Trekking (徒步旅行) 500 miles across Spain is no easy task for anyone, but for the wheelchair user Justin Skeesuck, achieving the dream seemed nearly impossible. However, Skeesuck’s lifelong best friend, Patrick Gray, simply didn’t accept that idea. He said, “We’ve done everything together so far. Why don’t we have one more adventure?”

That’s exactly what he did — pushing Skeesuck across northern Spain’s Camino de Santiago. Though Skeesuck has a muscle disease similar to ALS (肌萎缩侧索硬化) and high blood pressure, he first got the idea to go on the journey after he watched a travel show about the trail. He said, “I knew immediately since my heart was just telling me, ‘You need to do this.’”

With Gray on board and the blessings of their family, the two best friends from Idaho set off to make Skeesuck’s dream of going for the journey a reality. However, neither Gray nor Skeesuck realized how physically and emotionally arduous the trip would be. Not only did they have a strict time limit — about six weeks to get from start to finish, but they also faced extremely difficult obstacles (障碍). With Gray pushing Skeesuck in a three-wheel wheelchair, the pair crossed mountains, rivers and a desert. “I’ve never been that physically exhausted in my entire life,” Gray said. The pair came across countless kind people during their trip who were eager to help them finish their journey, but they refused their help with gentle words. 34 days later, the two best friends finished their journey, realizing a dream that helped them learn about themselves and others. “The adventure has taught me for sure that when you do something with faith, and never give up, amazing things can really happen,” Skeesuck said.

Gray recorded their incredible trip in a book — “I’ll Push You: A Journey of 500 Miles, Two Best Friends and One Wheelchair”, which would be published soon. Skeesuck and Gray are also working on a children’s book that will tell the story of their adventure. They hope that the book will give kids strength when they deal with difficulties.

I've learned that you’re having much trouble with your life and study, which seriously affected your happiness. I'm worried about that, but I'm writing to share some of my ideas with you.

First of all, it is good to have heart-to-heart talks with your parents regular, telling them you won't fail us. Meanwhile, you had better tell them not to pushing you too hard, which will lead too much anxiety.Beside, it is advisable to spare some time to take some exercises to keep healthy. That is the most important is that we should always keep optimistic and confident.

Please take my advice into the consideration.

Yours,

Li Hua

   “We've been good friends for so many years. And I don't think you _______ to do that…” I said to myself,looking at Jack, my friend who was running across the _______ field.

How I _______ I could join them! But it is impossible because of the pain in my left foot, _______ by Jack.

I first met Jack in a football match in the elementary school. When my team looked as if we were beaten,Jack, who was watching, volunteered to join us. He was so _______ and skilled that we won. _______ , Jack and I often _______ together and became best friends.

But something happened before an important football match between Class 6 and my class. My class had so many good players that we had to _______ the best ones. Jack and I were in the same team. The match was close in the first half. I saw my chance and was ready to score a goal. Suddenly, Jack slid to stop the ball ,but _______ me in my left foot. I knew I had lost the ____________ to score and was carried off the field. But what really hurt me was that Jack didn't apologize to me. And when some of my teammates said he did it on purpose to ____________ me from scoring,I felt even ____________ .

Now I stand here, with tears in my eyes. I don't want to ____________ those words but I don't know how to persuade myself they are ____________ . Then everything changes when Jack scores and wins! How excited I am!

While I am still ____________ in excitement, someone pats my shoulder. It is Jack, with a smile on his face. “I'm sorry that you cannot join in because of my ____________ . But you see, Jason, we ____________ them! No matter whether you joined in or not, you've made a ____________ . Come on. Let's celebrate!” Suddenly, I am ____________ by the players. The sunshine is so bright that I close my eyes. Riding high above my teammates, I feel so happy. And I know the ____________ between Jack and me will last forever.

   After the age of 25， the number of friendships we maintain begins to fall. 【小题1】

Learn to identify opportunities.

“We let chances to make friends pass us by every day，” says Kate Leaver in her book The Friendship Cure.  【小题2】“Instead of forcing a little small talk with your kind neighbours，” she says， “ask them in for a cuppa and get to know them. ” 

 【小题3】

Joining a group， club or class is an effective way to meet people. “Teaming up for a shared activity，project or goal is an experience that can promote bonding and closer connections，” says therapist Miriam Kirmayer. Pursue a challenge or skill you are interested in， because then you will have a good time and feel more at ease in starting a conversation.

Allow yourself to be vulnerable（脆弱的）.

 【小题4】 What if your offers are rejected? Leaver and Kirmayer say that a degree of vulnerability is needed in trying to start friendships. Keeping to yourself isn’t going to help you. Sharing recommendations or letting others in on plans， says Kirmayer， is a simple way to share， which will help build closeness and trust.

Don't put too much pressure on it.

As we age， our friendships change. According to a 2016 study， we hit our peak number of friendships at the age of 25. 【小题5】 clinical psychologist Linda Blair advises not putting too much pressure on any new connections and not expecting too much from one person.