Anthony’s Personal Essay

I’ve saved the best for last.  This is my favorite of Anthony’s essays.  It displays a side of him that even I didn’t realize existed.  He’s always told me that running does good things for him, but I never realized how important it is to allow him those Saturday runs I dread.  I had never stopped to realize how important it is for him. 

 

Life has a funny way in which it molds us into the people we become. Stress, disappointment, trials, struggles, and things that just frustrate, or cause depression, how do we handle these things? Do they control our lives? At one point in my life I would have answered yes, they are in control. The thing that has allowed me to regain control is running. This is something that has changed my life; I now have the ability to think clearly and remain calm in taxing situations. It has become a way of life for me.

Back in the summer of 2008 I received a phone call while on a youth trip, I had lost a large contract for building homes for a specific developer that would have kept my construction company busy for years to come. I felt my stomach knot, in a matter of seconds I could identify every bill and every person I currently owed money. Things around me began to become dark and blurry. I felt I was going to throw up? This was the start of a dark path for me, at least that is what I felt at the time. Later, I realized I was already on this path. Depressed and frustrated I asked myself, “what have you become?” Looking deep into the mirror, I could not find peace. I hated myself.

This pattern continued for some time. I created new friends, food and idleness. Eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow you will die, this was my new motto. Later, while in a grocery store I passed a blood pressure machine, (years earlier I prided myself on my heart rate and blood pressure) I sat, and as my arm began to be strangled my heart raced. I’m only 32 years old, I thought to myself. At this time I was about 50 lbs. over weight. According to that machine I was in the pre-hypertension range. Did this change me? No, I can’t even say this phased me. “How about some McDonalds for dinner?” Deep down I was scared and really wanted help.

January of 2010 my oldest sister Camille started to harass me about the fact she could run a marathon, not only could she do this but she had done this for the past decade. The only thing she succeed at with me was to pluck my “Marty Mcfly” cord, “Nobody calls me chicken.” And, no one tells me I can’t do something. This is the help I was looking for. Looking back I never saw it coming. Changing habits and exercising everyday was hard, but even harder is trying to identify when it went from a chore to a love. Three and a half months later I started off on my first marathon. The band played, all the crazies in short shorts stormed the start line, we paused for our nation’s anthem, I felt numb, and will I make it? BANG! The race started. Emotions ran high and also low. Not once did I consider quitting. In my life I have given up on a lot. I was done, no more. I will finish or die. Four hours, two minutes and thirty-nine seconds later I finished! And might I say, I was also 50 lbs. lighter. My son Camden met me at the finish line, I now understand why marathon runners cry. I had more emotion then physical effort invested in this race. Finally I was done, I am now part of the 1% in the world that can say I completed a marathon. Check that off the bucket list!

I now found myself with confidence and energy. No more am I sucking the life out of those around me. I didn’t stop at the bucket list check. This became a way of life for me. Stress, frustration, depression, etc. these things now hit the side line, I have a run to complete. With the wind in my face and my feet pounding the pavement I’m free, free is the only thing I feel. My mind clears, my body relaxes, and I’m now ready for the day’s demands. Free!

Anthony’s Persuasive Essay

In a free nation one can choose what they will learn and what they believe. Are we a free nation? Can we believe and learn the way we desire? What about our children? In the public school system today, we have no control or say in what is taught and what influences are set before our children. Public schools are not the answer for the future; our nation can’t afford to continue down the path it is currently on. Homeschooling!

As a young boy the outdoors called my name. The fresh air, bugs, dirt and plenty of adventure is what my heart desired. Reading, math, and arithmetic did not appeal. At a very young age, I learned what matters to me is not important. The teacher had other ideas, and if you resist, you will be pegged as the one with a learning disability. In this environment, ones love of learning is damaged or hindered.

In early American history we come to understand where public schools come from and why they were organized. Learning has always started in the home. The first idea of public school was for those who could not afford to educate at home. This is a responsibility of the parents, not the public. Brigham Young was very passionate about education, and had some inspiring feelings regarding free schooling. He said, “I am opposed to free education as much as I am opposed to taking property from one man and giving it to another who knows not how to take care of it…I do not believe in allowing my charities to go through the hands of robbers who pocket nine-tenths themselves and give one tenth to the poor…Would I encourage free school by taxation? No!” On the other hand, President John Adams said this, "The whole people must take upon themselves the education of the whole people and be willing to bear the expenses of it. There should not be a district of one mile square, without a school in it, not founded by a charitable individual, but maintained at the public expense of the people themselves." Over the decades it has just become easier to send your children to a public school. They are now in every community. Have we ever asked why, or do we just follow?

