This book reminds me of "The Last Lecture" by Randy Pausch because every little chapter tells a story, and with every little story comes a lesson to be learned. The first thing I think of when it comes to that book is the way Randy explained that even though he was diagnosed with cancer and was told he had only a couple of months to live, he did not look like he was a dying man because he did not feel like he was a dying man. The way he felt reflected on how he looked and carried himself, and to himself and others, he looked like the happiest man on earth. I know that story will never leave my mind. But even though this chapter of the book is not as deep or meaningful, it was something I can relate to.
Little Zippy sits on the couch with her mother while she watches her big brother and sister get ready for school. As usual, Malinda runs in first and takes an unusually long time getting ready. Danny, the oldest, keeps knocking on the door and explains that he will be late for the bus. After waiting for an incredibly long time, Danny ends up ripping the door off it's hinges and walking into the bathroom. He sees his sister fully dressed and ready to go, but sitting on the edge of the tub and brushing her hair. He slaps Malinda so hard across her face that she falls into the tub, then gets ready for school. Malinda makes a huge deal about it and screams at her mom for always taking Danny's side because he is her favorite, when Malinda's mother says nothing about the whole confrontation. Malinda spends the whole day fussing over her face and being dramatic. She expects her father to come home and severely punish Danny for what he did to her. During this whole encounter, Danny had not said a word. When their father came home, after he got the full explanation off what happened, he just asked his son to help him put the door back in it's place. The part that really stuck with me is the fact that Danny never said anything to protect himself, and even in the end when he had "won" he did not turn a triumphant face to his sister. He just patiently lasted throughout the whole day. To me, that shows a lot of self control and pure good, because even though he had hit his sister, he did not hit Malinda to hurt her, but only to teach her. Maybe the reason I admire Zippy's brothers actions is because I have a problem with self control and tend to blurt out things or say and do inappropriate things that show that I have not matured yet. I admire Danny for his maturity and hope that by his age I will be just as calm (in a way).
Lesson Learned
