But I promised the woman I’d meet on the crossroads of life, and our future kids, that life would not be for them.
As a teen, I made a promise to myself. I lived in a house where all types of abuse, physical, mental, worse, occurred every day. Sure, there were gifts, dinners, school clothes, and playtime. But I promised the woman I’d meet on the crossroads of life, and our future kids, that life would not be for them. Slaps, whippings with a belt, ironing cord, skillet, switch, demeaning names. In 1971, I escaped the horror house and never went back. Half a century later, a loving wife, three adorable kids, a home. A promise kept and honored. I’ve been blessed to witness births, big eyes, tiny ears, first steps, smiles, giggles, laughter, diapers, hugs, parties, soccer goals, family dinners, home runs, great report cards, championships, proms, graduations, BAs, MAs, first cars, a wedding, a grandchild. An aura of positivity, love, content. The memories will last till my last day and beyond. A life filled with like and love. A chain broken forever.
“I took the road less traveled by and that made all the difference.” – Robert Frost
