Seventeen

The Mama Kat prompt that intrigued me the most this week was about a memorable summer. Whenever I think of that summer, I think of Tim McGraw's song "Seventeen".

Seventeen only comes once in a lifetime
Don't it just fly by wild and free
Goin any way the wind blew, baby

My 17th summer was a major turning point in my life. It was this summer that I began to chart the course for the rest of my life.

Seventeen, livin on crazy dreams

As summer approached, I faced the decision of choosing between spending a week with the Amish or a month long Governor's School at the College of Charleston. I chose Charleston and  it was a decision that changed everything.


Prior to that summer, I dated a boy for several years. By some standards, he could have been considered mentally or emotionally abusive. Despite my straight A track record, he told me I was stupid and that no one else would want "a girl like me". Whatever that meant.

That summer, I met my friends. Friends that I still hold dear to my heart. They encouraged me to end the relationship and stood by me when it turned it explosive. We went on picnics, shopping excursions and beach trips. We played board games, went on scavenger hunts and to the Imax. We laughed, and made enough inside jokes and memories to last a lifetime.

Legs hangin' off the Bayou Bridge
Feedin' fish potato chips
And talkin' about the mysteries of the universe
Yeah, the world was somewhere else
We had the Summer all to ourselves
And the stars went off like fireworks

 That summer, I opened my heart to another boy, and he broke it. At the time, I was devastated. Today, I am much stronger because of it. If we had stayed together, he would have become my crutch. To this day,  I cannot thank him enough. It was just what I needed to help me feel free.

The summer ended and I was ready. Ready for love, ready for college, ready for God.

Rock and roll and faded blue jeans
And standing on the edge of everything
Seventeen

One of my dear friends convinced me to attend Converse College and I truly believe that was the perfect place for me at the perfect time. Her friendship led me to the friendship of others who taught me a lot about my faith.

In addition to healing my heart and helping me to choose a college that summer gave me one of my closest friends. Luisa and I have  stayed close since that summer together. We spent even more time together in college. Out respective campuses were only minutes apart. She was the Maid of Honor in my wedding and, regrettably, I will be away for hers. She is a true friend and always will be.

My 17th summer gifted me with a free heart, a new found strength, and a second sister.

Seventeen only comes once in a lifetime
Don't it just fly by wild and free
Goin any way the wind blew, baby

Best of 2009 Challenge: Music

I'm suppoused to pick my favorite album of 2009 for this one but I don't really have a favorite. I can tell you about my favorite songs of the year.

In no particular order:

As stated in a previous post I love Darius Rucker's Forever Road.Listen
This song  makes my "best of " list becase it reminds me of the way Mike and I work things out.

Lonestar's Amazed  Listen.  He sang this song to me. It always reminds me of him.

Joey and Rory's Cheater Cheater. Listen.  I should probably clarify that this song in no way reminds me of my current relationship! Its a cute song, fun to sing in the car. And Joey and Rory are such a cute couple.
I've also had a Kid Rock obsession this year as well. Maybe due to bamajam. I've listened to and loved everything from All Summer Long to Half Your Age.

I Love Country Music

I love how the songs always tell a story. And that the stories, even though they maybe sad at times- they are real life stories. They're things that can and do really happen. The feelings in the songs are raw and real. I've been listening to a lot of music the past few days. Mostly Christmas music but this morning was an all country morning.