The Privilege of Youth: A Teenager's Story

234 Pages·2004·0.89 MB·English

by  Dave Pelzer

The Privilege of Youth
A Teenager’s Story of
Longing for Acceptance
and Friendship
Dave Pelzer
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www.penguin.com
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A A
BOUTSTHE UTHOR
A
former air force aircrew member, Dave proudly served
in the USAF for more than thirteen years. He played a ma-
jor role in Operations Just Cause, Desert Shield, and Desert
Storm. Dave was selected for the unique task of midair
refueling of the once highly secretive SR-71 Blackbird and
the F-117 Stealth Fighter. While serving in the air force,
Dave worked in juvenile hall and other programs involving
“youth-at-risk” throughout California.
Dave’s exceptional accomplishments include commenda-
tions from Presidents Reagan, Bush, Clinton, and George W.
Bush, as well as other various heads of state. While main-
taining an international active-duty fight schedule, Dave
was the recipient of the 1990 JCPenney Golden Rule Award,
making him the California Volunteer of the Year. In 1993,
Dave was honored as one of the Ten Outstanding Young
Americans (TOYA), joining a distinguished group of alumni
that includes Chuck Yeager, Christopher Reeve, Anne Ban-
croft, John F. Kennedy, Orson Welles, and Walt Disney. In
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
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1994, Dave was the only American to be selected as one of
The Outstanding Young Persons of the World (TOYP) for
his efforts involving child-abuse awareness and prevention,
as well as for promoting resilience and self-responsibility in
others. During the Centennial Olympic Games, Dave was a
torchbearer, carrying the coveted flame.
Dave is the author of four other inspirational books: A
Child Called “It,” which has been on the New York Times
bestseller list for more than five years; The Lost Boy, which
has been on the same list for more than four years; and A
Man Named Dave, a bestseller for nearly two years. Dave’s
latest book, Help Yourself, was also an instant New York
Times bestseller. Dave’s books have been on the bestseller
list for more than eleven years combined.
Dave is currently at work on his next book, which deals
with issues for teens, entitled Help Yourself for Teens. His fu-
ture works may include a tome entitled My Wife’s Life: One
Husband’s Quest to Understand the Complexities of the Married
Female Psyche.
When not on the road with his wife, Marsha, or son,
Stephen, or submitting to his recent addiction to golf, Dave
lives a quiet life in Southern California with his two Bichon
dogs, Titan (“Big Boy”) and Ernie (“the Psycho Pup”) and
his box turtle named Chuck.
For more information you can visit Dave’s Web site at
www.davepelzer.com.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and
incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are
used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons,
living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is
entirely coincidental.
THE PRIVILEGE OF YOUTH
A DUTTON Book / published by arrangement with the author
All rights reserved.
Copyright © 2001 by The Dutton Publishing Group.
This book may not be reproduced in whole or part, by
mimeograph or any other means, without permission.
Making or distributing electronic copies of this book constitutes
copyright infringement and could subject the infringer to
criminal and civil liability.
For information address:
The Dutton Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Putnam Inc.,
375 Hudson Street, New York, New York 10014.
The Penguin Putnam Inc. World Wide Web site address is
http://www.penguinputnam.com
ISBN: 0-7865-4437-6
A DUTTON BOOK®
DUTTON Books first published by Dutton Publishing Group,
a member of Penguin Putnam Inc.,
375 Hudson Street, New York, New York 10014.
DUTTON and the "D" design are trademarks belonging to
Penguin Putnam Inc.
Electronic edition: February 2004
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D
ESDICATION
A
s always, without my lovely wife, Marsha; my incredi-
ble son, Stephen; and God, I am nothing. I have been
blessed by their love and encouragement. My family sacri-
fices so much to allow me to do the work I do. I am grateful
beyond words for giving me such a wonderful life.
This book is also dedicated with deepest sincerity to:
David Howard and Paul Brazell, life-long friends and
brothers-in-arms in the promotion of unimaginable chaos
in our search for days of adventure that we prayed would
never end.
Mr. Dan Brazell, the father I never had. Not a day goes
by that I do not think of you. I’ve passed many of the life
lessons you’ve taught me on to my son.
Michael A. Marsh, truly one of the most extraordinary
individuals I have ever known, whose vast knowledge,
guidance, and love literally changed to course of my life.
Thanks, Sarge.
Mrs. Beth Ann Brazell and daughter Dori, for putting up
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DEDICATION
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with me and allowing me a glimpse into your loving
family.
Sandy Marsh, the sweetest lady I know, for your gentle
guidance and everlasting inspiration.
The Marsh Boys: William and “Moonraker” Eric, thank
you both for all the years of love. Both of you made me laugh
when my heart cried for the brothers I missed so much.
Mrs. Jacqueline Howard and daughter Sheryl, for treat-
ing me as one of your own. “Mrs. H,” you’ve always been
one classy dame. Thanks for everything, “Mom”!
John and Linda Walsh, thank you allowing me into your
foster home and introducing me to the wonderful world of
Duinsmoore.
The Neyland Family, Mr. and Mrs. Jolly, and anyone else
within the confines of Suburban Park, for tolerance, pa-
tience, and forgiveness. I meant no harm.
The tolerant and even saintly men and women of the
Menlo Park Police Department, especially Detective Joe
Ochella. I’ve learned my lesson now: fight for truth, honor,
and lower speed limits with fewer automotive shenanigans.
And finally, to Ronald, Stan, Russell, and Kevin: good
men, all, who too endured and made their lives all the
better.
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C
OSNTENTS
Chapter 1. AGood Man’s Departure 1
Chapter 2. ALost Boy 15
Chapter 3. Wonderland 33
Chapter 4. The Neighborhood Threat 45
Chapter 5. Brotherhood 61
Chapter 6. Moving On 87
Chapter 7. Girl World 109
Chapter 8. ABoy and His Car 127
Chapter 9. Wake-Up Call 151
Chapter 10. Stepping Out 175
Epilogue 199
Acknowledgments 211
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CONTENTS
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Duinsmoore Way Perspective 213
I. David Howard
II. Michael Marsh
III. Mrs. Howard
Keynotes 227
About the Author 229
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The
PRIVILEGE
YOUTH
of