“I’m Sorry About Your Dad”

I believe it was the summer of 1956. My father had died in April and we had returned to Dexter. Things were very different without my father… everyone was a bit sad. I remember riding my bike around my lawn, wondering and thinking about my dad and at times breaking into tears.  

One afternoon I rode my bike over to the high school which was behind our house, There were a bunch of kids riding bikes, playing ball, hanging around. Jackie Shad came up to me and said, “I’m sorry about your dad”. I was struck by this as I can’t remember anyone ever saying that to me; I think I mumbled, “thanks”. A short time later, Jackie said “let me have your bike”, and tried to take it….. I resisted but Jackie had a reputation as a serious tough kid…. something of a delinquent, plus he was seriously bigger and stronger and older, so he took it. 

After awhile I decided to give up the battle and began to walk home. I was on my way when Jackie  rode up and gave me my bike. He didn’t say anything more and I don’t ever remember seeing Jackie again.  

Jackie had a reputation in Dexter. He lived in the poor side of town. He was a “young tough” and had some interactions with the police who somehow kept an eye on him. He was a good athlete. I think my father, the town doctor, took care of Jackie and his family, probably for no charge. He had a lot of potential but may have ended up on the wrong side of the law.

The Fall of that year we moved back to St. Louis. I only visited Dexter one time after that. I never heard of what happened to Jackie. Yet after some 70 years I still remember him and his unexpected comment..… “I’m sorry about your dad”.