6.) Words that hurt me.
In seventh grade I answered a question wrong. WAY wrong. Everyone laughed at me, and I did too because I knew it was a bad answer and if anyone can laugh at me and see the humor in my mistakes it’s me.
But then this boy says, “I guess we know where she gets it from…”
And it threw me off guard.
me: What’s THAT supposed to mean???
boy: It means you’re just like your Dad…
Now. I went to a Catholic school. My class had essentially the same students from first grade through eighth and they all knew my Dad died from a brain tumor.
me: What are you talking about right now??
boy: You’re dumb just like your Dad.
me: How would you have any clue how smart my Dad was?
boy: I mean he had that brain thing and everything….
That interaction knocked the wind out of me. I think I retaliated with a quick remark about how his Mom couldn’t walk and chew gum at the same time. You know. Match fire with fire.
Only my heart still hurt.
The boy felt stupid as soon as the class started turning on him. He was trying to be funny. I’ve had jokes backfire on me too. No hard feelings now…just the memory of hard feelings.
It never ceases to amaze me the hurtful things that come out of people’s mouths when they’re not being sensitive to the experiences of those around them.
Myself included. We forget to be careful.
The Prompts:
1.) Write a limerick.
2.) Normal is…
3.) Describe a memorable camping experience.
4.) What’s the best thing that has happened this week?
5.) Did you have a childhood hideout? Where? Describe it.
6.) Words that hurt me.