<p>Here is my essay for Stanford. The prompt is to explain about a picture of something important to you. The picture I chose is one of my grandma's marriage. Please point out any grammatical errors, inconsistencies, whether you like it or not, and any suggestions you might have. Thanks a whole lot!</p>
<p>The year was 19__. On this bright, sunny day, the woman in this picture had no idea of the future that awaited her. She had no idea that the rest of her life would be spent in America where she would eventually be a mother to six children and a grandmother to fourteen children. She had no idea that she would have such an immensely positive influence on so many people. On the day of her marriage, my grandmother, or Oma as I called her, had no idea of the impact she would later have on my life.
When I was a little girl, I would go to my Omas house every day while my mother went to work. I really enjoyed going to her house. She would tell me stories about her childhood growing up in Nazi Germany. Often times, she would teach me how to say something in German. When my mother picked me up in the afternoon, I would proudly tell her what I had learned and beg to stay just a little longer. My mother would laugh and tell me I could come back tomorrow.
As I grew older and started school, my daily trips to my Omas house stopped. Visits occurred every week or two as opposed to every day. My Oma, though, was still the same: just as fun, just as vibrant, and just as lively. She would stay that way for several years.
As time went by, however, my family started to notice changes in my Oma. She became more forgetful and would ask the same questions over and over again. We soon came to learn that she had Alzheimers. This news was a real blow to me. I couldnt handle the thought of my Omas deterioration. It couldnt be true.
In the beginning, the effects the disease had on my Oma were small and often comical. One time she told my cousin Aaron and me that we should date. Although it was funny at first, it was sad to realize that she truly was forgetting who her grandchildren were. The reality of the situation began to set in.
As time passed on, my Oma grew progressively worse. She would run away from home, unintentionally steal items from stores, and forget where she was and what she was doing. It became obvious that she could no longer live unattended. After much thought and deliberation, we decided that my Oma would come live with us during the day and with my aunt during the night.
Having my Oma live at our house meant sacrifices for our family. Taking care of her was our first prioritynot what we wanted to do. Every day after school I was in charge of her for about and hour and a half. This task required constant attention. My Oma would cry, ask to be taken to the train station so she could return to her home in Germany, and try to run away. I often had to sit next to her and explain that she couldnt just leave. After a few weeks, she needed help with simple things like walking across the room and using the restroom. It required all of the care and patience I had to make it through those months.
My Oma died the summer after that year. Looking back, it is ironic to me to see that the one who used to take care of me ended up as the one I took care of. Taking care of her helped me to see how short life is, and that we must seize opportunities as they come our way or we will miss our chance at happiness. My experience with my Oma has influenced me to go into the medical field. Someday, I will be able to help others in situations similar to that of my Omas. Hopefully, I will be able to have as much of a positive influence on others as she had on me.</p>