The Greatest Gift of All by Mais

The Greatest Gift of All by Mais - December 2022 Scholarship Essay

Before the taxi driver could even stop the car, I felt my hand going straight to the handle to open it. I jumped out as fast as I could. I closed my eyes and felt the fresh breeze of Turkey hit me like a hurricane. The biggest smile took over my face. I was finally here and I couldn't believe it. I suddenly heard the two voices I'd longed to hear after all these years, it was my sisters. I ran across the street with my arms wide open and almost got hit by a moving car; I didn't care or even flinch. Of course, my mom started yelling at me as she was coming out of the taxi right behind me. I was looking straight ahead with tears starting to pile up in my eyes. I suffocated them both with my arms. I think I might've squeezed all the air out of their lungs because they started coughing and choking. When I let go, I took a look at the older one, Noor, and realized she was shorter than me. Now that says a lot since I am only 5'0" and she's about 8 years older than me. I didn't even know what my sisters looked like at this point. Then, I took a look at my other sister, Raghad. She was so beautiful and angelic. At this moment, I never wanted to leave. I just wanted to look at them forever and be as close as I can. I didn't want to miss another moment without them. Sadly, none of that could be true; I was going to leave in three weeks. I promised myself I would make every moment with them worth remembering.
We took our suitcases from the trunk of the Taxi and started heading upstairs to their apartment. In there waiting for us was my oldest sister, Ban, and her son, Taim. This was my first time seeing him. These few minutes were the most emotional and wholesome moments of my life. I realized that I have everything I need around me and nothing could ruin it.

The lesson I learned from this experience is to cherish all the moments I have with my family because eventually, I won't have a chance to. I knew at that moment that I will probably not get to see my family for another few years. They aren't able to come to the United States. We have been separated since I was five years old. I've been distant from my family, especially my mom, and I want to change that. I want them to know that I love them and appreciate them. My goal for 2023 is to become even closer to them and show way more affection and appreciation to show how much I love them. Lately, they have been a little bit annoyed with me because I've been rude and distant. After learning my lesson I now know that I shouldn't take family for granted.

In 2023 I plan on calling my sisters way more than I do now. I also plan on taking my mom on mother-daughter dates and bringing her gifts all the time. I want to also spend more quality time with her. I want to start getting along with my brother more because growing up we weren't very close and I want to change that. I want him to know that he can trust me and that I will always be there for him because after all, he is my brother and I know he would do the same for me.

Family is the greatest gift of all. They will always be there for you when no one else will. You can always count on them to support you and have your back. I love my family with all of my heart and I hope they know that. I will do anything for them no matter the circumstances.