Pining for memories that never came

In the ninth grade, in 1967, I dropped out of Libby Junior High School, because a girlfriend said I could get out of school sooner if I went to her school. So I faked being pregnant to drop out.

My dad had died when I was nearly 5 years old.  My mom was still alive, but no adults even questioned my pregnancy story or asked if I needed follow-up care.

My girlfriend and I both moved out of our houses and moved in together. We spent the next year and a half driving around the streets drinking and drugging. I eventually told my mom I lost the baby.

When I did get back into school at Continuation High School on Spokane’s North Side (later known as Havermale and now called the Community School) I also worked full time at a factory, so I dropped in and out of Continuation three times before finally graduating.

My life turned out OK, and I’ve always been a hard worker because I realized that I had to take care of myself and not rely on others to take care of me.

But I still feel shorted for never having a prom or old school chums or the memorable moments that are part of high school. I feel shorted for not having any reunions to go to now.

So one moment in life I wish I could redo? I would stay at Libby Junior High.