The Ravings of a "Mad Dog".
Posted: Tuesday, June 17, 2008
by straight talk
Now a person I think highly of asked me to write something about my past life. Now that would fill volumes but because I think of her as a sincere good person I will take the plunge and fill her request. No I'm not so different from many "boys" of any age just perhaps the one that was, well how do you describe it, crazy but not in a harmful way. So from this Jersey boy to that street gal here goes. Avis now stop smiling and Judi, if you missed this, well here is your chance to catch up.
I was always a little guy so growing up meant survive. Really the type that got along with everyone. I never wanted to hurt anyone but the quickest way to end something, well was to end it. Not hurt, just end. So when I got mad people who usually knew me stayed clear. I was that silent one with it all kept inside. Yes the same today. Silent, deep, emotional, sensitive and well just a bit off the beam. I can say this with confidence, my friends knew I was a friend and I raised my family to be the same.
Now there was a "game" that used to be played when we were in High School. It was called Purgatory. Now you have to remember this was a small jersey town and a high school about 1000 students of all grade levels. Everyone knew everybody else. Now when person was placed into purgatory you were in effect dead to the world. No one saw you, talked to you, acknowledged you, you were for all intents non existent. They walked right past you without a word or glance.
Well of course those "have" of that day were the ones who everyone followed after and wanted to be around and they called the shots in school as to who was to be excluded. Sound stupid, it was, but yet this is the way it was in small town schools. If your excluded it can be terrible, destruction of ones spirit, demoralizing.
Well I never took to well to this, being my own person. Hey I don't look for trouble and as the yearbook said a big smile and hello was sort of how everyone knew me. To me I just liked everyone. I frowned on this practice because I sensed the hurt it caused. It was a crucial time of growing up and rejection was a major impact player. I know, I had my share of rejection so I knew how it felt. I knew the hurts of life real early and I learned about the phonies, the liars, the takers, the users and the exploiters real early in life and I kept them deep down inside. So when someone was placed by the majority of students, all 1000, who thought it cool, into purgatory and you didn't go along with it, you were also placed there. Well guess who wound up there quite often? Ok, I'll admit it, I walk to a different beat as many can tell.
Well so be it. I talked to who I wanted to and who wanted to talk to me. No exclusions. So I went under the purgatory doctrine of the day. Well what is good for the goose is good for the gander so they say, so I responded in kind. Hey when you are ready to talk to me fine otherwise see you, no hard feelings and off I went.
Well this bothered them that it didn't bother me. After a few weeks they would say hey you're out of purgatory now but I would just keep going. This got them really upset. As it happened it worked out in the end and eventually this folly disappeared as we grew up. You see they actually sensed the hurt it caused and since well I was an easy going guy that everyone would talk to that purgatory just couldn't stay in effect long. They would later say you are one crazy b and I guess the things I did substantiated that. I was "that wild and crazy guy" but deep down it was just wanting to be accepted and that was a way to be.
Now there are other things that went along with my distinguished title. Those one cannot speak to but those who know me recognize, well, all the marbles were not yet in place. Yet throughout my life I have held to one constant, there are "Just two kinds of people in the world", and as my yearbook says I don't like people who think they are better then others.
So if you really want the scoop you will have to learn from the guys on the grab expedition Delaware U, from the guys at Babs and Bunnies and those who knew me "back in the day" when anything could happen and it usually did. Good times and stupid times but times I will never ever forget.
Now I will just close with my wife is still trying to get all the poop. I think I have said enough. Also, you now know where my writing zeal comes from. Yes "just two kinds of people in the world" no better no worse. When will we ever find that out?
Yet this much I have learned. That title fits me fine. You see there are not many who think like me. Yes some, but few and far in between and those who think like me carry that same title, Mad. Why because this world just does not think in the same way.
So all my best and I hope this little segment of my life suffices. Best regards, mad dog.
Robert T. Melaccio Sr. 2008 Copyright ©2008 Robert Melaccio
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Top-level comments on this article: (3 total)Are you psychic, RM? I was smiling then laughed out loud when you began writing to me and then Judi. I don't believe it! You, with a hot temper?!? Noooo way! *sniggling* RM, I loved how you ended Purgatory. Wow, what punishment. I also enjoyed reading about you, back in the day. Thank you for sharing yourself with us. You're a fine gentleman and I am honored to know you, Robert. Your wife has done an excellent job with you! My best, Avis.Please log in to respond to this comment.Thanks Avis, i thought you would get a smile? My,. wife yes a great lady, my friend and my everything. Without her I am nothing, she is the glue and the fabric that holds it all together. best wishes and regards Robert.Please log in to respond to this comment.
Great article, but I too found it hard to believe a face like yours could ever show a snarl. rotsaruck. SandraPlease log in to respond to this comment.Sandra thanks for your kind words but as my better half always says, I have that "look of love on, watch out". Overall though I feel I try to be what I say I am and profess to be. Not that I don't fail, but at least I recognize it and try to change. Best wishes as always, Robert.Please log in to respond to this comment.
Hey Mad dog, why am I not surprised!! I would have done the same! I enjoyed the story and now I feel privileged to be a little closer to the loop. I can picture you pretending they don't exist. Way to go..it just proves that sometimes stubborness is good! I appreciate your honoring my request! I can't believe I missed it the first time around. God bless you my friend. Hugs, TeresaPlease log in to respond to this comment.Teresa, I'm glad you liked the article andand as a friend your request must be honored. All the very best as always, Robert. PS: beware now, I am somewhat "mad" at times. Ok very little, but watch out when the kettle goes off. [smile]Please log in to respond to this comment.I'm shaking in my shoes :-)Please log in to respond to this comment.
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