“Education is the power to think clearly, the power to act well in the world’s work, and the power to appreciate life.” Are these the things learned in our public schools? Brigham Young understood the future; he often spoke of the importance of being taught by members of the church in your home. God has been removed from our schools. This is a trend that is increasing.

President Eyring said, “It is clear that our first priority should be the spiritual learning. For us, reading the scriptures would come before reading history books. Prayer would come before memorizing those Spanish verbs. A temple recommend would be worth more to us than standing first in our graduating class. But it is also clear that spiritual learning would not replace secular learning.” This is what keeps families together, and strengthens our nation as a whole. He continues, “…it gives our secular learning purpose and motivates us to work harder at it.” These are the characteristics needed for a great nation.

Socialization is often a topic of concern. From a homeschool standpoint it is opposite. If the time is spent to truly look, public school is social retardation. Where else in life are you assigned to associate only with people of your own age? Will you have a job that will only focus on people of your own age? Bad behavior and habits are often introduce in public school. We all know the saying, “when the cat is away, the mouse will play”. Children are often this way. The public school, in this manner, is a place where the mouse will play. Sure, children need to experience life to learn and grow, but the need to be taught and nurtured at home and experience life with watchful parents is vital to becoming a self-thinking contributor to the community.

We need to take back control. What is taught needs to be at the discretion of the parents. Let the family lead the way, and put God back in the education of our nation.

Anthony’s Essay–I Believe

The list is long after asking myself what I believe. One thing that continues to come to the top of the list is, Fatherhood. I believe in Fathers being heroes to their children. I come from a very large family of eight kids; I am the only boy. Needless to say, growing up was an adventure. I now have six kids of my own.

At a very young age I understood the importance of being a good father and husband. I believed in it and hoped for it. I wanted to do it well. My father was silly at times, even embarrassing, yet I knew he loved us. He worked hard and tried to do the right thing. Raising a family is hard and no one is perfect, but my father did it well. My Father is my hero. He earned this title because of the life he lives. Growing up, my sisters and I never went without. The only one going without would be Him. He often worked three jobs, took care of the yard, and maintained the vehicles. He never paid people to do things. He was a man of mean skills. In that regard he saved our family a lot of money. I am now very handy myself, this I learned from him. I greatly appreciate his example.

One of the greatest things about my life is my title of Father. When asked if I have life dreams, my answer would involve a big yes. I am currently living it. From helping my oldest daughter understand the scriptures to helping my little boys recite the first two Articles of Faith, my heart swells with joy, maybe even a little pride. Seeing my girls compete in gymnastics and dance to watching my boys play tee ball, this definitely fills my guts with pride. This is what I live for; this is my passion.

As a Father, I have a lot of things to learn and understand about caring for these beautiful individuals in my life. The road will be long, but will be well worth the effort.  This I believe in, I am a hero to my kids.

Anthony’s Love Letter

Anthony wrote a few essays during our year of Pathway as well.  I’ll be posting them over the next little while.  I think he’s really good. 

Here’s his Love Letter:

 

Dear Antz,

The days have been long and lonely without you. I remember the mornings we shared, the wind, the rain, the hot asphalt, and even the snow. You were always there, left and right. I have moved on, with a heavy heart. I miss you. I wish I could have you back. You and I are a perfect fit. At night I need your glowing outer shell. Running at night without you is scary. I need to be seen, you made that possible. Why did I let you go, why?

I remember the day we met, my eyes sparkled as they looked deep into your electric green skin. I picked you to my exact specs, yet I had no idea I would love you so much. I gave you life and now I realize you gave it to me.

Sorrow now fills my heart as I pound the pavement. I am reminded of you with every new blister, every ache, and every plain shoes I cross. At times I wonder why I run on without you, will I ever replace you? Is there another pair as light, as comfortable, as flashy, and as durable? This I cannot answer. I will tell you this, I love you! Why you ask? It’s your looks, it’s your smell, and it’s the pattern on your bottoms. When I’m with you I feel every rock on the trail, you excite my legs, and I love how you gently cradle me on long runs.

We have been through so much, 1,200 plus miles to be exact. Now you rest on my dresser, a trophy for me, and a light to all. May you rest in peace my Nike Free Runs, named “Antz”.

Sincerely,

Anthony