My Uncle Richard.

“A picture is worth a thousand words.” Pretty simple is it not? Only in my story, a picture is more like worth a thousand memories. As I gaze at the picture of my uncle Richard and I dancing together, those thousand memories race through my mind so clearly, it seemed like they happened yesterday. This simple but beautiful picture not only signifies memories, but life in general, and the future and what it will be like when we see each other again.
As I stated above, this picture signifies memories. “Memories are the treasures that are kept locked deep within the soul, to keep the heart warm in time of need.” These treasures are so very dear to me because I can look up at that picture, which softly lies on my shelf, and I can remember all those memories that I had with my uncle Richard. Those memories consisted of so many different things, whether it was lending a helping hand towards something, visiting him when he broke his back, or just simply dropping by to say hello. I never once left his presence without a smile on my face. He was just that kind of man who could get you to have those deep stomach pains from laughing so much. These memories not only make me smile when I think of them, but they have helped me cope through his death, and have given me the strength and faith to go on and live my life in ways that he taught me.
Looking past the fact that this object is just a picture, it holds significance of life in general, and the beautiful things it consists of. Ever since my uncle Richard passed away, I shamefully admit that I sometimes took life for granted. I now try my hardest not to do that anymore because for one, life is just too short, and in life you experience many different adventures and exciting things that you want to capture, so I did just that with this picture. I captured the exciting moment when I was dancing with my uncle Richard at a wedding. He enjoyed dancing, but it was rare that there was a picture to go along with it. Those simple moments are what make life so precious. Life itself is a prized gift, and it is our decision to live it to the best we can. My uncle Richard truly lived his life to the best he could everyday, and I always admired him for that. I believe his life got taken away form him too soon, and that is why I no longer take my life for granted, because at any given moment, it may be the last.
In addition to memories and life in general, this picture defines the future. The future alone will hold many new experiences for me that I am not aware of yet. But one thing I know for sure is that I will see my uncle Richard again, and having that knowledge really relieves me, and helps me look forward to that day. Right now in the present, I can only imagine of what it will be like. What will we say? What will we look like? Those questions do not matter to me, what matters is that I will be able to see my uncle again, and at that moment I will be so filled with joy, words will not be necessary.
Memories, life in general, and the future are just a few of the many components that define this picture. Sure, some people may look at it as just a picture, but I look much deeper than that because it was my personal experience and I am so proud that I did not pass up the opportunity to step out onto the dance floor with my uncle. If I would have, I would not be able to have this special remembrance with my uncle Richard that no one else has.

Ted Prize.

If I were to be the recipient of TED, I would be grately honored. Trying to make a difference in the world is a great challenge, but even if you make the slightest difference or touch the lives of a few people, I know I did a swell job. I know that I myself can't make a whole lot of change in the world, but it never hurts to try to do so. Having people support you and your views will help you face the problem and all it entails.

Growing up in a small town, you are not exposed to some of the world's greatest problems. But you are exposed to a few problems that many people just overlook. I sometimes think that the little problems are potentially the big problems. Not many people think that way, so that is what I would try to change. I would try to get people to open their eyes and stop focusing on the problems that are right in front of their face. But to make them look deeper and realize that some things will never be changed and they need to leave it at that. Having said that, I believe turing your attention to things that are not so serious could help some.

For example, many citizens in a small town do not focus on the children running around the town. What I mean is they may think that they are having a good time in the sun. That may not always be the case. Sometimes I see 3 or 4 year old children walking around the town by themselves. What does that say about their home life, parents, and family? Why is a 3 or 4 year old child walking around the town on their own? They could so easily be kidnapped or hit by a car, not to mention possibly getting lost. These parents obviously think that just because it is a small town nothing can happen. We live in a huge world, and at anytime something unexpected can happen. I can not even imagine letting my 3 year old child go for a walk by themselves. Sometimes I even see them out at late evening. This is simply wrong and I would try everything in my power to change that. It makes me wonder what their home life is like and how they are treated by their parents. If the parents do not care about their children, I will. I would set up some kind of facility where these children can come to and interact with other children. This place would be a safe and fun environment for them, rather than walking out on the street or in the park alone. It would not cost anything for these children to come, and all children would be invited. This could be a place for children to go after school if they are not involved in sports or other extra curricular activities. Or it would be a place to go to when they have nothing else to do. This place would help prevent some of the trouble that kids can get into when they are out walking around the town alone.

I would feel so much better if I knew these children were in a safe place, making friends, and having fun. I believe it would open the eyes of some of the older citizens in the town who looked past these children. I would hope that people would want to volunteer their time to aid and watch over these children, because after all, they are the future.