My Brother Survived Being Wounded in Vietnam But He Still Won’t Talk About It

He was 19.

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Photo courtesy of L Holloway.

1969 is a year I will never forget.

I was 15.

• I met my first boyfriend. I thought I was in love. For a 15-year-old it was so exciting.

He loved me, too. I still have his notes to prove it!

I Ran Into My First Kiss Boyfriend 12 Years Ago and Then He Took His Own Life

• My horse threw me and I fractured 2 thoracic vertebrae. I still wear a back brace to do anything strenuous like yard work.

I have pain in my back every day of my life.

Me on my horse Teddy Bear in 1969 shortly before he threw me off! Authors photo.

• My parents sent me to live with my aunt and uncle in Alabama for the summer. My uncle sexually harassed me until I was so worried he would “get me” I begged to go home saying I was too homesick. (not the greatest memory.)