General Discussion

Though Gastonia, NC is anything but rural; it has long since been swallowed up by exploding Charlotte traffic. And yeah, we were downright feral in my neighborhood in the 70's, but things seemed different then. Now it seems like it's every man for himself in traffic, never-mind how dangerous it is for pedestrians, 2-wheeled vehicles, etc.

An interesting related family anecdote from Asheville, NC. Apparently the five siblings on my father's side (the first boomers, all gone now), were once six in number. The story I have always heard is that I would have had another uncle, but he was killed by a car when my grandfather sent him to walk to the store for cigarettes, probably some time in the 40's. I never heard specific details other than his name was Roger. I never heard of any consequences, though I can't imagine the guilt and self-torment my grandparents must have gone through. My own youngest son, profoundly ADD, nearly got hit when he tried to dash out in front of an oncoming car when he was a little tyke. Thankfully I snatched him back by the scruff just in time. I always say that every boy who makes it to 30 is a walking miracle...