300 Followers - Oh My!

Never in a gazillion years did I think I'd reach 300 followers!

Well, technically, I haven't yet . . . but I am soooo close!

Especially amazing when I feel like I haven't put anything really creative on here in a long time.

Erika you are not worthy!!

I have this story I've alluded to many times in other posts and everyone I know and love says this is their favorite story from my "past".

I've anguished over posting this story.
I can tell it with great effect and suspense in person.

But I've worried about how it will come across in written form.

I'm know Teeny Tiny Teacher, let me tell you!

But today, in honor or nearing 300 followers, I have decided to give it a go.
Much like I tell my kiddos.
Just do your best.
It's okay if you don't know, but not okay if you don't try.

So I'm giving it a try.

A long time ago, when I was a new teacher, before cell phones and internet were commonplace, I taught second grade in a reservation school.

Yes, that long ago!

In fact some of you younguns wouldn't believe it but the first cell phones were like the size of a backpack!  Not convenient at all let me tell you.  Of course no one could afford one but Don Johnson.  And if you don't get that you can't fathom the phones either.

So back to the story.

I had a rough class.
About half in special ed or title services.
Most qualified for free lunches.
Many just wanted to sit on my lap and get loved.
Little ones would ask what a wedding ring was while looking at mine.
Kids asked if we slept in the car when we went on a trip.

Yeah, it was rough.

It was also rough because of all the behavior issues.
I had a kid bring a loaded gun to school.
Some of my students regularly hid in the park bushes after school and beat up older kids.

But in spite of all that I had some darlings that will always hold special places in my heart.

One day I was sitting at my desk working one-on-one with a little darling named Julian.
Julian was an angel faced little American Indian boy who the bad boys always tried to woo to their side.  Fortunately at that time they didn't stand a chance because Julian didn't have a mean or naughty bone in his body.

My desk was by one of only two windows so that I could enjoy the sun and fresh breeze when possible.

On this particular day in the middle of our work, Julian stopped and gazed at me with his big, beautiful, brown eyes in wonder.

Lost in a dream it seemed.

Then he said, "Ya know Mrs. Schaff,"
pause

"When the light hits you just right,"
longer pause

As this cherub stares at me I am thinking to myself . . .
he is going to tell me how beautiful I am . . .

(Remember people I was a new teacher,
young,
thin,
fresh,
thin,
niave.

Julian blinks and smiles before going on.

"When the light hits you just right,

it

looks

like

you

have

a

mustache."

Smile, dimples glimmer, blink, bat the eyelashes.

OMG!  I have a mustache?!

What?!

Is this kid ill, insane?

No, this is one of my angels.

Picture me on my first break running to the teacher's bathroom to inspect.  Shooting past the principal who wants to ask me an important question.
No sorry, it's an emergency.  Gotta go!

Sure there is some fuzz.
Okay.
But a 'stache.
I think not.

Duck out of the bathroom and hightail it to the teacher's lounge and ask everyone I trust to check it out.
Honest opinions please.
We all know kids don't lie.

Next time I'm at the salon I have a serious discussion with the stylist about waxing.
She'll do whatever I want (of course and charge me) although my fuzz is blonde colored so it's up to me.

Long story short.
I've been waxing ever since.

The therapy for the emotional trauma is way more expensive than waxing, let me tell you people.

I'd like to see this little big boy man today and see if he still thinks I've got a 'stache!
Ah, heck, he'd probably just notice that my eyebrows are growing in places they shouldn't be now.

It stinks getting old is all I could say.

(Now you all know why I didn't care to win Farley's adorable mustache stamp . . . too many bad memories . . . don't go there!  And the hair phobia . . . don't get me started!)

BTW, when I reach 300 I'll be having a giveaway for a $25 Starbucks gift card!