The Early Years
Copyright© 2012 by JPM
Chapter 10
I am sitting here remembering my time in that dark place. I can see and feel the memories as they make their way out and say "hello" to me.
I think I understand how others feel when faced with similar episodes.
I want to go back in time and change the events. Or, at the least, go up to those boys and tell them to knock it off. Leave the little kid alone.
Another Interlude:
I recall they day my son fell out of a tree. He was 6 years old. It was 1997.
Our babysitter watched him, our daughter and a couple of other children.
I was working at Merrill Lynch in Princeton, New Jersey, at the time. One of the managers came looking for me as there was a phone call for me.
I never got phone calls at work. Surprised was my word that day.
The babysitter was on the phone. We, my wife and I, had left the main numbers for each of us 'just in case'.
She said that my son had fallen out of the tree in her front yard. He had gotten the wind knocked out of him. His back was sore. His stomach was hurting him. She didn't want to take any chances and an ambulance was on the way.
I can see myself telling my boss I needed to go. My son needed me. I remember all of my coworkers asking me if I was sure I could drive. They would gladly drive me if I felt that I could not.
We really had a great crew in our office. I was proud to work there and their reaction to this accident was heartwarming.
I assured them I would be fine. It was early enough in the day that I could get down to home, and the hospital, with little worry about traffic.
I made my way down Route 1 crossing over from New Jersey into Pennsylvania. I recall pulling into the parking lot at Abington Memorial Hospital and wondering how I got there so quickly. It was auto pilot. It was adrenaline. I know I get in a zone when I drive. My "be ready for anything" persona kicks in.
To read this story you need a
Registration + Premier Membership
If you have an account, then please Log In
or Register (Why register?)