I turned nine the year that everything changed for my family.

Summer vacation was about to come to an end.

While I was bummed to have to go back to school, I was looking forward to starting the

fourth grade.

I didn't know who my teacher was going to be yet, but it was going to be my very first

year in the upper grade.

So I would be able to have recess and lunch with the fifth and sixth graders instead

of the first and second graders.

I was a little bit nervous, but since there were only two fourth grade teachers, I had

a 50-50 chance of landing in class with at least some of my friends.

Even though we technically lived in a big city, there are parts of it that are kind of

rural and out there, which is where I happen to live.

So I really don't get to see my friends over the summer vacation.

I miss them, so when September came around, I didn't mind so much going back to school

because then I would get to see my friends every day.

This particular summer was different than the ones before it.

It was the first time that my dad wasn't around.

Don't get me wrong.

I mean, I love my dad, but at the time, it was for the best.

It was the first time in a long time that the house was quiet and peaceful.

It was the first time ever that it had just been me and my mom.

When I see my dad, he kind of gets into these moods and he just starts yelling and it

...