21... A Birthday I will never forget

On October 4th, 2023, I had my 21st birthday. In the United States, the 21st birthday is considered the birthday when adulthood actually begins. The final rights withheld to minors are granted at the age of 21. Rather than going out and partaking of, let's just say adult beverages. I spent my 21 working on school work for most of the day.

Once 5:30 rolled around, my friends wanted to treat me to dinner. So we went to a local pizza place in my small college town. After about an hour of eating, and enjoying the company of my friends. Some of my friends wanted to take me four-wheeling. I happily agreed. So two of my friends and I went up the canyon with the four-wheeler. I had a blast!

On the way back from my trip, two seconds would change the course of the future. As I drove the trail, I hit a loose patch of gravel. The gravel caused my four-wheeler to fishtail, out of my control.

The four-wheeler turned into the nearby ditch. The moment I hit the ground, I slipped out of conciseness. I don't remember seeing anything- however, I do remember talking to my sister.

The conversation went something like this

"Hey John you're dumb, you know that," Kimmie said

"Gee thanks, Kim" I sarcastically replied.

"Hey- don't worry. I'm going to help you through this."

After I heard that I woke up. I was lying in the ditch, in shock, without my glasses. After finding my belongings, I attempted to flip the machine over to assess the damages. It was then I realized I was feeling pain through the adrenaline... oh no.

My friends found me and took me to the hospital. The assessment was, that I fractured a few plates in my back. I was told I would likely not feel "normal" again for another five weeks. I can still walk, but I'm still in a lot of pain.

21 was definitely a memorable birthday for me. Next year, I'm going to sit in my room and watch Star Wars. I've had way too much birthday excitement for one lifetime.