Friday 1 April 2016

My Defining Moment: A Lonely Day At The Amusement Park

        My defining moment was when I was 8 years old and my parents forgot about me at Canada's Wonderland. This experience shaped who I am and opened my eyes to the world around me. I remember having a fun-filled day with my entire family. We went on all the awesome rides that an 8 year old would love. Then as the day came to an end, my younger brother and sister had to go to the washroom, so my dad went with my brother and my mom went with my sister, leaving me alone. I was an adventurous child, so I went exploring and next thing I knew, I was somewhere in Canada's Wonderland all alone. Eventually I found my way back to the washroom area and waited for, what it felt like, an eternity. Time kept ticking by and I decided to check in the ladies washroom to see if my mom and sister were there, but they weren't. I started calling for my parents, but there was no answer. After a while, I realised that my mom put a cellphone in my backpack for emergencies, just like this one. I called my mom's cell phone, asking where she was. She was in the car. On her way home with the rest of the family. Without me. My dad turned the car around and came and got me. This moment made me realise that if I want to survive living in a forgetful family like mine, I would have to learn how to take care of myself because ultimately, I can't rely on anyone but me. In conclusion, without this defining moment in my past, I wouldn't be the independent person I am today. 

4 comments:

  1. This reminds me of the time at my cottage when I was stranded in my kayak in the middle of the lake. My parents didn't realize I was gone until hours after. It really gives you perspective on how much most of us tend to rely on, for example, our parents to look after us and do everything for us. Being in situations like this are good because they help you become, as you mentioned, a more independent person. Fantastic story.

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    1. Natalie, thank you. I thought I was alone in this issue, realising at a young age how important it is to be able to take care of yourself when other people can't. Your story opened my eyes and showed me I'm not alone, that you too have experienced a situation like mine.

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  2. I am in awe of your ability to keep it together, at eight years old, in Canada's Wonderland. Good thing for cell phones...I wonder when your parents would have realized you weren't with them!

    Like Natalie said, many people rely on others, which is important and valuable in my opinion, but there are also situations that it is important that we know how to take care of ourselves.

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    1. Thank you Ms. Le. Having a cell phone, in my bag, really saved me in that situation, I'm not sure if my parents would've noticed for quite a long time or until they got home.
      I agree with Natalie that my experience helped me to become more independent at such a young age, but I also agree with you. Relying on people, like my parents, is very important because sometimes I can trust others and good things can happen.

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