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dancingtongue · 80-89, M
Early 70's. The decade, not my age. I was just beginning to feel I was becoming truly self-sufficient: married, two kids, career taking off, new home owner. My oldest son wanted to join Cub Scouts and typical of the era, scouting didn't want to have much to do with inner urban areas. Despite the fact I had never been a scout, I stepped up and volunteered to be Cub Master. My secretary's husband, who had become a good friend, a Vietnam Vet just back from combat, and his friend--both having been scouts--volunteered to assist me.
Then my secretary's husband was killed by a DUI hit and run driver. My youngest son was still in diapers. We were being pulled in so many directions, overloaded with both tasks and emotions, I called my mother to come help out.
The combination of having to admit to myself that I wasn't as self-sufficient as I thought, dealing with my secretary's grief and need for time off, the fact that a Bronze Star decorated combat veteran had survived a stupid war only to lose his life needlessly to an irresponsible drunk driver, the funeral for a friend my own age became overwhelming.
Then my secretary's husband was killed by a DUI hit and run driver. My youngest son was still in diapers. We were being pulled in so many directions, overloaded with both tasks and emotions, I called my mother to come help out.
The combination of having to admit to myself that I wasn't as self-sufficient as I thought, dealing with my secretary's grief and need for time off, the fact that a Bronze Star decorated combat veteran had survived a stupid war only to lose his life needlessly to an irresponsible drunk driver, the funeral for a friend my own age became overwhelming.
