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....