Many years ago, a friend and bandmate was teaching at a school for special needs kids. I went there one day and we played some music for his classes. I offered to let any of the kids who were interested bash on my drums. One young man, Darius, actually had some real potential. I offered to start giving him lessons.
Two days a week I would pick him up from his grandmother's house (mom was an addict and off doing what addicts do) and I would take him to my practice space and let him bash away. I would also take him to get a bite to eat in an attempt to lift some of the burden off his grandmother.
My touring schedule eventually overwhelmed me, and Darius also began to overwhelm me, because, I have to admit, I wasn't really ready to take on a charge that needed SO MUCH- he was a need vacuum. I could have spent all day every day with him, fed him, taught him drums, bought him clothes and shoes, but there was no way to make up for all the lost time and absentee parents.
Much to my shame, I let him slip away.
Last night I heard from one of his former teachers that he was in jail.
I am trying to get all the info so I can go visit him and apologize.
CRAP.
Other details;
Wife = not pregnant. Still gonna keep taking shots on the goal.
Old band- reuniting for a show this weekend after eight years apart.
House = completely primed, ready to be caulked and painted.
A little good, a little bad.
