I am a 16 year old girl with 3 jobs, a dramatic social life, and I go to high school 5 days a week 6 hours a day... most of the time. All of this seems like someone who is in they're early thirties trying to make ends meet and has a couple kids and wants to finish they're degree in college. But no, I'm only a "mature" 16 year old girl. I guess its my choice though, I could go home more often. I could spend less time out, waking up in my friends houses on school nights, or working until 10pm on a Monday night just to make some extra money so I can pay for my own food and such. But if I did make that choice to go home earlier, like most people do at 3 or 4 after school.. I could go into why I dont particularly...enjoy..going home but I'm not going to. I will say what it has made me into though. I am stronger than most people my age and im not ashamed to have confidence in that fact. I'm not a 16 year old with a child but I do have my 14 year old brother who I do have to take care of when my dads across the country for weeks at a time, and my moms out pretty late every night. And by take care of I mean make dinner for, make sure he does his homework, take a shower, just the simple yet exhausting tasks that most mothers do daily, don't get me wrong, I love my mom a whole lot. But i'm more of the mom and shes more of the teenager. Same situation with my dad. If hes home, I have to take care of him, listening to his words slur together, mushing into this sound that i've unconsciously learned to tune out every night. The strong smell of his breath that perices my nose without fail,this aroma of alcohol, that has become his permanent cologne.
I've seen things that no one at my age should see or even have to comprehend but no one can change that, i've come to the conclusion that everything no matter how intense, happens for a reason. These influences and the situations I am constantly put through day in and day out make me who I am. I've grown up pretty fast I'd say, but had it happened any differently i'm not sure what my life would be like. I am grateful for what I have even though relaxing isn't in my vocabualry and never has been.
You are such a trooper Hannah. Had anyone else been given your situation, I'm sure they would have been selfish and cold-hearted, neither of which you are. You yourself are an inspiration to so many teenagers out there and you prove that everyone should be greatful for what they have.
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate it because I know you mean what your saying! Most people just say things to say them, to sound nice. I can tell you actually read what I wrote so thank you so much sara!
DeleteI respect what you say here a lot. I can only imagine what this is like for you, but I think you're such a strong person because of it. You're responisble and obviously care for your brother a lot. That means something. I really respect this.
ReplyDeleteYour writing comes off as a strong person who is making their way through life. I like how you talk about your brother and how you have a very caring attitude toward him, I feel the same way about my younger sister. I like how your grateful for everything you have and I think more people should follow that logic, the world would be a lot happier and repsectful place if more people thought the way you do.
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