becoming a teen & my life

As I was wandering through the house this evening, I was searching for a way to escape some of the noise and confusion around me. It occurred to me that maybe I should read a book! But only an all-new, never-before-read book would do for me tonight. At that point, I decided that I might write my own little “book” of sorts…detailing a little about my life and some of the things I’ve learned over the past decade-and-a-half…besides the basics like reading, walking and talking. I should divide it into three parts: Ages one through five, five through 10, and 10 through my current age.

My earliest years were some of my most enjoyable. I was learning, growing and making mistakes at an amazing rate. Even at such a young age, I quickly learned that disobedience was met with spankings, stubbornness was met with equal and opposite resistance, and that tricycles are (or can be) dangerous vehicles…but thankfully, that was the only lesson that required a trip to the emergency room, which is another story. I played in the mud, befriended neighborhood kids, developed a penchant for mischief of all sorts, and exposed my skin to so much sun that the freckles on my cheeks are still visible to this day. I also learned that sometimes Dad coming home from work spelled trouble for me and my devious schemes. Those days, while not idyllic, were probably as close to ideal as I’ll ever see. They were good days.

When I turned five, I discovered the joys of reading, and the reward of hard work. Actually, at that age, I was certain that all work was worthless (a belief I have since abandoned). Anyway, at this age, I still enjoyed playing outside. Our next-door neighbor kids were our friends, and they influenced our early years fairly significantly. We created many good memories in our backyard. Unfortunately, at this stage I also learned just how fast a rumor can spread—and how it can hurt. I also learned the amazing power of words, and began to learn how carefully one must choose said words (no pun intended). To say that I learned either concept fully would be a lie.

When I was eleven, life became much more interesting. All the things I learned! It was around this time that my dad was diagnosed with esophageal cancer, which can be (and was, in his situation) a life-threatening condition. He was led by God to a doctor in California who specialized in treating his specific cancer without chemotherapy, so he and mom went west for his treatment. We stayed with a family of ours during the full month of my dad’s hospitalization. To my distaste, I must admit that I was at this point a very selfish little wart, thinking only of myself and focusing on how things ought to please me more fully. I learned a lot about people during that time, though—lessons I have carried with me for the rest of my life thus far…lessons that weren’t always fun, but that were important and necessary. I met some amazing friends—some of the best I have—while we were staying with our friends. I learned what a crush is, much to my chagrin and embarrassment. I also learned to love music—all sorts of music! In retrospect, though, I wish I had been more cautious with my standards for music, but some things can’t be undone. I think if you ask my parents, they might tell you that music wrecked me. But all they have is circumstantial evidence (I’m tellin’ ya, man!). I honestly don’t believe that they’re using post hoc ergo propter hoc, that is, Latin for the logical fallacy “after this, therefore because of this.” Becoming a teen is enough to turn anybody into someone new…or different, at least.