Wednesday, March 28, 2001
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Wednesday, March 28, 2001 |
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Dear Fayette teens, may we talk? By AMY RILEY Dear Fayette teens, We're writing today to say that we've been thinking about you a lot lately. We're sorry it's been so long since we've written. We've been so busy with work, and bills, and errands, and getting you where you need to be that we just don't know where the time goes. It seems like just yesterday we were packing you off to kindergarten. Honestly, we're so proud of you and all of your accomplishments. We want so much for everything to be great for you when you grow up. We wanted to know if we could sit down together sometime to talk about how things are going for you. How's school? What are you studying? Do you have any big projects due any time soon? You know, we'd be happy to sit down with you sometime if you need any help with your school work. How are your friends? What kinds of things do you like to do when you get together? Hey, why don't we spend a day together, only we'll walk in your shoes, instead of suggesting that you walk in ours. Sound good? What's it like to be you? Are you happy? Are you excited about growing up and making your way? Are you just overcome sometimes with how intense life can be at times? It's wonderful and overwhelming, all at the same time sometimes. Do you worry about things? Are you scared? 'Cause we gotta tell ya, sometimes we are scared to death. We want to do all the right things by you, but we're always worried that we're dropping the ball. We want you to feel like you can come to us with anything, but we terrified that you won't. We're so afraid that you're slipping away from us, but we don't want you to feel like we're holding you back, or treating you like a baby. Even worse, we don't want you to feel like we don't trust you. But we're afraid that maybe things are happening to you in your lives that are too big to handle. We've heard some things, and we hope that these things aren't happening in your life, but we want you to know that if they are, whatever the circumstances, no matter how bad you think it is, we'll get through it together. You know, if you're drinking, smoking, or doing drugs, we don't want that for you, but what we want is for you to not want that for yourself. We wish that you'd be so revved about your youthful, strong bodies that you'd treat them like a temple. But please know that if you do try some of these things, we'll still love you. Don't think for a second that not getting in to trouble is more important than safety. Sure, we'll have issues with your recklessness, but please, please don't make us have to get that dreaded call in the night. There is nothing you can do in this world that will cause us more pain than to lose you. Will you promise to put life over not getting caught? And one more thing, we know that some of your friends are involved in sexual relationships. We wonder if you are, too. First, we want to say, we know how it feels to be young and in love, and what it's like to get wrapped up in the moment. We felt just like you when we were your age. Please don't take that to mean that your feelings aren't unique and special, though, because they are. But you know what we wish? We wish that we could give you an adult sense of regret and rethinking of big decisions to go with those adult sexual feelings that you're having, because there's nothing worse than regretting early sexual behavior later on. We want you to know that pregnancy is a risk, and so are sexually transmitted diseases, but we know that you already know that because some of your friends have already gotten into trouble. Please wait as long as you possibly can. The best thing is to wait until you get married. It sounds corny, but virginity is really an awesome gift to give to your spouse someday. It's cooler than you think. It sure would be a shame to see you have to give up your dreams because you have a baby to take care of. And for those of you who think if that happens to you, you'll just have an abortion, please think long and hard about that. Talk to your parents, talk to your best friend's parents. Talk to your minister or a teacher. You might think that once the "problem" is gone, no problem, but you might not feel the same way later on down the road. Remember that one day you'll probably have children under the right set of circumstances. You may gaze on those children and mourn for the one you didn't have. The safest thing is to just wait. Give yourself all the time in the world, because we have all the hope in the world for you. Please write when you can. Tell us how we can help. Love, Your community [Your comments are welcome: ARileyFreePress@aol.com.]
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