As the sky begins to darken and the evening wind picks up, making the house shudder, my sisters and I wait by the blazing fire for our father to come home. He finally walks in, hands full of bags from his trip to England. After I give him a hug, he reaches into a brown paper bag and pulls out a tiny souvenir. It’s gold, shiny, and an exact representation of my favorite landmark in London, Big Ben. 
Since I was born in England and most of my family lives there, I travel there often. This time was different. He went alone. The reason he traveled to England was because he had to say goodbye to his mother, and I had no idea. Here he is, with a smile on his face, bringing gifts to his family just to keep us happy. No one would have guessed that this generous man had just lost his mother. 
This moment taught me something so important about my family: we show love through giving. Even in grief, it’s a value of ours to make people feel cared for. Whether it’s a small gift or a kind gesture, we try to bring comfort and happiness to those around us.
That tiny Big Ben now sits at the base of my jewelry stand. Every morning as I get ready, and every evening as I sit down to do my homework, I see it and I’m reminded of the strength, love, and beautiful memories it represents.

– CM

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