In 4th Grade, I went to the store with my Dad and picked out Valentine

[ScreamingMeemie]

cards. We were happy, having fun looking at the cards. I wanted to find perfect cards (of course they would be all the same coming from a box) for all my friends in class. Would it be the Barbie ones? No...I was getting "too old" for Barbie cards. How about the Wacky pack ones...My father found them. Yes! Perfect. We brought them home and I carefully wrote each of my classmates' names on one. My dad even let me buy a package of Lifesaver swirl (New on the market!) lolli's to go with them. I counted...and then recounted to be sure I had them all. I am still this way;I check everything 51 times before I proceed, and went to bed-excited for the party. The next morning, I got to school and sat at my desk next to my best friend in the whole world...Christina. The teacher had a surprise for us! Instead of decorating brown lunch bags, she handed out shoe boxes covered in pink and red crepe for us to decorate. They already had slots on top and everything. We spent the morning happily pasting lace hearts and red construction paper cupids on our boxes. After lunch, the party started! The teacher let us go by threes...putting cards in each other's "mailbox". I had a hard time fitting the suckers in, but I finally got them all. I returned to my seat and waited. After 5 years, my teacher said,"Ready...Set...Go!" and away we went! I popped off the top of my box and looked inside...at nothing. No card, no lolly, not even from my best friend in the whole world...Christina. Nothing. I shut the box...the box containing just one, big fat tear, it slipped out before I could stop it. I ate my cupcake and talked with my "friends"...smiling til it hurt, and went home to the only true friend I had in the whole wide world. My Dad. For hours he sat and rocked me like a baby...hurting so for me. My first big brush with rejection.

He was to do that many times in my life...I was never the girl who got a carnation on Valentine's day, Nobody ever came up and told me that "so and so" liked me...There were no Homecoming corsages...no "candid shots" of me clowning with friends I didn't have in the yearbooks. I did have a Prom date but he was the friend of my girlfriend's boyfriend a last minute stand in for the boy who was going to go with me (but that's a different story).

What did I have? A foundation to grow on...the belief of my father that turned into the belief in myself.

Why do I mention this? Because today I feel like the girl who did get the carnations...only I don't want to. I just want to feel the love I initially felt when I saw these hearts. I want to feel the joy I felt last night when I increased my donation to 75% more than what it usually is just to give people hearts. To me, this was just fun. Even before the first heart...it didn't bring back any painful memories of empty boxes. But now, now that we've turned the Lounge back into some school yard exercise, it does.

If we were honest with ourselves...the Lounge is a popularity contest, as I feel all internet message experiences are...hearts or no hearts. But, we don't have to turn it into middle, junior or high school.

I'm not usually the one that people pick to drive cross country with on a "Thelma and Louise" experience with. I'm not the DUer you'd most like to be stuck in the elevator with. I'm just me...appreciating the friendship I have been shown. The strength that was given to me last year when I got so very sick is worth 50,000 little red avatars to me.


And...Daddy...I will always love you.

[Nicholas D Wolfwood]

1. aawwwww

:cry: :grouphug: :hug: :hug:

[ScreamingMeemie]

3. Happy Day Vash!

:hug: :loveya:

[One Voice]

2. Wow....

You are very blessed to have a wonderful dad.

[ScreamingMeemie]

4. Hi Blue! I am lucky to have him. If it were not for him I wouldn't

have many joyous memories of childhood. I've led a good life. I owe a lot of it to the things he taught me. :toast: Welcome to DU!

[One Voice]

27. Thank you Mrs. G

My eyes are dry now, finally... :hi:

[Hugin]

5. Those silly people!

I cherish those who make sure every box has a sweetheart in it...

You're the people who make life worth living.

=)

[ScreamingMeemie]

10. And so are you Prag.

I hope you have a wonderful week! :hug:

[Hugin]

13. You too MrsGrumpy!

It's a good week for a good week!

:hug:

[samplegirl]

6. that was beautiful

I felt the very same way about my dad. Wish he was here to
tell him.

