5.) Write a post about your third grade teacher.
I attended school everyday in third grade and was never particularly special in any way. I wasn’t the popular girl or the nose picking girl (not openly anyway), just a girl that kind of blended in. Nothing really special about me to make me worth remembering.
Until I was.
Mrs. Shafer came to class one day mid year and upon seeing me excitedly fired away, “Kathy! Do you have an Uncle Sean?? My goodness what a small world! He is a good friend of my sons and told us all about his sister, your mom right? Who’s husband died and left her to raise six kids and my gosh that’s YOU isn’t it?? I heard the last name and just pieced it all together! I’ve just been distraught over this poor family and all those kids and here I’ve had one in my class the whole time!!!”
She said ‘died’. I had become accustomed to using the phrase “passed away” when describing my Dad’s death that previous year. The D word was hard to hear. I wasn’t used to it.
Yes it’s me. I’m the one from that sad family you speak of! Can you believe it!?! An amazing coincidence indeed!
I recognized her sweet intentions even if I found her enthusiasm annoying. And if you think for one second the pity this woman showered over me in that moment was at all lost on me, you’re wrong. I picked up on it and used it to my full advantage.
When Christmas came around and only two special kids were going to be picked to play the Xylophone to the tune of “Doe A Deer” while the rest of the class sang at the pageant. Mrs. Shafer asked for volunteers to raise their hands. The entire class excitedly shot their hands into the air.
Not me.
I just walked over to the Xylophones and started practicing.
I was a regular student before, but now I was special.
Thanks Dad!!
Mimi says
We moved a lot when I was a kid. I think we’d just gotten to CO, but for the life of me, I have no idea who the teacher was or what town we were living in. I changed school quite a bit. I’m sure my mom is a spy! Ahhh and using your dad’s death to benefit yourself, you were a wise young girl! JK That must’ve been hard. I can’t even imagine it!
Veronica @ Germlisch says
Oh what a bitch! I couldn’t imagine. You didn’t even shed a tear?!
At least you picked up on that rather quickly, Mrs. Special.
Gingerj says
Ok, so I’m not sure if I should giggle or not…that’s tuff for me because I like to think I’ve got the right sense of humor/empathy as required and you’ve thrown me for a loop…LMAO (ok, maybe not totally!)
;)
BonnyBard says
hmmm… lots of things going on in my head… felt bad for you because no kid wants to be “special” because they lost a parent, but at the same time kind of chuffed that you managed to use it to your advantage, kids are smart like that, your dad was gone anyway so you might as well get picked to play the xylophone. so funny story, but sad too. (don’t think you’re getting any special treatment from me though, I’m on to you! ;-)
Not a Perfect Mom says
what a brilliant child you were….
brilliant…
natteringnic says
My nervous third grade self envies your precocious third grade self.
Jill of All Trades says
Oh my…I hated my third grade, mostly because of the teacher. Nearly failed that class, but really the teacher, Mrs. Nolan was my champion to help me to pass.
Sue says
A smart girl, you are. And I’ll bet you ROCKED the xylophone.
Jill of All Trades says
Where’s the link…I’ve written about #2 but can’t link….:(
Anne says
What was that teacher thinking? Obviously she wasn’t. Glad you turned it around to your favor. Smart girl!
hollow tree ventures says
I suppose what else can you do but take advantage of the few positive things to come from tragedy – good for you!
May says
Oh, my. Lapse of judgement on her end.
Jen says
I vividly remember my 3rd grade teacher. She was so made-up and fancy that I used to think she was a doll.
Stephanie @ Our Marriage Adventure says
Shakes head I remember when my brother passed (southern, we say passed) and someone said “You know you’ve changed.” I couldn’t help but ask them if they had had an accident or if they were always that stupid.
Jen says
Sounds like your teacher was incredibly well-meaning, but very clueless. It’s a good thing you were able to milk the situation for all it was worth. :)
Jennifer says
Wow.
Andrea says
Umm ok tact does not sound like her strong suit. But hey, I think Xylophone is definitely your kind of instrument! Singing back up is for babies! You go with your bad self. You deserved it!
Taylor says
I’d like to think she meant well because the alternative at best… ain’t pretty. :)
Jamie@southmainmuse says
It’s funny of all my elementary teacher’s my third grade one — Mrs. Hair — is the one who most fades into the background. What a poignant little vignette in your life.
Melinda @ Mom on the Make says
She sounds like a crazy teacher who does not think before words come falling out of her mouth. Good for you for being strong! The xylophone-what a fun instrument. :)
Jennifer says
I kind of love that you used her pity to your advantage.
Mama Mary says
Wow, girl, I love this post (though I hate the reason for it) . I’m so glad you were a smart 3rd grader and knew how to work your situation. That’s what life is all about, right? : ) xoxoxo
Janice says
Somehow, I’m not so jealous that I wasn’t “special” when I was in school. But I did have one thing though….I always wished I was a sickly kid cuz then I could miss school. Nope. Lucky me was always healthy. And the rare occasions I got sick? You guessed it. We would be on vacation. Boo.
Victoria KP says
People say the most bizarre things when someone loses someone. I’m sure in her mind she was going to be your hero.
You know, we most songs need more xylophone.
Shell says
My 3rd grade teacher was awesome, but now I wonder if it was just because my dad had died! I played the xylophone too… Loved it BTW.
Veronica @ Germlisch says
I know you probably don’t care, but I love your blog so much, I’ve given you the “Liebster Blog Award.” You can toss it in the pile of blog awards that you’ve gotten. ha!
http://germlisch.blogspot.de/2012/09/liebster-blog-award.html
Boobies says
This makes you the smart, savvy, bad ass that you are!
It makes me think of my son, who is five & currently fine tuning his skills of manipulation. ;)
Your teacher was still an insensitive beyo—nevermind.