Growing Experience…

What experiences in life helped you grow the most?

When it comes to writing about the experience that has helped me grow in my life – I’m in a bit of a quandary. There is a plethora of stories I could write about that would answer to prompt for today. However, I will pick the one that changed my life forever.

When I was five years old, my father came home rather intoxicated. He sent my mother out on an errand. Me being who I am asked if could make him some dinner. He of course said yes and proceeded to tell me that he wanted eggs and bacon. So, in my little five year old brain, I was confident that I could preform this seemingly easy task. I’d seen my mother do it many times and I knew I could it it as well.

I pushed my brother’s highchair up to the stove. The iron skillet was already sitting there waiting to be used. I had the bacon in my hand and climbed up on the highchair to begin cooking. I laid five slices of bacon in the bottom of the skillet and turned on the gas flame. I remember my mother saying it was best to cook it low and slow. I did exactly that, but it still popped a bit. The bacon was finally cooked and I was trying to get it out of the bubbling bacon grease with a fork. I pulled the bacon toward the edge so I could scoop it out. Much to my surprise, I had pulled the skillet, bacon, and bubbling grease to the edge of the stove and the grease scattered all over my legs. Soaking my pants with hot grease.

I was screaming at the top of my lungs. My brothers crying. My father now wide awake runs into the kitchen. I must have passed out from the severe pain. The next thing I remember was a paramedic cutting off my black nylon pants. I passed out again.

The story is rather long with lots of interesting details, but time doesn’t permit a lengthy discourse. Needless to say, before the accident I was a selfish, spoiled brat. Just not a pleasant little girl at all. However, after all of this ordeal, I became a timid, shy, self-conscience little girl. My legs were ugly and different. I realized that people with problems have feelings that are easily hurt. It changed me from the outside to the inside. I felt compassion like never before.

Even though this was a difficult thing to endure. I wouldn’t change any of it. It has made me the person I am today. I’m not sure I would have like the other little girl very much. Things happen for a reason, even if they seem bad at the time. Cherish your moments.