the thought for a while, I decided my brother Jeffery has. Here is the story I wrote about him.
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My brother Jeffery has been the most influential person in my life. He is the reason why I am who I am today. Some people care about you, and there are others who devote themselves to making sure you turn into a beautiful person. I have heard it said that friends are the family you choose. Well, my brother is both friend and family to me.
I have been through a lot in my life. My mom told me once that she believes that it is because God knows I can handle it. To be honest, I have wondered how I was able to turn out the way I did. When someone comes across as a strong person, people tend to pick them apart the most. The one thing that will keep someone going in that instance is a strong friend who will catch them when they fall.
Jeffery Aaron Dewhurst was born prematurely, September 22, 1986. The doctor was exhausted from working long hours, and broke my mom’s water a week early. Because of this horrible decision, Jeffery was born with asthma. His dream his entire life was to be a fighter pilot for the U.S. Air Force; and because of his health, he has not been able to achieve this dream. There was a time in my life, when I made the decision that I would go to the service for him. He made me realize that though that is his dream, I need to follow my own path in life.
Some people enjoy junior high, but for me it was hell. I hated every moment of it. During that time, I didn’t know who I was; and honestly, I was afraid to. My 7th grade year of school, Jeffery was a senior in high school. He was ending high school as I was beginning junior high. He had some intense classes and teachers who hated the seniors. Looking back, I realize that it was probably much harder for him, than it was for me. Instead of thinking I was his annoying kid sister, he would beg me to come to his games and let me hang out with his friends. They were the “cool older boys”. It made me feel so special.
I am aware that not everyone here is religious, but my brother is someone who loves God with all of his heart. He introduced me to what a true relationship with the man upstairs is. My social studies teacher openly rebuked my religious views and demanded that I show him evidence of my beliefs. When I went home that day, Jeffery spent several hours poring over scripture with me, so I could show him why I believe in what I do.
Many days, I would set my alarm for 5:30 am, so I could go to Jeffery’s room and talk to him before school. He would talk to me about life; and in that time, I experience so much security. There were people who left scars in my life, and his kind words put ointment into the wounds. If I was upset, all I had to do was look at him, and he would know I needed to talk.
When my dad and Jeffery were in EMT school, they would take me with them in the mornings. I would bring along a book and eat breakfast with them. On days when he would work out, he would let me come with him and taught me how to exercise properly. He would always bring some CD’s and let me choose which ones I wanted to listen to.
The main way Jeffery influenced me was the time spent just listening to what I had to say. He would always tell me that I interested him, and he preferred to hang out with me over his friends. How many people can say that they have someone who genuinely thinks they are the most amazing person in the world? I can pretty much guarantee that if any of you met him, you would think he was the nicest person in the world. Because of him, I am achieving all of my dreams, and have the confidence to soar.