Thursday, March 11, 2010

[every (15) minutes]



I woke up with an uneasy feeling in my stomach. Today was Every 15 Minutes. I packed my bag, grabbed my pillow and caught a ride to school. First hour, about 40 minutes in, the grim reaper, paramedics and police officers filed through the door. They read an obituary about me and I was put onto a stretcher. They covered me with a white sheet, strapped me in and out we went. Laying on that stretcher having no idea where I was being taken to made the whole situation become real to me. "This" happens to people. Everyday in our world, our country, our state, our community. I went through the rest of the day doing my best to keep a straight face and let me tell you, that was a challenge. It's so hard not to smile at people when that's all you do walking trough the halls or not be able to say thank you when someone holds the door open for you. I've never been stared at so much in my life. There were times though when I truly felt dead. People would make fun of me as I walked by and I could hear the mumbles of how stupid it was that we were dressed up. It made me really wonder... is this how people would talk about me if I really was dead? The rest of the day was incredible. We practiced our skit after school for hours. I didn't have much to do since I was officially the "dead girl." All I had to do was write a letter to my parents and read it during the assembly. We went to the hotel, had pizza. Five pieces, yes that's right. Girls can eat too. Officer Meyer kindly drove me over to Bethel for our basketball awards night. I wanted to cry knowing that I'd never again hang out with those dear little boys again. They have been a huge blessing to me. I'd never officially ridden in a cop car but now I can say I have, and for a good reason too! We had some great conversation and I have to say I have a new found respect for police officers. There is so much more to their job than just pulling people over and writing tickets. They are truly inspiring people who can't bear to see people make poor decisions. Once I was back at the hotel we played some fun team building games. There was such a diverse group of kids involved and I made friends with amazing people. We heard from two speakers who have directly been affected by drunken drivers. Their stories made it even more real to all of us. The officers who did the mock death at my house came up and told us how it went. Everyone was in tears by the end. I really can't imagine leaving my parents, my sister, my friends. And to that, I love you all. The chaperon for my room was Mrs. Crocket. Let me tell you, she is one awesome lady! Her stories and red silk pajamas made the evening quite the experience!

8 comments:

ylkevin said...

hey was one of the speakers named jim bumgarner?

jessica strecker said...

yes! his story was so heartbreaking.

ylkevin said...

haha, glad you got to hear it. he's actually my uncle, pretty crazy

jessica strecker said...

are you serious?! So you know James Montana then?

ylkevin said...

i am serious. i don't know a james montana, but are you thinking of james canada? the police officer, big black guy? haha. unless james montana was the name of the guy in his story, then no i don't know james montana.

jessica strecker said...

haha i got my states mixed up. yes it's james canada. he is such a cool guy! before our assembly yesterday a couple girls and i were going to pray and pretty soon everyone was standing in a circle praying and he closed for us. it was one of the coolest things of the day.

ylkevin said...

haha thats pretty sweet. yep officer canada is my cousin in law i guess you could say haha. ya..i have christmas dinner with him. haha

jessica strecker said...

haha, such a small world!