When I was just a kid about 10-11 yrs. old I was brought up by my mom I had an alcoholic father who was just flat out drunk all the time.
My dad didn't work and why my mom stayed with him is still a mystery to this day. I had a good friend who lived next door his name was Richard and his parents Phil and Mary Van Camp kind of looked after me because my mom worked so many odd hours.
Phil and Mary took me on camping trips and outings with their family all the time and even to Mass to get me away from my dad most likely.
Phil worked at a small plant that produced items used in military applications. Phil was a retired USMC officer and when I was over at Richards house Phil would round us up and have us police the front and back yard. Mary worked at Mater Dei High School in the front office and I hung out a lot at this school she was a great lady.
As I grew older in my teens and into adulthood I got to understand how important family is and how important it was to belong. The Van Camps moved away while I was in High School and I didn't give it much thought (girls were foremost on my mind) until later I started missing the togetherness they shared with me.
I know Phil and Mary are gone now but I will never forget them. I'm back in church because of them and I've learned how important it is to be the head of a family and the responsibility it carries.
Sorry for the long version, would love to hear your stories. GBR!
My dad didn't work and why my mom stayed with him is still a mystery to this day. I had a good friend who lived next door his name was Richard and his parents Phil and Mary Van Camp kind of looked after me because my mom worked so many odd hours.
Phil and Mary took me on camping trips and outings with their family all the time and even to Mass to get me away from my dad most likely.
Phil worked at a small plant that produced items used in military applications. Phil was a retired USMC officer and when I was over at Richards house Phil would round us up and have us police the front and back yard. Mary worked at Mater Dei High School in the front office and I hung out a lot at this school she was a great lady.
As I grew older in my teens and into adulthood I got to understand how important family is and how important it was to belong. The Van Camps moved away while I was in High School and I didn't give it much thought (girls were foremost on my mind) until later I started missing the togetherness they shared with me.
I know Phil and Mary are gone now but I will never forget them. I'm back in church because of them and I've learned how important it is to be the head of a family and the responsibility it carries.
Sorry for the long version, would love to hear your stories. GBR!
