Oh, my...MaryClare, I'm so sorry for the awful accident and losing your friend. What a tragedy! I'm not surprised that your life was never the same after that. I hope you've found your way to forgiving yourself. I'm sure that one isn't easy, though.

With the Manson girls...yeah, at the time they were proud. But over the years, that changed. At least for Leslie Van Houten and Patricia Krenwinkle - they had a lot of remorse and changed over time, when finally away from the psychotic brainwashing and drugs of those years with Mr. Insane himself.

I don't know what it is you'd like to ask about my son, and I have no problem with questions, although I don't likely have too many answers. I've not communicated with him in years so all I have to go on is what's in the media.

He had a violent streak for several years, as I've written about here. I also know that he was a complete coward and a bully. It might be that he went in there thinking a gun would be intimidating but not intending to use it. But it was loaded and he knew it. So either you're prepared to use it if the mood hits or the situation warrants it, or you don't take it in the house.

Thank you for your kindness, MaryClare. I appreciate you!