Please God, I’m Only 17

“Be careful,” my mother said.
“Aren’t I always” I said to my mother and left the house to go to a party.
It was Monday night, no school the next day because it was summer vacation.
“Want a beer?” one of my friends offered.
“Sure” I said.
1 beer turned into 2, 2 turned into 3, and so on.
My friends begged me not to drive home that night, but I said “Nothing can touch me I’m invincible.”
While, I’m driving.
What just happened?
I hit something.
Now I’m lying on the ground and I can’t feel anything below my neck.
My face hurts.
Why does my face hurt?
I think I have glass in face. How could I have glass in my face?
Oh God, please help me.
I promise I’ll never drink and drive again.
Just give me 1 more chance.
I’m only 17.
I hear sirens now. Does that mean I’ll be okay?
I hear the paramedic say I look rough and they don’t know if I’ll survive.
I have to survive.
My parents, younger brother, and sister need me right now.
My girlfriend will lose all control if I die.
Please God give me another chance.
Well now I’m in the hospital hooked up to a bunch of wires and things.
Look at my mom, sees crying.
Let me tell her I’m sorry.
Please God, give me another chance I’m only 17.
I heard the doctor say I broke my neck and there is nothing else they can do, there going to take me off of life support.
NO!
It’s only been 6 hours you can’t, not yet, my family needs me.
I promise I’ll never do it again, I’ll never drink and drive again, I promise.
Okay at least do me this favor, tell my parents, my brother, and sister and my girlfriend, I’m sorry and I love them.
Please God, I’m only 17.

Dedicated to Micheal Searley
May 17, 1985 - June 25, 2002