I remember in elementary school we were all standing near the exit doors waiting for our teacher to release us. (Probably release is not a good verb here. Sounds like prison.) I was in second or third grade. It was winter and we were bundled up. There was a bit of chatter but not too much. We just wanted to be finished with school and face the very cold walk home.
I heard a girl, Janet Lemke, complain that she couldn't see the doors because of Barbara Maginnis's big head. She was talking about me. I was shocked. I had a hood on my coat which probably did make my head look larger but that remark was cruel. The bell rang and we scattered out into the playground and headed for home.
Thinking back maybe it wasn't the hood on my coat. I might have really had a big head but nobody had mentioned it, before or since.. At least I haven't heard anyone say that about me since that time.
Her casual comment has remained with me all these years. For the first time in my life I realized that someone did not like me. That is one of the sad insights that we develop as we grow older. Not everyone likes us and there is nothing we can do about it.
Some people accept that quickly and develop a thick skin. They often become politicians. Others waste a lot of time trying to win everyone over. Their antics probably lose them more fans.
So that's my thought for today. Not everyone likes me and there is nothing I can do about that. Just remember that not everyone likes you either. But I like you! Yes, I do!
I wonder what ever happened to Janet Lemke. I may google her under the category: obituaries.
Barbara, Bambi's cousin
I like you, I think you are a wonderful person. Jenny
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