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And so it begins....

Wednesday, September 23, 2009 11:14 | Chip Dykes

In order to share with you my journey through the Marine Corps and into retired life and community service, I feel it is important to give you some history on Chip Dykes. 

I was born in Philadelphia Pa to a very young mother and father.  My mother passed away when I was just 10 months old.  My father was now a single parent with 2 children.  My sister, Debbie, is 2 years older than I.  You will hear more about her later in my book.   I can only assume the pressure that my father was under to take care of us, as he was just a young man starting out in the post office.  This is a subject that we have never really discussed in my family but I have pondered for years.  I have never felt the desire to rehash that time in my young life.  I would rather just take the lessons for what they were and move on.

Some time shortly thereafter, my sister and I went to live with our Aunt and Uncle in the suburbs of Philly.  I would like to say the town was Hatboro or Lower Moreland?  They were caring people with 4 children of their own.  I have vivid memories of dipping my finger in the sugar bowl on the kitchen table, and of picking berries in some field nearby.  My father and maternal grandfather would come pick us up on the weekend and take us places.  Can't remember much about the places except my Nanna's house in Philadelphia.  I always thought her front porch was the coolest thing in the world especially when it rained in the summer.

Although these wonderful people cared for me and my sister for about 4 years, my recollection of specific events besides those I mentioned earlier have faded from memory.  Through the wonders of Facebook, I have finally reconnected with the McCoy family after at least a 30 year absence.   I hope they all read this blog and fill in the blanks for me!

My next post will skip to the year 1969 and our move into the house on Robbins Avenue in Northeast Philly.  Please stay tuned....

Comments

  • Wednesday, September 23, 2009 09:43 | Deleted user
    How great that you have found the McCoy family after so many years of absence. I'm sure they will assist you along the way of your story telling, during your youth. I look forward to staying tuned and read about your journey. One thing I am aware of is your great sense of humor.
    Carol
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  • Wednesday, September 23, 2009 11:43 | Debbie Boyes
    Mom died January 16, 1966. It was about two months before you turned 2 and three months before I turned 4. We also lost a baby sister at the same time, as Mom was 6 months pregnant when she passed. We lost our Maternal Grandmother later that year, as well. 1966 was a bad year!

    We went to live with Aunt Doll and Uncle Bob McCoy and family in Hatboro approximately 7 months after Mom died. Prior to that we were with a few different family members - Nan, Uncle Norm and Aunt Janice. We were with the McCoys for about 2 1/2 years, until Dad remarried in April 1969.
    Link  •  Reply
    • Thursday, September 24, 2009 03:50 | Chip Dykes
      Thanks for the clarifications Deb. As this will be MY memory of the way things played out in my life, I am hoping many will read this and correct my memory! I hope to learn something new about myself each day I post something to this blog. Stay tuned!
      Link  •  Reply
  • Tuesday, September 29, 2009 13:20 | Bob Mccoy
    Chip, Yes it was Hatboro or Upper Moreland. I remember the sugar bowl finger dips.
    I don't remember the berry picking. I don't really know anything about your life
    after your dad got married. I look forward to reading more. Bobby.
    Link  •  Reply
  • Friday, October 30, 2009 04:35 | Frances Lowe
    Chip,
    Sometimes our young lives are not easy but they set us up for who we are and who we beocme. That is what I have been told all my life. I believe that is partially why you are such an outstanding person and have do so much for others. I am ready to ready more about who you are.
    Link  •  Reply
  • Sunday, January 17, 2010 11:00 | Jami Price
    Welcome Chip! Isn't Facebook great? I have caught up with people from High School, old military friends, and family. I have a story somewhat close to yours... I found my Father (actually his wife), on MySpace...and was able to meet him for the first time in 30 years almost 2 years ago. I will write about my life in my future blogs, but I think it is amazing that you also able to catch up with them through there!
    Jami Price
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  • Thursday, March 11, 2010 16:14 | Deleted user
    Philly? Philly? Philly? My favorite city of brotherly love, football, and Randall Cunningham THE best QB the NFL had ever seen :)
    Link  •  Reply

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