The definition of a role model is a person looked to by others as an example to be imitated. Most of the time you think of people older than you. You look up to them, because you see them as perfect. You want your life to

be exactly like theirs so you can be just like them.

That is not always the case. Sometimes role models can be younger than you. They can go through things you never thought imaginable, but somehow through it all they still inspire you.

Never in my wildest dreams would I think that my little brother could be my role model. For 6 years, he was just my little annoying, funny, dramatic, loveable, goofball who i called Ryan.

Cancer is a very difficult situation to handle, for a person of any age. Try being a 6 year old, having cancer, that normally occurred in 40 year old men. No cures, no treatments, and  no answers, because your body is not finished developing, and the doctors did not know how the treatment they had, would affect you. Would you be scared? Would you worry? Maybe you would wish it on someone else, ya know? Wish that the gleo blastoma multiforme grade 4, a tumor the size of a golf ball, was in someone else's brain, rather than yours. Many people would have, but Ryan, he never did.

Ryan was a fighter. Not the literal fighter who would want to hurt you. I am pretty sure the only person Ryan ever wanted to hurt was me, but I asked for it. Sibling rivalry you could call it, but that was before all of this.

Ryan lost control of his left side when he had surgery to remove some of the brain tumor. To counteract with that he had to undergo PT and OT therapy. I remember that when he was almost done with an exercise, and the therapist said one more, Ryan always did two more. That kind of ambition made him stand out to his therapists. He also has rubbed off on me. When we are in the weight room, I try and do one more, but lets be honest, that does not always happen!

Even in times of  “crisis” Ryan was still his funny self. He was always curious about things. One day, he asked my Uncle Tim, “Why is there a feeding tube in my nose and a breathing tube in my throat? I don't eat through my nose!” And there you have it ladies and gentlemen. A 6 year old just questioned a chemist why doctors do what they do. That question made my uncle ponder. He admitted to Ryan, that he did not know that answer. That made Ryan laugh.

Another day, after one of Ryan’s surgeries. He thought he was blind! Looking back all I can do is laugh. He straight faced simply told my dad, he was blind. He said “daddy I’m blind!” My dad chuckled and said “no, your eyes are just swollen shut.” “Well can I see?!” he asked. Daddy said “well no” “THEN I”M BLIND!” Ryan freaked out!

I tell you these stories because Ryan never stopped being himself, during his battle with cancer. He stayed true to himself, and always helped out those who needed it. Ryan helped raise over 1 million dollars, for the Arkansas Children’s Hospital, and Ronald McDonald House. He always helped me when I needed it. And I know that everyday he helps me get through my obstacles.

You know the feeling when you get a hot flash that warms you up instantly but only lasts a few seconds, well the only thing that I could consider that to be is a hug from my guardian angel.

Role models, heroes, or inspirations. They all mean about the same thing. Someone who has changed your life. Some people may not understand your reasoning for admiring them, but it does not matter. A role model to me, may not matter to you. But the real question is, Who do you admire?

The morning of November 22, John F. Kennedy woke up to light rain falling and to several thousand people in the parking lot of the hotel he stayed at. He was on a campaigning tour. He rode in a motorcade to Carswell Air Force Base, which he would take a 13 minute plane ride to Dallas. When he got to the airport in Love Field he spent several minutes shaking hands of the well wishers.

When JFK arrived in Dallas, he got into a limo with Governor John Connally and his wife Nellie. They opened the convertible and JFK sat on top. They left the airport to go on a 10 mile route that would go through downtown Dallas and ending at the Trade Mart where he was suppose to speak at a luncheon.

The Kennedy’s were passing the Texas School Book Depository when all of a sudden there was gunfire. A bullet went through JFK’s neck and his head slumped over and landed on Mrs. Kennedy. As soon as that happened the car sped away to Parkland Memorial Hospital.

John F Kennedy was pronounced dead at 1:00pm on November 22, 1963.

At 2:38 pm Lyndon B. Johnson took the oath of office for Sarah Huges- a U.S. district court judge.

Lee Harvey Oswalk was arrested for the assassination of the President. On November 24th Oswalk was schedualed to go from the Police Headquarters to County Jail.

Jack Rudy aimed a pistol and fired point blank range. Two hours later in Parkland hospital Oswalk died.

Monday November 25, 1963 in the Arlington National Cemetery,  John Fitzgerald Kennedy was put to rest. That was also John F. Kennedy JR’s 3rd Birthday.


JFK will always be remembered by his quote “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.”

Starting in 1964, John F. Kennedy replaced Benjamin Franklin on the united States Half Dollar. This made  Kennedy the second assassinated president to ever appear on american coins. The first was Abraham Lincoln on the one cent piece.   

In 2015, Kennedy will be the first president to appear on both the one dollar coin and the half dollar coin.

