Personal Narrative: Parallel Journeys In My Life

In the book, Parallel Journeys, Helen Waterford, one of the three authors, explains how she as well as millions of other Jews appreciated the smaller ‘gifts’ in life because they faced such a punishing lifestyle. After having to consume unsatisfactory food for many months, Helen talks about one extraordinary night. “‘There was one special night on Christmas. That was the first and only time we had meat for dinner. The meat was a freshly killed horse, and it tasted delicious to me. For this special occasion, each person's meal was put into a separate brown bowl. On other days, four of us had to share one bowl. Of course we had no knives or forks, no tables or chairs, but we did have meat”’ (145). Subsequent to Helen and Doris’s arrival in Chicago and reunion with Helen’s parents, the two arrived at their new house. “‘It was a single room, and I was

However, growing up in the teenage world, I face a variety of choices everyday. Although my predicaments are nowhere as severe, I can use a large percentage of what I learned from Parallel Journeys in my life. Recently, I received a Valentine's card from my great-grandma. Usually, I receive money in the card, but this time was unlike other times; I received no money. Thinking back on how Helen cherished every bit of happiness she received, my view on the ‘moneyless’ card has changed drastically. Similar to one of the lessons learned in A Raisin in the Sun, money may show your place financially in the world, but it is not everything. I cherish the words written in the card, and how my great-grandma took the time to write the card. I have to appreciate the smaller things in life (the card), and even if she had sent money as well, the thought of my great-grandma’s love tops my