The Intervention

The Intervention

Kelly had come home to quite the surprise.  Her house was filled with all of
her relatives and friends.  They all just sat there as she entered the house.
She was sure that something must be wrong as she hadn't seen some of these
people in many months.  Her Grandmother, who had come nearly 1,000 miles,
asked her to have a seat so they could talk.  Her other mother then told her
the reason that they were all gathered, this was an intervention.

Her family all had a look of great concern, and Kelly didn't really understand
what was going on.  Her older sister explained that they all cared for her
deeply and were troubled with the turn her life had taken.  Grandmother
commented that although she was only 16, she didn't understand the torment she
was causing her family and friends.  They all were worried about her, and they
needed to make her aware of the harm it had done to them as well as her.

She sat at listened as each person in the room told how her actions had
affected them.  Her mother had recently started taking Prozac, after a failed
suicide attempt.  Cathy, her best friend, explained how she was embarrassed to
be around her.  Kelly's father was against the intervention, and suggested
professional help.  Both her sister and brother were tired of her constant
mood swings.  Kelly suddenly realized that her actions had not only affected
her, but those she loved.

The intervention lasted almost 2 hours.  The room was filled with sobs and
crying.  Some spoke with love and concern, others with anger and disbelief.
Kelly could take it no longer and broke down in tears.  Everyone looked at
Kelly, hoping they had made some progress.  Her Grandmother lifted the girls
chin and looked deep into her swollen eyes.   Grandmother then extended a pack
of cigarettes to her, and tested the results of everyone's testimony.  

"Please start smoking again hon." she said in the most caring way.

Kelly had seen the wrong in her ways.  She accepted the cigarette and a light
from her Grandmother.  After taking a deep drag she looked around the room
filled with smiling faces, and she knew she was lucky to be surrounded by so
many people who cared.