[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 102 (Friday, July 28, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1576]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CONGRATULATING MELISSA BROWN--SELECTED AS GRAND PRIZE WINNER IN OLIVE 
                    GARDEN'S NATIONAL ESSAY CONTEST

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                            HON. CURT WELDON

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 28, 2006

  Mr. WELDON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I am proud today to insert 
into the Congressional Record a winning essay written by a very special 
constituent, 10th grade student Melissa Brown, a resident of Broomall, 
Pennsylvania.
  Melissa's essay was chosen from nearly 11,000 entries written by 
students in first through 12th grade who were asked to ``describe how a 
person or experience has made an important impact on your life.''
  In her essay, Melissa describes the many lessons she has learned from 
her brother, Josh. Her words are not only inspirational, but powerful 
in a message we can all take to heart. This young writer captures what 
family means for so many of us--love, acceptance and learning from one 
another. The text of her essay follows:

       When people are asked, who has influenced you most in your 
     life, most have to think about it. For me, I could answer 
     that question in less than a second. My little brother Josh, 
     without a doubt, has influenced me more than anyone.
       Josh has Down Syndrome, which is a genetic disorder. It 
     makes him do some things a little slower than most kids his 
     age. But Josh is an exceptional child. He is extremely smart. 
     He knows every little detail about every single animal, ever. 
     He loves collecting anything that is long and skinny and 
     giving them names and personalities. His memory is amazing 
     and he learned all his letters, and some words, by the time 
     he was 2 years old. He also reads fluently and does well in 
     school. He has overcome many obstacles to really be a 
     success.
       Josh is the most loving and open person you will ever meet. 
     He greets you with a smile that lights up a room. Josh isn't 
     like most people who look at your appearance and judge you by 
     that. He looks straight into your heart and will open his 
     arms to you.
       Living with Josh has taught me numerous things. The main 
     thing he's taught me is to not judge a book by its cover. I 
     need to look inside a person and find out what they're like 
     inside before I make assumptions. Josh has made me sensitive 
     to people that are less fortunate than I am. I realize I've 
     been blessed and need to share that with others who need it. 
     He's taught me that when I see people who are different, I 
     shouldn't stare but should smile at them. One little smile 
     can make a person's day. I've also learned not take life so 
     seriously. Josh is one of those people who finds pleasure in 
     little things. So I need to be able to find the good things 
     in life and take pleasure in little things.
       When people first see Josh, they may think that he looks 
     weird or that he's just a little brother. Well, he's neither 
     of those. He is an adorable little 11-year-old who is 
     bounding with energy and love. He also is the one who makes 
     me laugh, gives me support and is my best friend. I tell 
     people that he is the person who has inspired me most in my 
     life.

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