The Hands That Built My Heart

I admire my mother more than anyone else in the world. She’s the reason I am who I am today. She's sacrificed so much to help my sister and me grow through every stage of life. When my dad is away, she steps into both parental roles without hesitation. She’s the strongest person I know.

She’s told me about the hardships she’s faced having to do everything alone: waking up early to make us food, going to work, coming home to cook again, teaching my little sister, driving us to our extracurriculars. She handles everything with unwavering strength. To me, she’s nothing short of a superhero. I hope to be just like her one day, because I truly can’t think of anyone greater.

I also deeply admire my little sister. She went through so much at such a young age—six surgeries and recovery from two serious infections, and yet she bounced back with incredible resilience. Now, she’s always running around like a little whirlwind, full of energy. Despite everything she endured at just two years old, she remains the most cheerful, joyful person. Even as I write this, she and my mom are laughing and playing on the bed in front of me. I’m so grateful she’s here with us, safe and happy.

And of course, I admire my father. His love may be quieter, his presence sometimes distant because of work, but he carries the weight of our future on his shoulders. I know how much he sacrifices, being away from home so often just to provide for us and ensure we have a better life. It hurts him, I know, to miss moments with us but he never complains. When he is home, he does his best to be present, to make us laugh, to care for us in his own gentle way. I see his strength not just in what he does, but in what he chooses to endure. It takes a different kind of courage to be away from the people you love for their sake. I hope he knows how much I respect and love him for that.

My mother, my sister, my father: these are the strongest people I know. They are my roots, my reason, and my greatest examples of resilience and love.