My Life Of Crime Begins With A Whimper: A Kid Story
We've all done things in our lives that we're less than proud of... I'm not ashamed of anything I've done in the interest of staying alive, but like everyone else- there were decisions I made when young- I may not have made if more mature. This story, however, doesn't mark one of the crowning moments in my life of crime.
Before I embarked on my venture in the "pre-owned auto" business I tried another career opportunity in the "alternative economy" that I lived to regret. I was 12 or 13, alone in the big city- my money gone and I was very hungry. Usually in these situations, I could go around the North End and find one or two of the local wise guys and run an errand or two to make a couple of bucks.... at least enough to get something to eat. This particular day, there was no one to be found, so it was time for Plan B... except I didn't have a Plan B.
I walked aimlessly downtown toward Park St. Station on Boston Common and there she was- along with Plan B. She was standing alone at the bus stop, a large woman, much bigger than I was- by at least 75 lbs. I was undeterred by her size, I was hungry... I began running full speed and seized the handle of her purse. In one swift motion, she snatched me off mey feet and I was laying on my back, still grasping the purse and looking up at a very angry lady. I was humiliated... what could I do- I had been bested by a middle aged woman whose strength apparently dwarfed mine. I got up and ran like hell!
But I was still undeterred... and I was still very hungry- I hadn't eaten since the day before and it was now late afternoon. I needed an easier target. I may have been bested, but I learned from my mistake- I needed a target closer to my own size.
I headed down toward Filenes and Jordan Marsh to find one... it was either that or try a dine and dash. Outside the entrance to Filenes basement was the perfest target... the proverbial "little old lady." I snatched her purse and away I ran. About a block away I turned to look, only to discover Hoe Do-gooder in hot pursuit. He was kind of chunky and I figured I could wear him down... but this guy was persistent.
I ran and ran, and so did Joe- up one alley and down the next. I ran into an apartment building and jumped out the window on the first landing. This guy wasn't going to give up without a fight. So, I decided to give him one. In an alley, I grabbed a chunk of asphalt about the size of a baseball or a little bigger. I ran down another alley and found an alcove which I ducked into. When Joe came down the alley, I stepped out and popped him in the head and took off again.
When I finally got a safe distance away, I looked in the purse... 35 cents, a comb and a key! It was time to look for a new line of work...
Lessons from life. That must have been hard for you back then.
Made me sad. In such rich countries it shouldn't be the case that children run wild. ... But what do I say? It nowhere should be the case. I was so hoping for a happy end when I read this story.
I guess what poverty though teaches us is to appreciate when we have a roof over our heads, good meals and people who do care for us.
... I miss your comments by the way.
I always look for your posts... if you send me a link, I won't miss them.
It wasn't the case of me running wild, I had no family and an orphanage was NOT an option! In my case there have never been happy endings- only endings lol! It made me the man I am today (old and decrepit!)
.35 cents, comb, and the keys are your clues for unlocking the next level in your life at that time @richq11 ha ha
I became a pretty good car thief!
Bad call there - is this a true story? Enjoyed it
Absolutely... and it was a bad call. Snatching purses just wasn't my calling in life! I did much better as a car thief!!!
Hahahaha glad you found your calling
really interesting but not morally right my friend.
Easy to say as an adult... different when you're 12 hungry and alone!
You are right though, those crazy things we did as kids.
There should be no guilt, for actions taken in pursuit of survival knows no ethics.
Many of us have past actions which ourselves find hard to live down. That one could be that despicable.
However, situations change. Mindsets change. The past will remain sealed in stone and is of no consequence any longer.
Much rather, only this moment right now that is of utmost importance. Were you a terrible person then?
Well you never longer have to be. What matters is who you are now.
What if I am not even a good person now?
Well, what a great time to get started. Nobody is perfect, nobody will be perfect. All that the universe asks of you is that you be focused being better than you were yesterday.
All else is forgiven and lost to the wind.
God Speed Brethren.
Wow nice life
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good
wonderful