Anna's Frustration Part 1

“Anna, is something wrong?” asked Mrs. Johnson, Anna’s mother as they drove home from school. Her older daughter and younger children were all laughing and talking together but fourteen year old Anna was not joining in. In fact she’d been exceptionally quiet all that week.

“No ma’am,” Anna muttered.

“Are you sure?” He mother asked.

“Yes ma’am.”

Later that evening Anna picked at her food, not bothering to join in the laughter and conversation going on around the table. Finally, Mrs. Johnson asked in an exasperated voice, “Anna did something happen at school? You’ve hardly spoken to anyone all week.”

“I said nothing’s wrong Mommy!” Anna snapped.

“Anna,” her father interjected softly as Anna’s voice started to rise.

“Why can’t you just be like Shaquelle and say when something is bothering…” Her mother began again. However, before Mrs. Johnson could get the words out of her mouth Anna jumped up and pushed her chair forcefully underneath the table.

“Shyquelle, Shaquelle, that’s all I ever hear around here,” Anna shouted. Why can’t you do this like Shaquelle Anna? Shyquelle gets all A’s Anna why can’t you? Shyquelle this, Shyquelle that, I AM NOT SHYQUELLE, MY NAME IS…”

“ANNA!” Her father shouted sternly. “Do not shout at your mother! Now apologize at once.”

“But Daddy…” Anna started.

“Anna…”

“That’s just like parents,” Anna muttered angrily under her breath. “They say they want you to talk and when you do they say you’re being rude.”

“Young lady,” her father said getting up from his seat.

Even in the height of her anger Anna recognized that tone, she knew that look and she knew not to push any further. She looked around the table at the shocked faces of her older sister Shyquelle and her younger brother and sister. Tears of anger hurt and frustration built up in Anna’s eyes but she refused to let them fall.

“Sorry for shouting Mommy,” she said her voice trembling. “May I be excused, I’m not hungry.”
I think that would be best," her father said tersely, still upset by what he saw as Anna being rude to her mother.

Anna quickly left the dining room. As she turned away the tears she was trying so hard to hold back began to fall. She walked quickly to her room and closed the door. She threw herself across her bed and clutched her pillow tightly to her chest and the tears began to pour down her cheeks and she began sobbing uncontrollably.

GT Magazine Sept/Nov '08

What is wrong with Anna? Write in and share your thoughts.

(This story is strictly fictional; any resemblance to persons living or dead is completely coincidental)

Lessons from the Olympics

Once and only once every four years I become an eager sports enthusiast. During that time I can be found glued to my television watching basketball, volleyball, gymnastic, diving, swimming, track and field, you name it and I probably watch it.

I’m sure by now (even without the heading) you’ve guessed I mean the Olympics. I’ve watched many triumphs and disappointment during the two weeks of the Olympics.

I watched athletes make mistakes, fall down and get back up. I’ve rejoiced and commiserated with athletes from home and around the world and I learned a few lessons along the way that I’d like to share with you.

The favorite doesn’t always win. (Don’t ever count yourself out)

Don’t be over-confident. The ‘gold’ does not belong to anyone. You still have to put forward your best effort to win.

Mistakes happen! Don’t let them stop you from finishing your race even if you don’t achieve your desired results.

Discipline is important – It’s impossible to achieve your goals and realized your dreams if you are not disciplined.

Hard work pays off!!! I listened to the stories of some of the athletes. I didn’t hear of one lazy athlete that made it to the Olympics…

Hope a few of these lessons will resonate with you at the beginning of this new school year. Have a great year and remember to do your very best!

GT Sept/Nov '08