[ScreamingMeemie]

11. I am so very lucky to have him. He taught me to treat others with

respect...and he always, ALWAYS (to this day) lets me know every day how much I mean to him. I'm so sorry for the loss of your dad samplegirl. :hug:

[samplegirl]

39. I carry my Dad in my heart

everyday. I feel the same way and thank him for instilling all the wonderful things
in me that make me an extention of him daily.

[ScreamingMeemie]

83. samplegirl...You're really something.

:hug: Your dad would be so proud.

[ET Awful]

7. Wow . . .

:hug: :cry: :hug:

[ScreamingMeemie]

12. Hi ET!

Thank you for reading. :hug: :loveya: Kiss those kitty cats for me!

[KitchenWitch]

8. My heart broke reading that story!

:cry:

Kids can be so cruel.

[ScreamingMeemie]

15. Ah! But I got mine back. I am successful, fulfilled and well loved

by my gorgeous husband and my wonderfully goofy kids. And I have all of the wonderful people I have met through this DU experience. I'd say..It's been a good life. :loveya:

[KitchenWitch]

18. True enough!

I, for one, would never go through childhood again, for many of the same reasons.

I wish I had as good a relationship with my dad as you do.

[ScreamingMeemie]

19. I wouldn't go back for all the deals at Walmart.

I am grateful every day of my life for the lessons he taught me. :)

[Midlodemocrat]

9. What a beautiful post, Mrs. G.

Thank you for that.

:hug:

[ScreamingMeemie]

17. Midlo...

:hug: You are a truly inspiring person.

[Misunderestimator]

14. How wonderful for you to have such a great dad!

Not to be a wet blanket... but, I know there are many people who did experience the kind of rejection you describe as a child on valentine's day (including myself) who might also not have had a great memory of home life. It doesn't bring up bad memories for me... well, actually it does, but I'm 43 years old and well past that rejection. I know that many people still struggle with fitting in and being accepted, and with self-esteem issues that were formed during their childhood. This fund-raising scheme is probably harmless and fun for most people, but I feel for those who are hurt by it.

All that said... I know that you deserve all of the love being directed towards you here. You're a fine person.

[ScreamingMeemie]

20. Everyone here at DU brings something to the table.

I guess my post was a way of rationalizing to some...BUT, internet message boards do usually tend to become vast popularity contests...even with the best of intent.

I can not help but think that I probably post something here every day that hurts somebody somewhere...but the trick is in knowing that I didn't mean it. I've had troubles learning that lesson here.

Thank you for saying that...but, I've got a lot of warts.

[alarimer]

66. You are right

I moved around a lot as a kid, never had many friends, still don't. I suppose I was one who didn't get valentines at some point in school. I can't actually remember (I prefer to forget childhood altogether-kids can be really mean).
For me, now, Valentine's Day is still weird. I feel bad because I am alone and probably going to be the rest of my life. I can't imagine anyone ever loving me that way. But you never know. No point in giving up entirely I guess. Still, seeing the hearts and flowers in the stores is a bit weird.
I guess I should look at it as a day to do something nice for myself.

[qnr]

16. Bravo! A truly excellent post.

I know how it goes. I was partially responsible though - spent my first 10 years or so in foster homes and I was always the "new kid" because I was a veritable monster and I only made it past 3 months in two of them (and 5 months was the longest).

[ScreamingMeemie]

21. qnr, I sincerely hope that your adult life has far made up for the past.

:hug: Foster situations are so difficult. I am sure you were not a monster. Children use outbursts as a defense mechanism and I can hardly fault you. :(

[qnr]

22. Well, I've loved life. I can't deal with people, but I've managed to

see the whole country and most of the world. I don't have any regrets about my early childhood at all, to be honest. It made me who I am today :)

[kick-ass-bob]

23. Wow, MrsG

:hug:

I was not the popular kid either, coming into a private school where everyone had already been together for 3+ years and remaining the outsider for the 3 years I was there.

These things teach you a lesson - they are hard ones, but good ones.

It does not matter the size of the count of hearts that you get, it is the size of the heart that is in you that counts.

:loveya:



I don't need any hearts, I know who likes me and who doesn't (AS IF! :P) so if anyone was going to, feel free to give them to someone else who needs it more than I do.

On edit: Well, apparently I already have one - thanks to whoever! I appreciate it even though I don't need it.

