|
 | |  | |
My memory of childhood is as follows; it is even more prevalent due to recent events in America, recalled John Marshall. (A reference to the terrorist destruction of the two New York towers of the World Trade Centre.)
When I was five my childhood was shattered and my innocent view of the world taken away for a long time. I lost faith in the world for a time due to seeing my close friend and neighbour being run over by a train in front of my eyes.
I live in Barrhead now but previously I stayed in a place called Ferguslie Park Paisley, where we had a real sense of community and spirit. We could play as kids till late at night without fear of trouble or harm coming to us.
You could truly go out for the day and literally leave your doors open without fear of burglars. It was truly a fantastic place to be, and when you look at the world now, it has changed hugely in my short existence as a man of 32, and still young as it goes.
The day I lost me best friend kind of shattered our quiet existence in our wee street. The wee girl was aged five, the same as me. At the time she was sitting on the railway.
I remember vividly, holding her hand and trying to pull her from the track. But to no avail, as she seemed to have twice my strength, and it was as if she wanted to be there, which may sound strange but that is the memory I recollect of the time.
The last thing I remember is her being dragged away by the train. Needless to say you can guess the outcome.
That is undoubtedly the most vivid memory I have of my childhood. Our community pulled together amazingly well, considering we had just lost somebody who we all knew and loved as our own.
Messages of sympathy flooded in thick and fast as I remember; and the sense of community was breathtaking at times.
John Marshall, East Renfrewshire, 2001
| |  | |  |
To add a comment you must first login or join for free, up in the top left corner.
|
|
