4

memoir of what I experienced 10 years ago

So, eventually the dad was busted sometime in the mid-80's. They knew it was only a matter of time, in fact, the family was staying in Cancun after hearing that the powers-that-be were hot on his trail. It happened one day. The dad was taken first, back to the States. The rest stayed behind for a bit, then they went too, for the trial.

I heard all about it. The stress of the trial and how it was coped with. It was too much for my guy, so he went back to the hotel room each day & hung out there, alone. I think he was 13 or 14. The dad was convicted and sent to prison. But here's the thing: because a brother-in-law was involved, the mom's family was angry that he was busted too, so they ended up making sure the law got the mom as well. Their own flesh and blood! The mom was convicted on aiding and abetting? Whatever you call it when you know but don't tell. So, off she went as well, but only for a short time. The dad ended up in for a long time.

The grandmother agreed to letting the oldest boy stay with her, because he was old enough to work. The other two were sent to an orphan's home, where they were yelled at in God's name. I heard about the paddlings and the forced Bible reading and all this strict stuff. On one occasion, my guy was about to get another whipping, when his older brother came in the room and tackled the head guy. All kinds of trouble followed. I think the older brother was kicked out of the place? Or, escaped? Either way, he ran away. Made his way to California where his own trouble happened, but I can't include here, cause it's not about him.

So, my guy was alone in there. Finally he ran away too. First stop was the oldest brother's, who now had his own place. This didn't work. Fighting, etc. My guy was about 16 by now. He hit the road. First made his way to Galveston, where he lived for a few years when he was young. Then made his way to Houston. Who knows where he stayed or how he got by. He told me, but it's all a fuzzy blur in my head. Finally, when he was 18 or so, in Houston, he met this woman. An older, motherly type. In a diner I think?

She asked him all kinds of questions and befriended him. Next thing you know, he's riding back up this way with her. She took him in, as her own. She had a REALLY country place, sort of in the woods, in this town (the one I drove to and got lost in.) He stayed there for a couple years, and then met his friend. The friend ended up helping him out a whole lot, and the friends parents did too. Helped with some schooling and medical stuff and all that.

Eventually he got somewhat stable in this town and met this girl at work, they got pregnant and married. Separated and that's when his friends took him to the fair, to get his mind off of things, and that's where we met.

Reviews

[Coyote Poetry]

I like how you give enough in each chapter. This would make a very good book. I was stationed five years in Texas at Fort Hood. I like the people and how they thoughts and lived. I like the history of the parent and the travel. Gave real life and struggle to his life. I like the personal feel of the story. I like the way you led to the good ending. Thank you for the excellent chapter.
Coyote