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Monday, August 26, 2002 Page: 3A
OPINION Most of the memories from my teenage years are foggy, but this one
is as sharp as an icy wind gust.
One winter afternoon, I went cross-country skiing with a neighbor on the
rolling hills of her family’s farm. We’d gone a few times before, but I didn’t
have the technique down. I probably spent more time wiping snow off myself
after tipping over and struggling up hills than anything else, but we had fun.
On this day, we strayed from the open fields and started exploring, ending
up on a steep hill’s crest. The hill leveled out about 8 feet down – inches in
front of a tightly strung barbed wire fence, its spikes gleaming in the crisp
sunlight.
My friend gracefully slid down and pivoted to a stop in front of the fence,
motioning for me to follow. I knew I didn’t have much stopping power, but my
friend told me to suck it up and pivot, just like her. I paused for a moment,
staring at the fence and wondering about those prickly barbs, but pushed off.
I knew immediately that I was in trouble. I slid much faster than I’d
anticipated, barreling toward the sharp fence. I didn’t have time to think
about what to do. My mind kicked into autopilot.
Living and learning
Just before I slammed into the fence, I flung my body backward. My head and
torso turned into a third ski and I slid completely under the barbs, not even
the tip of my nose scratched.
The dynamics of that event still fascinate me and give me self-confidence.
I believe I’m a survivor – that if I’m in danger, something deep inside me
will help me protect myself.
I’ve been thinking about that sort of primal instinct while reading about
Tanya Meyers, the woman whose right to have an abortion was legally challenged
by her ex-boyfriend. She later said she miscarried and canceled a
protection-from-abuse hearing against her boyfriend. Relatives say they’re
back together, even though she previously said he was abusive.
I feel for Tanya. My experience, speeding down that hill toward the fence,
lasted a second or two.
She still seems to be speeding, at least internally.
Although I made a poor decision in sliding down that hill, in the process I
learned to trust myself a bit more. I’m surely not the only person who has
deep-rooted self-preservation. I hope Tanya takes the same message of
resiliency away from her ordeal and pushes it a step further.
It’s time for her to take control of her life. Get counseling. Learn how to
break negative cycles, free herself from negative relationships and surround
herself with loving, supportive people.
I have faith that Tanya’s inner voice can guide her to a healthier, more
peaceful existence – away from those barbed wire fences that life throws at
people who slide on destructive paths.
Call LaCoe at 829-7155 or e-mail [email protected].