During life we have a multitude of memories, some very good and some disturbances that you will never forget. Many moments have been fun and sad, but I do have a very fond memory.On a warm and sunny day in December of 2007, Ryan and I had a photo shoot at Arkansas Children's Hospital. A professional photographer came in and took pictures of us. We had

so many of the pictures taken that day, it is a memory I will never forget.

Lots of “selfies” were taken of Ryan,I was in quite a few of the pictures also. They whole family was in about 5 or 6 photos. There were pictures that I could not have even try and set up. They were basically natural shots. The photographer sent Ryan and I to play and she just followed us with a camera. I do have some favorite pictures from that day. There is one that is in color and Ryan has his fingers, pulling at his ears with air in his cheeks to look like a chipmunk/monkey kinda thing. That picture is currently on my wall by my door so I see it all of the time. Another one is where Ryan was chasing me. While he was chasing me the lady got another shot. I had climbed up this small incline on the playground at the hospital and  Ryan was trying to climb up them but he could not on his own with his ankle braces so I helped him up the incline and they caught that on camera.

My absolute favorite picture from the day was under a play cave. I was under it and Ryan had climbed on top and was looking down at me. It was the sweetest picture i had ever seen and I love to see it. It upset me looking at it after Ryan did pass away, but people told me all the time that that was a great photo because it is what is happening right now. He is looking out for me: he is my guardian angel.

So out of all the memories I have had, I would have to say the last photo shoot, well and the last decent pictures taken with my little brother is a memory that i will never forget!

He is forbidden. Not allowed. I should just get him out of my mind, out of my head. I can’t, I am too weak. His smile, changes my mood. I could be at the verge of suicidal thoughts, things get so bad, but then I catch a glimpse of his smile and realize everything will be alright. I try and convince myself. If only I could make him mine. But no! Daddy will not let me. I mean first of all he would have to notice me which is 99% impossible…

Let me catch you up on how things go around here. Elliot, the handsome guy with the killer smile? He is rich, so everything is handed to him and daddy told me since I was a little girl that I needed to work for what I wanted. He wants me to marry a good, humble boy, a farmer or someone who works for the city. Someone who is willing to help me. Not a “pretty boy.” So I am terrified to talk to him because I am afraid dad will kill me, literally. I just wish I could talk to him, and realize that what my dad says is true. To get him off of my mind…

July 14th is a date I will always remember, as long as I live. Daddy sent me out for milk because we needed it to finish preparing our dinner. He gave me exactly $3.12 because he did not want me to keep any money that I did not earn. I was walking past ReRead, the local magazine store, when an article caught my attention. “Are teens to stressed?” I obviously thought so, so I thought I would check out the article. It says homework stresses a child out 10x more than average. That got me thinking, so I mumble to myself.

“Ain’t that the truth. I am way too stressed over this crap.”

“I hear ya, if I never had another page of homework for the rest of my life, it would be too soon.” I tilted my head and was instantly attracted to his crystal blue eyes.

He said “my name is Elliot.” “I know” I interrupted. “Yeah!?” “I am Brittyn.” “Well Brittyn it is nice to meet you.”

Before I know it I had spent 15 minutes chatting with Elliot until I realized I needed to get milk to my daddy before he called the cops.

Just as I was heading out the door, Elliot grabbed my wrist and said “When can I see you again Brittyn?”

I stuttered in disbelief when he said that.

“Tomorrow before school? I will tell my dad I have to tutor a kid and I will get there 30 minutes before school? Can you be there?”

“Would not miss it for the world.” He smiled.

As I left the shop I almost forgot the milk with all of the butterflies in my stomach were fluttering so fast.

The next morning at school I seriously was so nervous to meet Elliot. He walked up spiffy as could be.

Our eyes met. Then we got a little closer together. I could smell his minty gum, and for a second it went black. Next thing I know our lips touched.

Out of all of the books, movies, songs, tv shows, and video game, out there I decided to chose a tv show that entertains me like no other. The show that is keeping me busy on these cold snow days. I am watching it as I type this evening. It is the show that I got the whole series for Christmas just last year and am already on season 5!The show has 8 seasons in total, and has entertained a multitude of people since it first aired 22 Sep. 1987. The cast includes: John Stamos, Bob Saget, Dave Coulier, Candace Cameron. Jodie Sweetin, Mary-Kate & Ashley Olsen, Lori Loughlin, and Andrea Barber. Have you guessed it yet? I hope so!

If not then I’ll let you in on the fabulous show I am informing you of: Full House

This timeless classic is a comedy for families everywhere.

In the beginning, there was a father, Danny Tanner, and he has 3 daughters; DJ, Stephanie, and Michelle. Danny’s wife Pam recently passed away in a car accident. Danny called in backup… He calls his wife’s brother Jesse Katsopolis and his best friend since school Joey Gladstone and asks them to move into his house for a little while to help him take care of the girls. They confirm and move in.

