Adolescent years

I got a job at the newsstand down the block from my house. I would get up early and meet the newspaper truck and carry the bundles over and set up the papers before rush hour started, then head out to school.

My dad was drinking heavily and not paying attention to much, thank God for my grandparents. My grandfather would cook for us every day.

I wasn’t doing very well in school and I didn’t care. I would get into fights and show no respect to my teachers.

One day I decide to just hang out with the guys on the block and play some ball. My friend Nick was with his cousin Vinny. Vinny and I didn’t see eye to eye. We had some words and I told Vinny anytime he wanted to fight me I’d be waiting.

I turned around to head home and Vinny climbed on a car and kicked me from behind and knocked me down. Before I could realize anything Vinny landed on my shoulder and I could hear my bone crack. I was in pain.

Vinny was kicking me and telling me, you’re not so tough now. Finally his cousin Nick pulled him off me. I went home and when I got up stairs my sisters scream when they seen me. My dad called car service and took me to the emergency room.  I was in a shoulder cast, and my arm was in a sling. The only thing I could think of was getting even with Vinny.