I had just turned 16 when my mother and step-father decided to put me in straight, in St. Pete, 1981. They blamed everything on drugs, the few that I did, but really there were other factors that I won't even go into now.
On my intake I told the girls that I would be leaving soon - and I did about a month later. I became a runaway because I though the people who ran straight were crazy. I couldn't believe that they made us sing those incredibly stupid songs, sit around all day and listen to people cry about events they probably thought were fun at one time. Just silly, and a collasol(sp?) waste of my time.
I was never physically abused though looking back I'm not sure why (though I think it had something to do with my running away all the time). However, each and every time I ran and came back (never voluntarily) I was yelled at and called names be everyone. The first time it was a bit shocking, after that it just occurred to me how silly and orchestrated the whole thing was. The kids who stood up tpo yell at me were simply yelling because they were supposed to, most of what they said didn't make sense. They were angry at me 'cause I'd been out and watched TV and partied with my friends and got laid. In general, had a good time.
In the end, I finally made it to the 4th phase after two years then ran away one last time. This time I was eighteen and I told my mother tha if she dared tried to commit me I was leaving Florida for good and she would never hear from me again. She knew I was serious and that I had no problem finding my own way so she let me come home.
Though home would never be the same. I have to say that the worst part of the experience is that is ruined my relationship with my only living parent. I will never fully trust her, I barely speak to her, and in general I don't like her very much. I could go on and on about that but I won't.
The bottom line is that parents sometimes do what they think is best for their kids and somtimes they do what is best for themselves. Children should be allowed to shield themselves from parents who may not have their best interests in mind, children should have more legal rights.
Having said all that - I's glad I ran away from that horrible place every chance I got because those are my strongest memories from that time in my life - the fun I had on my vacations, as I called them. The only regret I have is that I wish I could've just stayed in school and found my own way because I think I'd be much further along in life by now - but who really knows.
over and out - gotta run
