It started a little after 7:49 Monday morning. There wasn't must to see those first few minutes. Most of it was just a blur. Not that I can remember. I'm sure it was exciting to some and mundane to many others. They tagged me and foot-printed me and wrapped me in a blanket. Paperwork was file and name was given. I was now legal part of this world.

Welcome Mr. Christopher Andrew Puchala. Your driver is waiting.

I was told by reliable sources that I was a "good" baby. And that I always smiled a lot. I didn't like peas. Those made me mad.

I cried my first day at school. Things were different here. There was order and letters on the wall. I was to learn and I did even when it stormed outside.

We moved to Ocala, FL. Middle school and the storms followed. These storms were stronger and never ending.

In high school I didn't pay much attention to learning. I did what I had to do to pass. I worked when I was 15 as a dishwasher. I washed my hands when they were dirty. Some days the smell of garbage didn't rub off.

I learned to pretend and learned to love. I learned to drive and drink. I learned to swim and fall. I learned to give and take. I learned that tomorrow is a new day and another may never come.

There was Debbie...my high school rival sweetheart. We dated, had backseat
fun, went to the prom, and talked of the future. She was going to college and
was headed to the Army. Time and distance was too much. It torn us apart
and dancing impossible.

The jungle called Hondo...