This week's lecture really IS a lecture!!  Not in the sense of a classroom professor, but in the sense of one person who really wants to make a point to another person . . . especially teenagers!  So . . . here goes!

Isn't it tragic that the trend in the local news, all through the summer, has been the reporting of fatal traffic accidents?  And that most of those have involved teen drivers?  And that most of those were not wearing seatbelts?  And that most of them were ejected from the vehicle?

Teens!  As a person much older (much, much) and full of life experiences, I can tell you that almost anyone beyond 50 can name one decision, seemingly big or small at the moment it was made, that they wish they could take back and choose differently.  Unfortunately, there are no Mulligans (golfer term . . . look it up!) in life.

Teens!  You are right if you argue that not everyone who isn't wearing a seatbelt will die in a car accident.  But you will get no sympathy from me for that argument because as a physical therapist with over 30 years of experience . . . I have had the heartbreaking task (too many times) of teaching those "survivors" how to live from a wheelchair.

So . . . PLEASE . . . just take one second to "click" your seatbelt!  You will not get a "do-over."  And . . .PLEASE . . . forget about texting while you drive!  It only takes one mishandled "swerve" to end up in a rollover.  Parents . . .PLEASE . . . don't go easy on your teen drivers in these regards.  You don't get "do-overs" either!

This "lecture" is given today because you are valuable . . . and God has a plan for your life!  Don't waste it!!

Yours in health,

Karen