Narrative Essay

Narrative Essay

My family is not originally from the Elkins, Randolph County area. Actually, we aren’t from any particular town, but we moved around the Monongalia area most of my childhood. My relatives, including my grandparents, still live there. Because of this, we often travel to the area to visit for a day or sometimes overnight.

At first, none of us minded the hour and a half drive. It was well worth it to see old friends and catch up with family. However, during each visit, my mother was reminded of a primary factor in her decision to move our immediate family over 100 miles away. Shortly after, her desire to make the trip dwindled more and more.

By the time my mother had almost completely cut off contact with our ties at home, I got my driver’s license. Of course, I wanted to hop into my Dodge Shadow and make the journey to Morgantown right away. However, I had to stick to traveling locally at first to gain experience. And gain experience I did! Experience crashing into a loaded, stopped, school bus. Naturally, that put yet another delay in my trip home.

The crash was a small obstacle to overcome. Well, it was for me anyway. My parents, on the other hand, took turns forfeiting their vehicles. I was pretty surprised, considering the fact that I had just totaled a junker that was worth much much less than what the two of them drove.

But, I proved myself this time. No more allowing my unlicensed boyfriend to take joyrides (ooops!). No more talking on the phone while driving. And most importantly, no more collisions with buses packed with school children. Better yet, no collisions at all.

Once I demonstrated that I could be responsible, my mother drew me a map. To this day, she acts like allowing me to drive to Morgantown was a privilege, but I know it was just because she so desperately did not want to.

I packed up the car with overnight clothes, make-up, way more shoes than I needed, snacks, ……….oh yeah, and the kids. There wasn’t much room left for them, but I got em’ in there. All four of us went. My younger sister (the middle child) Bethany, my brother Gunner (the youngest), and my daughter Annika (the Szczyrbak runt). Now that I think about it, it was risky putting us all in the same vehicle on my maiden voyage. Maybe my mother