America example essay topic

340 words
My grandfather was a simple man who achieved greatness. He came to America in the late 1800's with one small suitcase and $2.00 in his pocket. He was a mere 13 years old. He left behind a family he loved in search of a better way of life for himself and them.

Ireland was a deathtrap. The potato famine had taken an enormous toll, hundreds dead from hunger and thousands in the throes of starvation. America was like a beacon, lighting the way for the poor and starving masses towards hope. His first sight of America was the Statue of Liberty in the New York harbor. He saw nothing else and would not shift his gaze even through the bitter tears that swelled his eyes. He vowed then and there to make it no matter the cost.

He would share in the joy of greeting his family at the docks as they, too, gazed upon the beautiful lady for the first time. Little did he know that it would be ten long years of struggle before he would deliver his family to this land of hope. He could not read. But, he was smart and used his wits to work the harsh streets of New York. He slept in alleys, ate out of trash cans and played his wooden flute in the streets for pennies.

In these cold, mean surrounds he met his destiny. He did not know the import of this meeting, but he followed his instinct. He entered the lively hall from which the gay music waffled onto the streets. The music and dance made him glad to be alive again.

He joined in, and the others took note of his flute-playing. Patrick Quinn stepped up to the podium to receive his award. He was 23 years-old, a concert flutist admired by all. His only thought?

To rush to the docks to greet his family.