As an adult there are many childhood memories that are quite apparent to me. These memories are both joyous and grieve some. But, of the two I believe the ones that stand out the most are the ones that were the most dramatic. These consisted of memories that brought me and the ones I loved either physical or emotional harm. Remarkably I have memories as far back as one year old. This is where I"ll start.
When I was one, my family and I, lived in the town of Capitola California. My father was an avid fisherman. One day he and our neighbor had returned with their bounty of fish to clean. As like any child I was curious. Next to the small apartment complex we lived in was a vacant lot. This is where the men decided to do the deed of gutting and cleaning their catch. The children were not allowed to come. We were told to stay at home while they went to complete the task. My sister, I and the two neighbor kids wanted to watch. .
Once we were sure that the men were gone we proceeded to the fence. Along the fence line there were small gaps and knotholes that we could peer through. Being both small and anxious that didn't give me the vantage point that I had been looking for. I am not quite sure when but sometime earlier my parents, grandparents, friends or relatives I am not sure who had given to us children a small pedal driven tractor. This, I thought would give me just enough edge if I could just climb on it.
I pushed the small tractor as close to fence as I could. I then started my ascent to the top. This wasn't the smartest idea in the world. But, what could be expected I wasn't even two years old yet. Once at the top I looked up and over. This was it, I could see. The men were taking something sharp to these small fish. I couldn't tell what though. I had to get an even better look. I reached for the top of the fence. Still standing on the fence I jostled for position. I still couldn't see well. The small rickety tractor wobbled back and forth as I moved.
