Running Away, 1994, Anonymous

From MemoryArchive

Who: Anonymous
What: Running Away
When: 1994
Where: United States

View from Both Sides

It was back in 1994 when I ran away from home. I believe I was 12 going on 13. It was the beginning of the year. I guess the reason why I ran away was because I didn't agree with the rules my parents had for me and wanted to be independent. I later regret somewhat for running away but anyways I was hanging out with gang members and sleeping over people's houses every chance I get.

To make a long story short, after a couple of months of being on the streets I met my husband. ( that I am married to now ) We went out after a year we grew in deeply in love. I decided to go back home because I was pregnant and I felt guilty living off of his mother and plus she was paraniod because i had a warrant for my arrest.

So the next day he walked me home and he also came inside to meet my parents. My mom was furious at first knowing that her daughter at the age of 14 was pregnant. During the first trimester was when my parents agreed to let me have somewhat of a wedd! ing ceremony even though we were young but we chose our paths and was determined to get there.

So in September 3 of 1995 we had a little wedding. After that everything sort of falls into place. I went back to school got my GED and now am working for a big company and 9 years later I am 22 and my husband is 25 we are still together with three lovely kids!! Today is the 1st of September 2004 and the 3rd will be officially our 9th anniversary day. I am so excited!!

I did regret running away from home, making my parents miserable and stressed. But despite all of that I did not regret meeting my husband and living the life I live now and having my own kids. I do understand the love and concerns as a parent. So speaking and experiencing from both sides I can not stress enough about how important it is to have a relationship between your parents and you in order to make it work and running away is not the answer to it all.

Republished with permission from Runaway Lives.