Disillusionment is the acceptance of truth and the understanding or reality. To be disillusioned, one becomes disappointed when his or her opinion or belief is found out to be false. Usually an act forces them to realize the truth when they probably would rather continue in their own beliefs.

Santa Clause, for instance, is precisely an illusion. As great and magical it is for a child to believe in the jolly, fat man with a snow white beard sliding down their chimney on Christmas to leave the "good" kids presents, there comes a time when kids learn that Santa is only a spirit; a story told them by the same parents that actually provided the gifts. The naivete of a child who bel

The naive dream I once had of driving as the ultimate freedom for a sixteen year old has been replaced with the caution that my newfound wisdom has instilled in me. I know now how easy it would be to become scarred for life, killed, or even to kill someone else. I will never again take driving for granted, thinking it is a mindless way to get from one place to another. My carefree thrill of driving with no regard to consequences has forever been changed because I have painfully experienced reality. Much like my belief in Santa Clause for many wonderful years, my bubble burst when I realized that driving a real car was nothing like driving the bumper car or the go-cart. However, just as I knew my parents let me believe in Santa only as long as it was still good for me, I know that my less-than-stellar driving experience has also been good for me. If I had not had my bump-ups, even all three of them, I would not have the healthy respect and fear for driving that should always be with a person. I know that right now, I have too much fear, and I do hope to find that balance so that I am a safe, confident driver.

ieves this myth is also accompanied by the delight that believing in the myth brings. At some time, each child comes to the reality that there is no Santa Clause, there is only the love of the parents who were perpetuating the myth in order to increase the quality of their child's young life. To find the myth shattered is like bursting the bubble, yet, to replace it with the understanding of the motivation is a comfort and there is joy in learning that something was done only to make one's life better.

The wisdom gained from my transition from naivete to crisis is immeasurable. I now acutely understand how dangerous driving can be. In fact, I am actually scared to drive. I have even gone so far as to have a panic attack while driving, convinced that other drivers are going to crash into me. I fee

Some common words found in the essay are:
Bridge Road, Santa Clause, Cox April, Six Flags, santa clause, Holcomb Bridge, bridge road, holcomb bridge road, holcomb bridge, car month, belief santa, ability drive, war reality, driver's license, driving car,
Approximate Word count = 1300
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)