I am the story I tell myself. 

Everybody has a story to tell.  Some of the stories are sad; others are happy.  Or they may be humorous, full of adventure or drama, or even horrific.

My story is happy.  I have a good life.  I have a family and friends who love me for who I am.  I consider myself very blessed: so many kids don't have it nearly as good as I do.

My name is Jerrol W. Hankins.  I live in Beaver Creek, Pennsylvania, with my mom, step-dad, grandma, and two younger brothers (LaDarius and LaQuarius, who are both nine).  I am the oldest: I am 13 years old and am in eighth grade.

Tomorrow starts Thanksgiving break.  We're off for a week.  I am really looking forward to it.  I can stand a break from homework or spending 8 hours in a stuffy classroom listening to the same teachers drone on and on about stuff I have absolutely no interest in.  On Friday, we're going Christmas shopping.  Christmas.  So hard to believe that it's nearly here; seems like it was only yesterday when we were getting out of school for summer break!

I am thankful for many things.  My parents and grandmother.  My twin brothers.  My dad, although he divorced mom and found a new love 20 years younger (dad had a midlife crisis).  My cousins, aunties and uncles.  My friends.  My talent in drawing, writing, and singing.  (I want to be a singer when I grow up; music is my passion.  My relationship with Christ (I accepted Jesus into my heart when I was the same age as my my twin brothers).

Another thing I'm thankful for?  My health.  My best friend, Dorian Comeaux, has spina bifida and just got out of the hospital for his latest surgery on his legs.  He's been in and out of hospitals ever since he was born and his parents are struggling to try to keep up with the mounting medical bills.  I really feel sorry for him at times.  I pray for Dorian every day and try to be there for him as often as I can.

Anyway, Thursday is Thanksgiving and I plan on watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, then chow down on turkey and all the trimmin's.  Then we're gonna watch football and veg out until we get up early the next morning and head for the stores to start our Christmas shopping.  It is always a busy time for our family!  I just absolutely love the holiday season!

We did have some damage as a result of Hurricane Sandy about a month ago, but not nearly as bad as some people.  We did lose power for a few days, but the damage we had to our property wasn't nearly as bad as say, New York City, New Jersey, or areas east of where we are.  We had a clean up job to do, but we've since got our place (and our yard) looking good again.  The trees don't have any leaves on 'em, though, and there's still evidence of damage around parts of town.

It could have very easily been so much worse.  I'm just glad it wasn't.

Well, I hope you liked my story.  It was tough at first trying to get it started, but as I went along, it became easier and easier.  I do hope I get a good grade on it; Lord knows I worked hard on it, as you can see.  May you all have a very happy (and safe) Thanksgiving with your family and friends and may your Christmas season be merry and bright!