This Journey

It was a hot summer day in 1957 and four of my buddies from high school came to visit. We were sitting on the front porch of my apartment, and someone cracked open a bottle of T-bird. In the barrio of East Los Angeles where I lived, Thunder-bird wine was commonly known as "Mexican champagne." I remember that day as if it were yesterday. The open bottle made its way to me and I had fear because this was my first experience with drinking. The four guys were watching me and I wasn't about to back down. I put the bottle to my lips and took a big slug. The bad taste was overcome by the warm feeling in my belly and the way it made me feel. I couldn't wait for the next round. Alcohol was not to leave my life for the next seventeen years.