Another person’s enthusiasm（热情）was what set me moving toward the success I have achieved. That person was my stepmother.

I was nine years old when she entered our home in the countryside of Virginia. My father introduced me to her with these words: “I would like you to meet the fellow who is well known for being the worst boy in this county and will probably start throwing rocks at you no later than tomorrow morning.”

My stepmother walked over to me, raised my head slightly upward, and looked at me right in the eye. Then she looked at my father and replied, “You are wrong. This is not the worst boy at all, but the smartest one who hasn’t yet found a way to give out his enthusiasm.”

That statement began a friendship between us. No one had ever called me smart, My family and neighbors had built me up in my mind as a bad boy. My stepmother changed all that.

She changed many things. She persuaded my father to go to a dental school, from which he graduated with honors. She moved our family into the county seat, where my father’s career could be more successful and my brother and I could be better educated.

When I turned fourteen, she bought me a secondhand typewriter and told me that she believed that I could become a writer. I knew her enthusiasm, and I saw how it had already improved our lives. I accepted her belief and began to write for local newspapers and finally reached the goal she set for me. I wasn’t the only beneficiary. My father became the wealthiest man in town. My brother and stepbrothers became a physician, a dentist, a lawyer, and a college president.

How to show your love to your parents

Sometimes it is difficult to understand your parents because they are from a different generation. Yes, we know how it feels, but remember, your parents always love you. Here are some ways to show your love to them.

【小题1】.

People always give their friends gifts but often forget to do that to their parents. To show your love, the next time you buy gifts for your friends, remember to buy something for you parents too.

【小题2】.

If a busy man like Bill Gates can find time to see his parents, so can you. Remember many things of your life will come and go, but your parents are always there.

Look at your childhood pictures with them

Why don’t you find your childhood photos when you are at home and look at them with your parents? They love remembering the “good old times”.

【小题3】.

“Hello, Mom, I just think of giving you a call and saying ‘hi’.” Is it difficult to say that on the phone? Your call will bring a smile to their faces.

Steve is James and John's big brother. One day, when their mum left for work, James and John started crying. They didn't want her to leave. Steve tried to stop them crying and said, “Let’s play hide-and-seek (捉迷藏). You hide and I'll count to ten. Then I’ll try to find you.” Steve found James under a chair and John behind a door. They played over and over again. Each time, the two boys hid in the same places. Finally, Steve felt too bored with the game. “Let’s take the dog for a walk,” he said.

When Steve walked the dog, he found James and John were running in the street. He thought it was so dangerous. Then he had an idea. “Anyone who walks back to the house with me can have some snacks!” Steve shouted.

At home, the boys ate some cookies and got ready for a sleep. James and John wanted a story. Steve told them the story about the little red hen. When their mum returned home, she was pleased to find the three sleeping boys.