I've been thinking of writing an autobiography or memoir but it just never comes together for me but I figured if I write one story at a time and post it on my blog maybe once a month, I can do that. Maybe one day I'll pull all the stories together and put them in a book but for now I'll just share some stories with you about my childhood and into adulthood. Some of the stories will be happy, some sad and some horrific because that was my childhood. But they will all be real, things that actually happened. If it seems like something that people enjoy reading maybe I'll keep it going. These stories will not be in any kind of order, I'll just write them as they come to me.
Mike and Dalene
Before my parents got married my dad had two friends named Mike and Dalene. They were a couple and my dad's best friends. When Mike got married, my dad paid for it and then later when my parents got married, Mike paid for it. After my parents got married Mike and Dalene broke up and Mike didn't take it so well. So a few months later when Mike found out that Dalene was dating another guy, Mike was really upset, took his gun with him and shot and killed Dalene's boyfriend.
Mike was arrested and went to jail for murder. I was a little kid and don't remember much but he only did 5 years in prison for it for some reason. I was 8 years old when Mike got out of prison and came by our house. I remember he was a big guy and wore dark sunglasses all the time. I remember my dad letting Mike take my younger brother and I to the store and Mike buying us both coats. When we got home my mom was freaking out because she had no idea where Mike had taken us and my dad thought it was funny, I was just happy with my new coat.
Sometime in the next year after Mike got out of prison, Dalene overdosed on sleeping pills. Mike had been trying to get back together with her and she wasn't having it. Within a few months of Dalene dying, Mike also killed himself by overdosing on pills of some kind. I remember when Dalene died that we all went to her motel/apartment (I'm not sure which it was) and gathered up her things and took them home. I don't remember much except that the door to her place was red and the walls inside her place were also red.
My parents had both Mike and Dalene cremated (I guess they didn't have any other family?) and we went out to where there was a lake during the Wintertime, because I remember the snow on the ground and they spread their ashes in the water. I remember some details but other details came from my dad telling me the story of them all the time as I got older.
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2023
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Such a sad story. Mike sounds like he had the makings of a good person - I like that he bought you coats but couldn't cope with rejection.
ReplyDeleteFrom what I remember he was nice, it's too bad that things worked out the way they did.
DeleteSome people just cannot accept when a relationship is over. Maybe the reason why Dalene dumped him was that she was starting to realize he was too possessive and potentially dangerous. Certainly can't blame her for not taking him back after he turned out to be a murderer. And I can see why your mom was freaking out over you being taken out somewhere by a murderer.
ReplyDeleteI didn't get it at the time why my mom was freaking out but as an adult, I sure do.
DeleteIt's always so sad when people shorten their own lives in such a drastic way.. loving of your parents to see to it they were buried.
ReplyDeleteIt really is.
DeleteIt’s a good idea to tell your stories. I see that you’ve told quite a few a few.
ReplyDeleteThank you. I have been telling my stories for a few years anow.
DeleteThat would be a lot for any Child to process. Perhaps it is a good thing that the Memories of them are not so vivid, it sounds like they were tortured Souls and that your Parents did Care for them very much in spite of how unsavory it all played out for them both. Giving them a proper Cremation and doing something meaningful with their remains perhaps will bring a Peace to what was so turbulent in Life. I certainly understand why your Mother freaked out tho', the Man was clearly unstable and dangerous, not to mention not responsible enuf to be taking someone else's Children anywhere. At least you got a Coat you have a fond Memory of, but as a Mom and Grandma, Yes, I'd be freaked out too if anyone let a convicted Murderer who turned out to also be Suicidal, take any of my Kiddos anywhere unsupervised.
ReplyDeleteAs an adult I get why my mom freaked out.
DeleteWow, what a sad story. Did your Dad take their deaths hard?
ReplyDeleteMike was his best friends so yeah, he took it pretty hard.
DeleteTragic and violent.
ReplyDeleteIt is.
DeleteSuch a sad story.
ReplyDeleteIt is.
DeleteI really like the way you’re approaching this one story at a time feels honest and manageable. This first story is powerful. It’s raw, deeply personal, and it pulled me in right away. I admire how you’re sharing both the light and dark parts of your past with such honesty. I’ll definitely keep reading. www.melodyjacob.com
ReplyDeleteThank you, I appreciate that.
DeleteOh my that is one sad sad story.
ReplyDeleteIt is.
DeleteWhat a sad story!
ReplyDeleteThey cut their lives so short.
DeleteOh my goodness! Your stories are so tough.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate you reading them.
DeleteWho/how we end up being is the result of everything we've been through, adjusted by who we are at our core and how we cope. The bad things that you've been through and even the good stuff that happened was out of your control, but your inner human still ended up being strong and compassionate. I think it's incredibly brave for you to share these stories.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, I really appreciate that.
DeleteThat is a tragedy. All the way through. You certainly had quite the childhood. You should write that memoir. No one would believe it.
ReplyDeleteMaybe one day I will.
DeleteI like that your parents did the right thing.
ReplyDeleteThey actually did for once.
DeleteThat's so sad.
ReplyDeleteIt was.
DeleteYou sure have many stories
ReplyDeleteI do, so many more.
DeleteWow, that's like a modern Romeo and Juliet sort of tragedy.
ReplyDeleteI never thought of it that way but I agree.
DeleteI agree, that was really sad for the entire cast of characters.
ReplyDeleteIt really was.
DeleteThat story reminds me of when I first started dating my wife we were both going through a divorce at the same time.
ReplyDeleteShe had a creepy old lady neighbor that served as her exs spy. One day he tried to intimidate me by waiting outside in his car and I got in mine pretending he wasn't there.
The divorce wasn't his idea despite him being a cheater and in a relationship with the girl who he cheated on her with. He's a garbage human
I tried to co parent with him with Lily and she had a dental bill last October that we asked $300 for. He refused to pay and burnt the Bridge. I had invited him to several events but he missed Last Halloween and the last birthday party. All for $300 in savings 😂
Wow, what a father he is. Good grief he really does sound like a garbage human. And you just proved a point, Everyone Has A Story. :)
DeleteHow terribly sad for everyone involved. I think I'd stay single if Jason were to divorce me or pass away at this point. People are crazy. If it's not the new guy, I'm sure I'd have a nutso ex to deal with. I like my peace too much for that kind of drama.
ReplyDeleteRight? That's one reason I've decided to stay single at this point after Ken passed away. I don't have the patience for all the man drama at this point in my life. lol
DeleteWhat a sad childhood memory. However, it sounds like your Dad was a good friend to Mike and that's good.
ReplyDeleteThey were good friends.
DeleteI would encourage you to write that memoir. You don’t have to try to publish it- I hope you sharing these stories with us your readers has been a healing process. Two lives cut short too soon.Tragic.
ReplyDeleteSorry didn’t sign name the first time. Alana ramblinwitham.blogspot.com
DeleteThis Saturday Vittles recipe sounds delicious and healthy! I love the mix of seafood with fresh sugar snap peas and mushrooms.
ReplyDeleteThe homemade crab salad with reduced mayo is a smart twist to cut calories. Your shrimp allergy story is interesting glad you found a way to enjoy shrimp safely again
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So much tragedy. I hope they found peace in their afterlife.
ReplyDelete