Chapter 3: The accident

 Valentine's Day, 1992, I was so excited. There was a show that my class had put together for the whole school about traditional music, with traditional dresses. My aunt had made me a traditional outfit that I was carrying in a plastic bag to change into later that evening. 

     I was running late for school that day, therefore I was walking alone. I was in 3rd grade, and the school was about 5 blocks from my house. I've always been very careful crossing the street. However, even after looking both ways while I was crossing the street, I was almost to the curb when a car hit me. I remember my lunch box flying into the air, my book back hitting my back, me falling on my butt, and being in shock. People came rushing out of the car, a very nice man and lady. I think they were more scared than I was. The next thing I remember is being in the hospital, getting X-rays and being evaluated. I can recall the doctor telling grandpa, I was fine, but I might develop lower back problems in the future. They couldn’t have been more right.  

     However, I was so excited I wanted to go to school and make it to my performance. They insisted for me to go home and rest, but I remember crying and getting my way. I went and performed on stage with the rest of the class. Everyone was concerned about me being okay. I still think my heavy book bag saved my life. 

     That evening I can recall the couple bringing me flowers and praying for my well being. I wonder if they still remember me. I cannot remember their faces or their names, but I do remember being young and scared. That moment brought to life one of my biggest fears that I have today. 

     I would probably die if I hit a child or hurt a child badly with my car. It's like a total phobia I have. I came close one time, and I didn’t want to drive for a week. When I see kids playing in the street or in their yards I slow down. People probably think that I am a creep watching their kids. LoL. 

     When I see small children walking on busy streets unsupervised, I get angry. When parents are busy on their cell phones, not paying attention to their kids when they are close to the street, it bothers me so much. One day I even rolled down my window and screamed at a lady to get off her cell phone and hold her child's hand. 

     Its things that happens to us, and experiences that mold who we are today.