Querencia || Valley of the Temples || FINAL

           In my opinion, being and only child could get very lonely. From homework, chores and boy trouble, I don't have any one to go to for help. Every single day, the stress from school and parents would constantly build up waiting for me to explode. It is not just the stress but the fact that I don't have a person to go to makes me shatter into pieces. Genetically, I am supposed to have a lot of siblings, but due to my mom's sickness, I was the only kid that survived birth. 

          Visiting my brother, Ryan, at Valley of the Temples brings me mixed emotions. Knowing that he isn't really there with me physically, makes my heart fill with despair. But truthfully, I know that he is there with me spiritually, even if I am not at his grave. I would talk to him about my day and all of the drama that has been going on with my life. I would sing to him and tell him how lucky he is because he doesn't have to endure my parent's irritating nagging. When ever I talk to him, the stress from my shoulders are lifted. Even though he's not replying to me, I know that he is listening and he would give me the strength to conquer the obstacles that life would bring me. 

         Valley of the Temples is truthfully a beautiful place inside and out. "It is located on the Windward Side of Oahu, the cemetery is nestled in a cleft of the Pali and home to wild peacocks and hundreds of Japanese koi carp. "(Valley of the Temples par,1). This place provided peace for me and my family when we lost Ryan. Valley of the Temples shelters a temple called the Byodo-in Temple. The Byodo-in Temple is a non-practicing buddhist temple, that welcomes all faiths.The beautiful grounds of the temple includes a large reflecting pond, small waterfalls, and meditation niches. People that come here describe this place as a "one of a kind attraction". My parents and I sometimes go there to worship, mediate, or just admire the natural beauty that the temple holds.

        Valley of the temples is a place that I could go to, to feel loved, respected, and wanted. In this place, I could cry a river and not be judged. The calming hills and waterfalls makes me forget about all of my problems. The whispering wind sweeps through my hair as it helps me dry my tears. It is not only a sanctuary for me, but it is also for the people that has stress, despair, or grief in their life. Some people just like going to Valley of the temples because they want to admire the natural beauty of the land. But I go here because this is my sanctuary. Although this is a place that I cannot go to everyday, I still consider this place, my second home, my querencia.