Middle School Years

My journey continues through my middle school years. I still had no idea of the trials I would face in later life. 

 

My dad finds a new wife. My step mom and I were not always on the same page. She has not been in America for very long. I am an American teenager. She still holds on strongly to old fashioned Laotian customs. People tell me they need their moms the most at this stage in life. There are a lot of changes going on in my mind and body. I have no one to discuss these things with.

My life changes dramatically when my little brother is born. I feel excited and scared at the same time. I loved my little brother dearly and still do but I found it very difficult to show him love and affection. This guilt was added to the sadness I already endured.

There is a girl that lives near me that becomes my best friend. I have known her for several years but we do not become especially close until I'm in the eighth grade. Her mom is like my second mom. I call her my auntie. Auntie and my best friend take me to their Christian church. My best friend and I go to teen bible studies. This is all new for me. Before I was used to going to Buddhist temples. Sometimes I feel hopeless. I am better at expressing myself through letters. Even though my best friend lives down the street I write her letters about how I want to give up on life. She always lifts me up and encourages me. Tells me everything will be okay. She is still my best friend till this day. Sometimes I call her my sister.