Please grade my paper before my teacher?:)

I am a seventh grader, 13 years old. Can you please grade mypaper before my teacher does! I need as much advice as possible and I will take any critizm you have! Thank you so much!:)


1,000 Reasons to Smile

I believe in what doesn't kill us only makes us stronger. And no matter how difficult a situation seems, there will always be something positive that comes from it.
I started to realize this when I was seven. It was an early out Wednesday in the middle of winter. When brothers and I got home, my mom fought back her tears as she told us; she had cancer. It was devastating for everyone, and I had no idea why it was happening to my mom. By the fall, my mom was officially cancer-free. Ever since my mom had cancer, she has fed me healthier foods, made me exercise more, and encouraged me to make wise decisions.

Cancer didn't leave my life that fall. The next summer, my best friends' dad developed a horrible cough. He went to the doctor and they found the cancer. Mark had been like a second dad to me. He came to see me in the hospital when I was born, he went to my birthday parties, and he was always so much fun. On January 2, 2010, Mark passed away at the age of 46. His death was really the first time I had experienced the loss of a loved one. Losing Mark helped me see how strong I really can be.

The summer after Mark passed away, I learned that my grandpa had pancreatic cancer. He was given three months to live. He had high's and low's, but he proved all those doctors and specialists wrong. My grandpa survived with pancreatic cancer for 18 months. That has taught me that anyone can defy the odds, and exceed all expectations.

Cancer isn't the only thing that has effected my life. I have lost countless other significant people in my life. One of them is Cameron. He was so gracious, understanding, friendly, smart, and loving. And just like that, he was gone. By his actions throughout his short life, Cameron showed me how valuable each person is.

I don't think I have really said goodbye to any of the people I have lost. But it wasn't needed, because all that would be necessary is a 'see you later.' Throughout many discouraging situations, I have gained confidence in myself. I have learned from all of the wonderful people in my life, that when life gives you 100 reasons to cry, show life 1000 reasons to smile.