I believe in second chances. As a seventeen year old high school junior, I’ve made tons of mistakes. I’ve fought with my younger sister, talked back to my mom, and said hurtful remarks to my friends. I’m not perfect; however I have been fortunate… they always seem to give me a second chance. I guess that’s why I feel the need to give second chances.
There have been many people in my life that deserved a second chance. People, myself included, do and say stupid things. I’m thinking of my father. My mom and dad have been divorced for over eight years. He lives in Connecticut and I really don’t see him that much. He’s one that is in constant need of many chances. Why? He is my dad. He makes these remarks… remarks that hurt. “All you’re good for is making dinner.” “You’re stupid.” “Who put that thought in your head?” Just some of the comments he’s made to me in the past. Since he’s my father I’ve always thought he was deserving of a second chance; I thought wrong. He still continues to treat me badly. I know I believe in second chances, but I also believe that people, who chose to have children, should be the ones offering second chances not the ones who need to receive them.
Maybe I learn from my mom, the person who has given more than her fair share of chances to me. She taught me to forgive, but to never forget. When someone betrays my trust; they should be out of luck. That’s not the case with my father. You see, I have a younger sister who’s ten. Out of the two of us she is the one who always wants to see him, and be with him. I want her to be happy, even at my expense. So, I give him chances. Maybe one day he’ll catch on, and realize what he’s done. He’s made me analyze my belief in giving second chances.
People I feel deserve a second chance are those who can be trusted, who genuinely feel remorse, and who change. They appreciate the second chance. They are my best friends, my mom, and my sister (even though she’s still working on the changing part). These are the people I wish I had more of in my life. Second chances are easy to give, when giving them to people who care about wanting you to be a part of their life. Everyone makes mistakes. When given the opportunity to have a second chance you are able to fix your mistake. Everyone should be entitled to receive a second chance, even if you are insensitive like my dad.
I learned from my mom that people really do deserve second chances. If a friend makes a mistake, I trust that they will fix it. When someone close to me says, “I’m sorry,” I know they are truly remorseful. And when my sister says, “I will change.” I know she will do her best to try.
Second chances are personal. It’s up to you to choose when someone is worthy of one, and when someone is not.