The show welcomes you into the Tanner family for 8 years. You see the girls grow up right in front of your eyes. You see Uncle Jesse turn from an immature crazy man, to a loving father. You see struggles on every episode and you can really take what they teach to heart ( well most things. Joey’s cartoon voices may not be needed on a daily basis,) but other than that it teaches life lessons.  

If you have not seen this sitcom, then I suggest that you figure out a way to watch it! With every episode you watch will leave you wanting more! I rate this comedy a 10/10 obviously. This is my favorite show, and I am sure that if you watch it you will enjoy it also!

My big sister is my best friend. She and I are so much alike it is unreal. I feel like we were both adopted or something. If we style our hair a certain way, it is inevitable that we are sisters. We both play volleyball, and at times we both would play outside hitter. I watch her every move because I hope one day I will be half the player she is. Her passes are phenomenal and when she sets they are almost always perfect. Her kills are exceptionally well with her vertical as high as it is. She also plays basketball and up until this year I did too, I would watch her play and want to play just like her one day. She is academically gifted, and brilliant. I hope am striving to be like her in every way. Her beauty is outrageously perfect. I try so hard to be like her because she is overall wonderful. She is genuinely sweet. She is my biggest fan. She and I will always be close I hope.. The memories we have will never fade. Snow pictures were freezing to take, but as I was looking at them, they looked like a professional had taken them. When my big sister goes to college, I am going to miss her like crazy. Going through and seeing her everyday, to not at all will be tough. I am going to go crazy a few times, but I know she is only a phone call away and she will always be there to help me out. Looking back, we have had some difficult times when I literally wanted to strangle her, but she is my sister. When you get a sister, you get them, you don’t choose them. There was a reason God gave me a sister like her. She straightens me out when I need it. She is crazy, and obnoxious and difficult, but she is also, loving, caring, and always there for me. Sisters: you learn to live with them, but they are impossible to live without. I hope I can be an inspiration to someone, as much as she has inspired me, to thrive in everything I do, and to do it with the best of my abilities. As I am writing this, my sister is snapchatting people, and watching Netflix trying to find a new series to watch since we just finished New Girl. We are now talking to my boyfriend. No sleep tonight! Haha no but really we are because I am tired. Anyway, life is crazy, and there are many ups and downs but a sister is a sister. She will always be there for me and I can never thank her enough!

Waking up on a warm Christmas morning in Anaheim, California is the greatest feeling in the world. I turn over in my bed and instantly smell Ryan’s morning breath and I am suddenly wide awake. Shaking his shoulder I yakked, “Wake up you goober! It’s Christmas morning and we are going to Carsland today! Wake up, wake, wake up!”

“Diddy, I’m awake, relax I am more excited than you are!!”

(Ryan could never say sissy so he always called me diddy.)

We rush down the stairs of our rental beach house, toward the kitchen where daddy was making chocolate chip mickey mouse shaped pancakes. As we hit the last stair we hear mommy yelping.

"Come see what Santa brought you two!"

We make a u-turn and head to our little Christmas tree that we brought from home. It is literally like a foot tall. Anyway, we head to the couch where we find piles of things for us! I got a Vera Bradley backpack, duffel bag, and straightener holder in my favorite print. Paisley meets plaid. It is mainly gray and pink. Ryan on the other hand got a blue wii for his room and a lot of games. We also got new outfits for Carsland. I got a Perrywinkle Sally shirt, new jeans, and coral pink nike free runs. Ryan got a royal blue Lightning McQueen shirt, jeans and bright orange free runs.

Obviously we want to wear those, so we try and change right that minute, but we were suddenly stopped by daddy’s famous words.

“Breakfast is ready!”

Well, its probably better if we do wait to change, so we wouldn’t get anything on our clothes!

We scarf down dinner and before we know it, we are in Carsland. We take all kinds of pictures, in the huge displays with the head cut outs. We eat at Flo’s cafe, a scrumptious lunch of cheeseburgers, with curly fries and a can of oil as they called it. (But really is was just coke) Ryan and I then took out our $5 bills out from Granny and went to the Casa Dela Tires to buy tire shaped ice cream (Don’t worry it was vanilla ice cream covered in a chocolate hard shell.) And then we saw it. The Convertible Cars races on Route 66. And there was no line! Ryan and I ran to the line and since he was 6 feet tall they let us ride together. As the riide started we made a sharp left turn and all of a sudden I had a sharp pain in my right side.

I am awaken and realize that the perfect day I had just imagined was all a dream. And the reality of it was that I was in my aunt and uncle’s basement with my 3 year old cousin’s foot in my rib. MERRY CHRISTMAS!