The Sea Shell Of Life By Renshi Anne Radke February 24, 1998

Have you ever walked along the beach collecting shells? At first it seems like a lot of them look alike. When you pick them up, and really look close, no 2 shells are exactly the same. They may look alike but there are distinct differences. The color patterns are different and the way they grow has its own unique pattern. That's just the way we are. Many of us have the same exterior like the color of our eyes, hair, and skin tone. We even have similar personalities. That is why we seem to get along with our friends so well. Our styles and personalities blend, and those who are so different from us, we find it hard to understand. When we look closer we see each shell serves a purpose. It completes the food chain as a house for the animal that lives there. The animal lives in the shell that lives in the sea, whose place is on the planet-that is part of our universe. These simple shells tell us a lot about ourselves and life. We are here for a special purpose. Being unique, yet similar and an important part of the whole process of living. We are a gift as the shells are to ourselves, each other and life. REMEMBER: 1. No two are exactly the same. We are unique. 2. We are all similar in some ways therefore we have common needs and interests. 3. We all serve a purpose in life and are part of a larger family such as the shell-the sea-the world-the universe. 4. Our very presence is a gift of life for us to enjoy.