David Bond:  

I left Newcastle after graduating in '81. I joined the military. During my 2nd enlistment. I married a wonderful woman. We have 5 kids. 3 boys, 2 girls. They have given us 21 grandchildren, and 7 great grandchildren. I retired from the military.. And went to work in the shipyard industry. I retired fully in 2016. I am enjoying my retirement. We lost our oldest son, our first born on Jul. 23th, 2020. The saddest day of my life. It has been a tough year. I am getting by. It's not easy. I miss him so much. They say time heals. We shall see. I do not believe time heals. I think about him all the time. Losing my first born has changed me. I worry all the time about my remaing children, and my grandchildren. I can't get enough time with them. I talk to some of them. But, they are busy in their lives. Praying does help. But, only their presence, and voices console me. Here it is 2023. And now another tragedy has struck. My wife had a stroke in February, And it was bad. Then in April she had another stroke. And at that time she was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. And then we found out my wife is dying. She has Stage 5 Kidney Disease. She is doing dialysis treatmen...Expand for more