Taking life by the inch

Kate Kelting

Columnist

Well, maybe I still am, but at least I've learned a little about life from my childhood. I was beaten.

The eight year gap between my older brother and I placed me in "prime" position for his everyday punching bag. I attempted to play defense for numerous games of "in-house" football, resulting in sheer pain and many bruises. Daily beatings were expected, and when my brother's friends came over, I was beaten ten times worse.

I was teased. I can recall chasing my brother's car several blocks across town after he would offer me a ride. Just as I would catch up to the car and reach for the door handle, he would drive a few more feet ahead, stop, wait for me catch up, and then drive ahead again. And every time he stopped, I actually believed that he would let me in the car.

I was made fun of. One of my brother's favorite questions to ask me was, "You know what? You're Ugly." And for a split second I would think that he really had something great to tell me.

Although my stupidity as a child earned me many bruises, in some sick and twisted sense it was the smartest thing that ever happened to me. I constantly placed myself in situations where I could never win, despite how hard I tried. My painful childhood (although my brother always told me it was "good pain" because he loved me) taught me discipline, determination, and the strength it takes to make it through any challenge.

A wise Wartburg College Admission's counselor once told me that if you take life by the yard, it's hard. But if you take it by the inch, it's a cinch.

Sometimes I get so overwhelmed with life and the challenges brought to face. I think it's probably safe it say that I'm not alone. For me, the beatings from my brother helped to keep me reminded of who I am and what I've worked so hard to achieve.

And even though at times I have no idea where my life is going, each "inch" that I take will keep me sane. Besides, if I survived my childhood, I can survive anything.