I Remember Cameron's Birth

My brother Cameron was a chocolate baby with beautiful brown eyes with feet so tiny they could fit in one hand. He weighed 9 lbs. 7 oz. when he was born. I remember his first words and the first time he said my name, "Kayla." It was music to my ears. I remember his first two teeth and his new baby smell. I was five when he was born. When I first saw him in the hospital, he caught my attention and stole my heart. He was amazing to me. Greatness, intelligence, amazing, magnificent, intriguing-- these are all adjectives to describe my little brother. I love him. He gives me extra reason to smile and makes things worthwhile. He is mine, my little "shuggie bear." Greatness, intelligence, amazing, intriguing, the characteristics I remember. (Kayla Huggins, 9th Grade)

Dear Future Self (from K. Huggins)

Dear Future Self,

You know of all of your problems. You know that in your family girls have become pregnant early. Break the chains. Boys like sex. That's all they want. Say no to drugs. It's all bad. You know you are intelligent. Get into more academic clubs. You are thin for a reason; use your body for sports. "Love is blind." Don't judge a book by a cover. Everyone is equal. You're great, and don't you ever forget it. You're a beautiful, strong, intelligent, loving and caring mother and wife. You are one of the best medical doctors in the U.S. You've graduated from Spelman and Emory. You are married to a loving man. He is an architect, and together you make over thirty figures. You have two kids named MacKenzie Ashley Marie and Payton Jamal. They are beautiful. You live in a great house. You are lucky!

I love you,

Kayla

(Kayla Huggins, 9th grade)