When I was in grade two (1986), I got the coolest outfit for Christmas. It was a pink sweatshirt with 3 kittens on the front. The pants were made out of sweat pant material but they were stirrup pants (I told you the outfit was cool!). I loved loved loved this outfit! On the first day back to school after the break, I was so excited to wear my brand new clothes. I don't remember whether anyone complimented me on it, but I remember feeling so special and so proud of this little pink ensemble. At the lunch time recess, I wandered over to the merry-go-round. Tara was the name of the girl that was pushing the merry-go-round. She had been attacked by a dog several years earlier and her upper thigh had been more or less ripped apart. I remember that for gym class, she always changed in a bathroom stall and I don't think she ever wore shorts. I always felt sorry for her.
Anyways, Tara was pushing the merry-go-round faster and faster in circles (did I really need to say 'circles' here? It's a merry-go-round. What other direction is it going to go in?). She saw that I wanted to get on, but she just kept pushing it faster. I was tracking the pie-shaped opening where I planned to make my entry jump...I watched it go around and around and finally I saw my moment. I leaped into the air with all of my might. Just when I was about to plant my feet on the metal bottom, the next bar came around faster than anticipated and hit me in the ass. The force of the bar threw me to the ground. I landed on my knees. When I stood up, I saw that I had ripped the knee out of my brand new outfit! Screw the fact that I was also bleeding...I was so choked! After that day, I never felt sorry for Tara anymore for I, too, was now scarred. Granted, my knee healed up in a matter of days and my favourite outfit was replaced with countless other 'favourites' over the years, but still...for that brief moment.............I felt her pain. *sniff*sniff*
Isn't it funny what we remember. Your green shirt (in high school) made up for that outfit in later years. I wonder if Tara remembers that incident or if it is one of those experiences that scarred you but left no lasting memory in her mind!?!?!?
ReplyDeleteLove that post Jyl. It made me laugh, and on a day where I really needed to laugh. It was really great catching up with you at the reunion.
ReplyDeleteAlso to comment on the other post, I to have not done the things I set out to do at Graduation. Like you, though, think I have accomplished much more.
I'm glad I could make you laugh! With regards to the 'unreached dreams', I've always loved Garth Brooks' song "Unanswered Prayers". I look back at all the things I hoped and wished for (mostly that one unattainable boy!) and I realize now that where I am, what I am doing and who I am with is the reason I didn't get all those other wishes/dreams fulfilled...because there were much better things in store for me!
ReplyDeleteSo true Jyl, I totally believe that too. I wouldn't be in the place I am right now if not for all the journeys both good and bad along the way.
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