Move Over Ann Landers
Posted
on
on Tuesday, August 21, 2001
by Ryan
Ryan makes an attempt at giving some advice.
| August 20, 2001 by Ryan Clements The more effort that I put into doing this column, the more satisfaction I derive from it. I thought that I would find myself with a lack of topics to discuss, but it’s turned out to be exactly the opposite; I’m doing my best to not be too long winded. So, out of respect to everyone’s busy schedule, I’ll try to keep it short. I want to thank all of the people that have been reading my pieces and especially those who have left positive comments. Actually, thanks for the negative comments, too. It adds more fuel to my fire and that ensures that I’ll be burning you soon enough. In reference to the guy that requested on the SLAP article Comment Section for me to, “shut up you f%&*=r, you don’t even skate.” Come on, are you serious? I don’t mind if you don’t like my opinions, but at least tell the truth. Check out the following email that I received from a young lady after she read my piece titled “Parents That Shred.” If you’re going through something similar, remember to remain tough. With a positive attitude, I assure you that things will turn around. Ryan, you gotta’ help me out. My mom disagrees with all this stuff. I made her read your new article thing right, and she says it’s all $h!t. She thinks that the ideal girl is one with blonde hair (not brown and red), one that doesn’t carry around a board, and one that does carry pom-poms. I mean come on; I ain’t like that at all. I got a broken wrist from a handplant gone wrong, 45 stitches in my head from slammin’ into the ground after a bad grind, scars, and scabs. She says if I have to go into the ER one more time she’s taking away my Element, all my skate clothes and pictures, and giving me a dress and a Barbie. I can’t live like this. Can I have some advice, please? Thanks for listenin’... Maybe you can relate my response to your personal situations and struggles with your parents: I'm sorry to hear that you and your mom are having trouble. As you read, I wrote that article from experience, so I pretty much know what I'm talking about. But don't forget, both sides need to keep an open mind. Also, you live under your mom's roof and she's the one that buys the groceries. So ultimately she is the one in charge. But that doesn't mean that she shouldn't respect you as an individual. She's eventually going to have to understand that you enjoy skateboarding and that's what you're going to do, whether you get injured or not. Hey, all types of athletes in every sport imaginable suffer injuries at some time in their career. I suggest that you keep being a good kid...make good grades, stay out of trouble, and hopefully your mom will come around. If you're doing great with those things, then she'll have a difficult time telling you that you can't skate. Ryan |