[ScreamingMeemie]

29. I have a feeling we would have been friends back then.

I truly do. Have a great week kiss...er kick ass, things are always better when you are near. :hi: :loveya:

[kick-ass-bob]

32. But you had COOTIES back then!!

:7

Yeah - you'd have gotten a valentine from me. ;) :loveya:

[ScreamingMeemie]

34. Shhhhh...

I still have them...None of the "treatments" worked on the buggers. Only MrG doesn't know. Don't tell him. ;)

[Heidi]

24. That explains a lot about your character, MrsGrumpy.

God bless your daddy. :hug:

[ScreamingMeemie]

30. Thanks Heidi.

He would really appreciate that. :hug:

[Heidi]

25. Dupe.

:blush:

[LynneSin]

26. Aren't we doing "Thelma & Louise" with baby panda

I figured we could kidnap the baby panda and then do a cross-country jaunt with the cuddly guy!

[ScreamingMeemie]

31. Well...

I have been growing bamboo in the basement of my home since round about September....:think:

:hug: :loveya:

[LynneSin]

37. Think Baby Panda can fit in the back seat of my Corolla?

with all the luggage we'll have?

BTW, I'm Thelma - you're definately Louise!

[miss_american_pie]

28. That's a lovely picture

and an even lovelier post.

[ScreamingMeemie]

33. Thank you m_a_p!

Those hearts look good on you. :hug:

[bear425]

35. Mrs. Grumpy, that was so beautiful!

Thank you for sharing it with us.

I rarely spend time in the lounge, but find myself here today - just in time to feel inspired by your beautiful story.

I lost my dad just over three years ago and miss him terribly. He was my strength and my rock, like yours was/is to you. And yes, he made me believe in myself, too.

Here's to our dads! :toast:

[ScreamingMeemie]

36. I'm sorry for your loss bear.

I can't imagine what the would/will be like. To your father :toast: and mine. I'm glad you stopped by. :hug:

[MrsMatt]

38. What a wonderful dad!

You are so lucky to have such caring people in your life. If he's still around, give him a kiss and hug from me!

Your story remided me of my 5th grade valentine's party and the cruelty of children. Our teacher instructed that we give valentines to all in the class. Despite that, the oddest boy in the class only gave a valentine to the one girl he really liked. She was cute (her mother would set her hair in ringlets every night), but stuck up. When she saw this valentine from Billy, she threw it in the trash in full view of everyone. As much as I sympathized with Paula's horror at receiving a valentine from Billy, I was shocked that she would do that and hurt his feelings.

It's funny how that image has stayed with me all these years. I don't know what happened to Billy, although I do know that his family life was pretty rough. His father ended up in prison for kidnapping and murdering a girl a few years later. Very sad.

[ScreamingMeemie]

40. He is about as perfect as they come...in my eyes.

That is a very sad story. Why is it that children do this? Well, I guess we know. The pressure to be accepted. I am trying to teach my children to dance to the music that only they hear, not what the others tell them to listen too. I hope they do.

that is so sad. I think we always carry those things with us...to help us in our dealings with other people. :hug:

[oneighty]

41. Sigh

((((((((((hug)))))))))))

180

[ScreamingMeemie]

43. Thank you!

:hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: To one of DU's best and brightest! I got your email and am going to download and start reading tonight!

Have a wonderful week, 180! Thanks for always making us look at things from other angles. :)

[tigereye]

42. c'mon now

I wouldn't mind being stuck in an elevator with ya! Thelma and Louise type ride- sure. I suspect I would be in less danger with you at the wheel!

Isn't it nice that we (mostly) grow up and out of that "why don't they like me" type of thing? ;)

Happy Val. Day Mrs. G! :pals: :luvya: :hi:

Beautiful pic BTW!

[ScreamingMeemie]

44. Likewise, tigereye!

:hug: :loveya: You have a wonderful week...

...and I only ran over a police officer once...

...and it was the result of pregnancy induced stupidity.

[nini]

45. Beautiful. You are someone who actually 'gets it'

People can live their whole lives without ever coming to the realization that moments of which you speak of are what it is truly all about. Not the fancy car, the expensive jewelry, the fancy clothes.. it's the love and lessons learned as we muddle through this life.

