Learning From "My Sister's Keeper"

Author's Note- In this essay I worked one how I started my sentences. Hopefully it is visible that I did so. But overall, this essay is supposed to put you in a situation that, you have probably never experienced.

Imagine being born for a reason, that your parents have decided. Now imagine that it would be to save your sister, who has a rare form of Leukemia. Basically, your parent’s had you designed by a genealogist. Do they actually love you? Or do they want to use you, for your sister’s benefit? Lastly, would you agree to donate to your sister, for your whole life? My Sister’s Keeper is a book that will make you think about the choices you make and why you’d make them. Like letting your sister die, for example.

Would you ever let your sister die? For me, at times, I’d say “yes” but when I really think of my sister dieing my heart starts to feel heavy. Anna probably felt the same way yet her situation is a little more complex than mine. Her sister, Kate, wanted to die.

If my sister told me she wanted to die, I’d have no clue what to say. Mostly because she doesn’t have cancer or some sickness that makes her life miserable, unlike Kate. So I would NEVER let her die; at least on my watch or with any help from me. That’s where Anna and I are different. She was going to let her sister die so that her sister, Kate, be happy. Even if I let my sister die, I’d be really mad at myself. Maybe Anna and I are more alike than I think. However, this book’s twist makes me sad for Anna and happy for Kate.

In the end of My Sister’s Keeper, Anna dies and her parents end up donating her kidney to Kate. This operation saved Kate’s life. She lived on to teach ballet and with the grief of making Anna take extreme measures for her. Reading this part of the book gave me mixed emotions. I felt confused because Anna had just recently medical emancipation and her parents got to decide, if she donated anyways. This also made me feel sad yet, I do know one thing for sure, if I were Kate- I couldn’t live with myself, after practically causing Anna’s death.

If I ever found out that my parents had me designed by a genealogist, I’d feel as if I’m worthless. If I found out that why I was designed, I’d feel even more worthless. Anna Fitzgerald probably felt like this. Although she still donated to Kate. I really don’t know what I would’ve done, in that particular scenario. Now, I realize I need to live like there’s no tomorrow and love like it’s my last day on earth, and that is a choice that I'm am making.

Letter to Veteran

Author's Note- I wrote this letter to a World War II veteran that was recently on an Honor Flight. Each veteran on that flight received an old fashioned mail call and a letter that someone had wrote to them. It felt really good to be a part of the honor flight and to thank the men and women who served.

Dear World War II Veteran,   

        I don’t know very much about World War II but I do know that you have sacrificed a great amount to ensure our country would remain free, like it is today. Without you, how would America be today? I can only assume the worst but luckily our country had you and many others protecting us.

        I have always wanted an opportunity to thank a veteran of war, besides my dad. Now that I have this chance to do so, I am grateful and excited. Even though I’m only a kid, I hope my letter brings you happiness and makes you realize how important you are.

        Once again, I am sincerely thankful for your service. But not only for you time; for the determination, courage, and selflessness you have shown.

        Sincerely,

Sarah Kaderavek