As a young man of eight, the world was great. Each day of summer in southern California led to another adventure in the neighbourhood, another cool night at the beach and the security of knowing that mom and dad would take care of everything.
My friend Curt and I had decided that day to go to the local five and dime and get some sweets but we had no money. Seeing my mom’s purse sitting all alone in a corner of the family room, we took the opportunity.