Seventeen. 06/21/2007
 

What an age.  It seems so old when you have been alive 17 years, but to the rest of the world it is so young.  It is a gateway age.  It's the last year to be considered a minor for legal purposes. But it is a very long year when you are trying to hurry through your childhood. 

It is a tough year to be in an automobile accident.  To instantly lose your ability to drive.  To be thrust back into the arms of your parents, fearful that your injuries might not heal, and fearful that you will somehow be a different person as a result of the accident. To watch as others are free to resume their carefree lives, while you have to deal with permanent changes to your physical and emotional self, and struggle to perform mundane tasks. 

But being 17, your body is able to rapidly repair itself.  And soon, as you move beyond this and into your final year of high school, the memories and many of the scars will have faded.  Only your appreciation of what really matters will remain.

Your parents are left with 17 new wrinkles and 17 more grey hairs and 17,000 thank yous that you will be alive to see your 18th year.    

 


Comments

Laura Greer
07/02/2007 10:19

Many thanks for sharing this beautiful writing Geni.....nobody should have to go through an experience such as this.....but our beautiful Mary Beth has survived and is surviving well beyond her 17 years. I am touched and so impressed by your ability MB, to work towards such graceful and true understanding of the precious gift of life and family. That isn't always on the forefront for most teens. What a gift and living lesson you are for all of us!
Keep healing...love, Laura

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