David Filkins: Mike and Lindy Slingerland made their way around the dark barroom, shaking hands, embracing old friends, holding it together when they could and breaking down when they couldn't.
Nearly three weeks earlier, their 16-year-old son, Ryan, died when the car he was riding in went off a dusty rural road a few miles away and crashed into a tree. A benefit Saturday night at the Township Tavern helped offset the costs from his funeral.
A share of the grief cost $10 at the door. Family, friends and friends of friends came out for support. Classic rock boomed from a pair of speakers. The Red Sox led the Rays 4-2 on a TV in the corner.
Suddenly, the music stopped. Then the deejay picked up the microphone: "Can I have everyone's attention for a minute? Mike and Lindy, we need you to come to the dance floor. There's a package here for you."
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