"Exploring life's new mysteries...”
When independence crosses family values...
It wasn't long before the teen years were in full bore, and with that came the stronger desires for independence. Self expression and opinionated opposition where the trademarks of this teenage boy. Continually pushing the limits as set forth by the family unit and the parental guidelines being more stringent, I was determined to show myself as a strong individual. Breaking curfews and continually "bucking the system" became commonplace for several years. Family values and communication was having a classic meltdown. Common disagreements turned into battles of wit and words were exchanged usually out of anger, followed by the traditional walk off from one or more participants, therefore leaving most issues unresolved and tempers hot. All of which negated the initial confrontational subject. At one point, I was confronted with the choice of bending to parental pressures or leaving the nest and risking a no return policy. A friend had come to pick me up for an outing and my parents, mom, in particular didn't see fit to agree with it and basically told me if I go, don't come back. Heated words of the moment which I saw as an opportunity to express my individualism yet again. Being the rebellious type I agreed, went anyway and moved into the friend’s house just in spite and to prove my point. There I had it... freedom at last. I continued to attend school and sporting activities, and had the freedom to come and go as I pleased, everything I wanted. Everything I was striving for had been afforded me, be it ever so short a time period. Yes, this amazing freedom had lasted me all of two weeks. Reality had hit on the home front, and in my mind’s eye. Being from the small town, it wasn't long before the friend was blacklisted and labeled the "bad seed" and a home wrecker. From that point on no matter the circumstances or any outcome, he was considered guilty by association, and his life was now affected by the consequences of my choices. I spent the better part of the past 25 years apologizing and feeling guilty for involving him in my personal problems at home, and amazingly to this day, we would still do about anything for one another no matter the circumstance, for we have become bonded brothers.
Along with the latter episode was attached the fact that I was again in the dating mode. I had formed a relationship with a young girl, against my parent’s best wishes. This too added to the overall perception of the rebellious youth I had become. We became closer to one another during the High School years and eventually were married upon her graduation. She was two years my younger and had another couple years to complete prior to our arrangement. In general I had a careless attitude for the studies and was more concerned with the sports and social standings during the High School years and as a result I graduated with the minimal credits needed. Having no plans to attend a traditional college education I opted to join the military. I had enlisted through the Delayed Entry Program while still in high school. I had plans to become a medic. Little did I know the amount of study it would require to succeed. With anatomy and physiology, chemistry, and hands on nursing/medical skills required, I had my work cut out for me.
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