Third Grade- The Defining Moment (I have been in a reflective mood today.)

This post is going to be short as I can only sit up for about thirty seconds at a time (seriously, I have to do this in intervals). This is my third day stuck in bed. Tuesday morning my body thought it would play a mean joke on me and give me the stomach flu. Needless to say, lying in bed all day I’ve had time for some reflection and thought I would share one with you.

When I was a little youngin' about ye high, I loved creating characters, writing plays and then performing those plays for my family (sorry about that, Mom). It wasn't until about third grade I started to become fascinated with this incredible world called "books".

It was right after Christmas and our teacher had given us the assignment, "What I Did for Christmas Vacation," which we would have to read in front of the class.

While everyone else read about their presents, the snowmen they built and the cookies that disappeared off the plate they left for Santa, I made up a story about how my family went to Florida for Christmas vacation and forgot me at home. Showing pictures to the class I had drawn while explaining the incredible time I had eating all the ice cream I wanted and how I chased a burglar down the street who tried to break into my house, I noticed how the class laughed and held onto my every word. I won't lie, I loved it. I loved how they were interested in the story I had to tell and how they asked to borrow my notebook so they could read it again. I got an "A" for that story.

Shortly afterward, my father passed away from cancer. My teacher continued to be there for me through the hard time of learning how to cope with not having my dad anymore, and encouraged me to keep writing throughout my time in elementary school. Mrs. Hyman from Beechwood Elementary, if you ever come across this website, thank you for everything. I still hear your voice when I feel like I'm in over my head.

And back to bed I go.