Monday, August 28, 2006

"This Room Makes Me Smile"

I have three distinct memories from my first day of elementary school, way back in nineteen-hundred-and-seventy-one. (Doesn't it sound so ancient, when said that way?)

First: Mrs. Todd, the first grade teacher, was unusually tall and very thin. Freakishly so. It frightened me.

Second: The generations-old hardwood floor made the classroom smell like damp wood.

And finally: Some wise-ass pulled a chair out from under another kid as that kid was sitting down, causing the kid to crash to the hardwood floor into an embarrassing heap. That single move established his long-lasting reputation as the school bully.

So, when my wife and I took our daughter Griffyn to her first day of kindergarten today, I paid close attention to lots of things. No wood-like smell, damp or otherwise. The teacher didn't look oddly disproportionate. And no bullies, at least that I could detect.

My anxiety was reduced most, though, when Griffyn first sat down at her kindergarten table, and whispered sorta softly:


"This room makes me smile."


Keep smilin', hon.

7 comments:

Unknown said...

What a great post! I'm happy to hear Griffyn's first impression was one that evoked some feelings of happiness.

My mother always talks about how nervous she was my first day of Kindergarten (back in nineteen-hundred-and-eighty-one). She says I just walked in, sat down, and started talking (haven't stopped since).

I know she and a few other parents hung around the classroom door until Ms. Farley came and asked them to leave!

I really dread the day when my boys have to go. I seriously don't want them to grow up.

larryosaurus said...

That's awesome Film Geek. The first day of kindergarten is such a milestone. I'm glad to hear it went smoothly for her (and you).

Anonymous said...

What a great first day of school for Griffyn!

The Film Geek said...

Thanks folks. Don't know if you can see what her shirt says or not, but it reads: "My mother is a rock star!"

LOL

Stanton said...

That is too sweet.

I'm sure you've heard this before, but believe it: You'll be dropping her off on her first day of college before you know it. Savor.

The Film Geek said...

Thanks Stanton. I will.

Anonymous said...

ha. Flavia Corbett. He certainly had the makings of a future mobster LOL

dianne