Life Lessons

In the course of my life I have been blessed with many things. I have always had a roof over my head and a full fridge. I was born into a family that has loved and accepted me, and I can only imagine how difficult that was for them. And not only my immediate family. My aunties and uncles at times played major roles in raising me. I’m extremely thankful for all of the love and selflessness I have been shown my entire life. Now, I am not a writer in any way. Unlike my mother, I was not fortunate enough to have that talent. Although I have been told I have the “gift of gab” on many occasions. I wanted to write this article for many reasons. One, I have never written anything for anyone else except myself. Two, I think that what I have to say is important and I think that this is the most meaningful way for me to tell the people I am writing about the things that I want them to know. So here it goes, please disregard my spelling and overall misuse of grammar.

I try to live my life as a good and kind person, many times I fall short. The lessons that I try to learn and live by were all taught to me by (mostly) the three most important people in my life; my mother Donna Leskosek, my father Frank Leskosek and my brother Jordan Leskosek.

My mother is a beautiful soul, she is kind, caring, and always no matter how small or hidden sees the good in people. She devotes her life to helping people who cannot help themselves. She saves children and families every day and never asks for a thank you. Some days she works with people who hate her, and call her names and cut her down. Other days she works with people who love her, respect her work and are thankful for her to be in their lives. No matter how bad the day no matter how hard the job, it’s the good that keeps her going. The lessons that my mom has taught me that mean the most to me are these:

1. Be kind, always
2. Never hit
3. Every story has two sides
4. Doing good things for your own community is very important
5. Counting to ten really does work when angry
6. Do something you love for a living

My dad is the hardest working man I have ever met. He would do anything for my brother and me. It is safe to say that I am a daddy’s girl. Moving away from home I have met girls and boys that have no contact with their fathers. I feel so bad for them because I can’t imagine not having a dad like mine. I never knew that I should be grateful for a father that simply loves me unconditionally. I know that now and I will never take that for granted again. The lessons that my father has taught me, whether he meant to or not are these:

1. Taking the easy way out is never the right way
2. Working hard at something you can be proud of is the most important thing you can do with your time
3. You don’t say “I’m sorry” unless you mean it.

My brother is Jordan Leskosek he’s my only sibling. It is safe to say that I look up to him in the most extreme sense of the phrase. He is strong, and smart. He’s got the best sense of humor and although he may not say it, I know without a doubt that I mean as much to him as he means to me. Being close with him has never really been an issue, it’s just something that came naturally. I know that if I am ever in trouble or even more importantly when I have something wonderful to share, he is always there to listen and/or help. He takes great pride in his school and it shows, he doesn’t take handouts and makes very few excuses. My brother has taught me that being an honest person is the best person to be. And staying away from gossip and business that isn’t yours is the easiest way to stay on everyone’s good side. Jordan has also taught me that even in the face of overwhelming odds, keeping strong and fighting like hell is the only way you’ll make it through. I love my brother more than anything in the world.

These are the people that mean the most to me in the whole world. That will never change. I just wanted to let them know that even though I am a pain in the ass most of the time, I am listening to what you are saying, I’m learning what you are teaching, and I am very thankful for you in my life every single day of it.

Thank you for reading.
Layne Elizabeth Hope Leskosek

Photo Credit

Photo Provided By Layne Leskosek

Guest Author Bio

Layne Leskosek
Twenty-one, college educated girl from Sparwood BC.

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