Krashed

It was the fall of 1966. Of course, I had tasted alcohol briefly with a sip here and sip there, but this was different. This was the beginning of a lifelong battle with alcoholism. I had decided that I would attend the sock hop after the football game.For more than three years I had dreamed of having a relationship with this one very special girl. I was a senior and she was a sophomore. I came into the dance and placed my shoes in a corner of the gymnasium. Some of my friends were lined up along the wall. All the girls were seated in the bleachers on the other side of the gym.I came into the dance virtually unnoticed as I was not a really popular kid in high school. As usual at these festive occasions the music was playing but no one was dancing. This seemed to be common practice at these events. Oh, there was some mingling going on between football players and cheerleaders, however, the vast majority of us who wandered blindly through high school, incapable when it came to communication with the opposite sex.We all thought about it but we didn't act on it. This is my real first recollection that I had such a fear of rejection and would struggle for most of the rest of my life to try and overcome that fear. Addiction would somehow enter the scene and, for time, would cover the fear gently leaving me to believe I was the one in control. This would become a disastrous illusion.

About the Author :
I decided that it might be thoughtful of me to allow some of those who know me well to share their "About the Author" pondering as the book has much detail about the author. Here are a few lines offered by my family: "I understand now what it means to spend your life finding out who you really are, and I know now the feeling of relief once you find it. And what it should be is that you spend the rest of your days sharing that gift with others when called upon to do so, in hopes to lift others up at times when they need it most. This is who John is to me. And I think he fought quite hard to get there. And for his struggle, I am grateful and grateful to call him my friend." Marie F. "A good friend is like a four leaf clover, hard to find and lucky to have. John has become more than a friend, he is family to me. His kindness and generosity is a blessing that my family and I are truly grateful for." Donta F. "John, my family are totally blessed to have you in my family who has all the best and beautiful qualities in a person. Who is so kind, caring and more and very strong faith in God. Thank you so much, God loves you and we all love you." Lita F. "I have watched my brother grow over a lifetime from an angry selfish young man to a loving caring servant of the people. It fills my heart with joy to see the man he has become." Patricia C.