FAMILY DRIVE IN

It wasn't all bad..

There was a time we were a family
Not perfect, but we were together
There were conflicts and secrets
The cracks in the foundation began to be seen
But the happy memories much outweighed the unpleasant ones
Some of those memories were magical moments that have stayed with me until now

Saturday nights
A 30 minute drive
A small community of automobiles and movie watchers
It was the '80's
A mix of races
Young and old
We all gather here to escape the troubles of the real world

We arrive
Later than some, sooner than most
It's not about finding an empty space
It's about finding the right empty space
Next, time to accumulate our weapons of mass destruction
Popcorn, hot dogs, candy and sodas
Of course this is Texas
So everything is large size
Now, gotta get back in time for the previews

Dad is in the driver's seat
( He is wondering how fast we can get out of here when the movie's over)
Mom is on the passenger side
( She is anticipating any nude scenes so she could tell me to close my eyes or look away)
I am in the back seat
( At this age, I'm more into violence than nudie scenes)
Good movies and bad
Slasher and romantic films
Comedies and action features
We were entertained, each in our own way, but more importantly we enjoyed each other's company

We were a family once
Not perfect... but we were together

Author's Note

This is one of the few memories of my family that I cherish before separation. Before divorce. Before death

Reviews

[sette]

sorry to hear that but still the childhood memories are there to remind you that once upon a time it was full of happiness. never mind about the present, you are now an adult, you have to learn to let go though it is hard to say so.

[Samuel Dickens]

Touching and familiar. Thirty or so years earlier, a similar thing played out in my life. I sense that your happy memories of "family" may be so few that the ones you do have are precious and indelibly imprinted in your mind. If so, I certainly can relate. If only we all could grow up with two happy, devoted parents.