You know, at that time, it seemed like you were safer walking the streets as a kid. I guess not. I guess it was just as dangerous back then, but we just didn't know it.
It was dangerous only our abusers were the neighbor, somebody at Church, school or a police officer.
Times where we left the house in summer by 11pm latest. Came home for supper. Went back out until curfew. Days at "the pool" or fire plug. A keg in the playground. So all the freaks pre Uncle Eddie trolled and groomed the lower income kids.
A time of Summer Bible school despite being Catholic. Day time camp at the public school where a bench on steps was the sliding board. Day camp with the cool Priests and Nuns we so loved.
Yet it was a time you gave Mr. So&So neighbor "trouble"? You were in trouble at supper no questions asked. You did something wrong according to a Priest, Nun, Scout Master, Cheerleading Coach you got slapped in the head. Told to apologize. No questions asked.
Oh and almost busted at the keg party, but kicked loose? How do you go home and tell that? So your girlfriend suffers for years under the same cop. We never knew why he let us go until she told waaaaay late in life.
This is all the reasons my heart hurts for Terrence's family. Our parents thought we were safe too. A great time to be a kid in Philly, Monaco and Delco. Also a dangerous one.
