This weekend writing topics for the #weekend-engagement included one that asked us to; "Tell us about a single impactful and pivotal moment in your childhood either good or bad."
It seems so vivid in my mind to this day, even though it took place over 40 years ago. It was the night my parents parted and started the road to their divorce.
I will not go into too many details, but suffice it to say, my father was a drunk. This night was not unlike other nights where he had one to many. However this time he was looking for a fight.
He found it in one of my family members who was not going to back down. My mother did her best to keep the peace and break up the fight as I sat in the living room, but it was not to be.
Eventually, the family member left, but they wouldn't be gone for long. After they left, my mother gathered up my father's clothes and threw them out on the lawn. He had finally crossed the line with her.
My father being the ass that he was gathered up her clothes and did the same. But as they argued, I snuck off the couch and gathered up my mother's clothes and brought them back in the house to their bedroom.
Even at a young age, I knew his presence in my life was not good and wanted him gone. I left his clothes on the lawn in hopes he would take them and leave.
Eventually, after a night of arguing, the relative returning and more fighting, he left. He was hardly in my life from that point. He remained a lonely drunk to the day he died.
I think this is pivotal moment in my life because if he would have not left, I think him remaining in my life could have ruined it. He was a terrible role model and was abusive both verbally, and I am confident he would have been physically as well after that night.
It does not pain me in the least this happened. I am glad, because it allowed me to watch many other male role models in my life and take the best from them that I could. I had uncles, older friends and relatives that provided fantastic examples for a young boy to follow.
It all turned out pretty good.
Thanks for reading,
Joe
Note: Images are my own.
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