Happy Valentines day to you Mrs. Grumpy - you deserve all the hearts you get for you strength, loyalty and compassion. You have meant so much to so many when times get tough for which you will always be admired for from me. Even if you don't live in Chicago :D

:hug: :loveya:

[ScreamingMeemie]

52. You too nini. Thanks! I am so glad you and Zomby found each other.

:loveya: I hope you both have a wonderful week! :hug:

[nini]

75. We're going to dinner tonight so we don't have to fight the crowds

tomorrow. :-)

Thanks.. I'm glad we found each other too. Meeting him and all the other good people I have met through here has been a blessing. :bounce:


:loveya:

[Name removed]

46. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[nini]

47. Sorry to burst your bubble but those rules weren't always in place

or enforced. Why do you think those rules were put into place? Because that crap actually did happen to kids!!!


One must wonder why you felt it necessary to bash a loving tribute to the values and strength someone learned from their dad. She's lucky she had a dad like that - not all of us did.

[progmom]

48. you still have time to edit your post

...and I think it would be a really great idea if you did. Mrs Grumpy shared a heartfelt story with DU about her childhood, and there really is no call to shit all over it.

[ScreamingMeemie]

53. Bear Road Elementary School, 4th grade...

25-30 years ago rules were not in place to protect from bullies (in some places they still are not) and heartbreak. I'm sorry you don't believe it, but I don't need you to.

Thank you for dishonoring my father. I can't wait till I tell him I made that memory of mine all up.

I hope you have a wonderful week.

other than that, I led a fairly normal life...without addictions of the major sort..no rehab stays. No, the only thing Mr Frey and I have in common is that he once lived in Michigan.

[Misunderestimator]

55. What!?! Wow, that's really ill-placed.

Maybe there were rules where you were, but I for one rarely got any valentines from my classmates... or my parents. Not only did I not get cards, I got tricks played on me instead. Kids can be incredibly cruel. You were lucky that you didn't experience that.

[kick-ass-bob]

60. bull-fucking-shit.

We didn't have to do that until I was in 2nd grade, (and they didn't give us a class list that year either - I forgot one person)

Actually, that fits the time frame of Mrs G's story - because I am a couple years younger than she is.

So, fuck off or edit (and I guess you are too late to edit).

[grace0418]

62. You owe the OP an apology.

Up until 5th or 6th grade those rules were not in place at my grade school, and I'm 35. Kids could give or not give valentines if they chose. And many kids played cruel tricks on those of us not as popular. I always gave valentines to everyone. Even if my own sense of not wanting to leave anyone out hadn't compelled me to do this, my mother would've definitely forced the issue. And I rarely got any in return, except from those who's mothers forced them to give a card to everyone. But it was definitely not a school-wide rule.

Way to shit on a really nice story just because you think it's cheezy, though.

[AirmensMom]

49. Great post, MrsG!

And I LOVE the picture! :loveya: :hug:

[ScreamingMeemie]

54. Thank you AirmensMom. It's my favorite picture of my dad and I

Even though my mouth is all messed up looking. :)

[Arugula Latte]

50. Thanks for that.

I recall the horror of high school, when, during "spirit week" or something, we were able to buy carnations for friends (and candy canes at the holidays). I recall the anticipation when the delivery person came into the room, only to dump the goods on the desks of the most popular kids. I would occasionally get a trophy from a friend or my sister, but it was nothing compared to the triumphant "popular" kids walking the halls with armloads of evidence of their status in the world ...

You are lucky you had a Dad like that. I think a different kind of relationship with my father would have helped me immensely in high school ... *sigh* ...

[ScreamingMeemie]

56. That and mylar birthday balloons. I always "send" a mylar balloon to

my daughter at school on her birthday. :)

[murielm99]

59. I remember that B.S. in high school.

My youngest daughter was one of the quiet, smart girls in high school. She dated a boy for a little while her junior year, but for the most part, she had only a couple of good friends.

I taught at her school for one year when she was a sophomore. I always bought a carnation or candy cane for her when those things were going on. I bought them from the adult adviser to the club doing the event, and made sure it was done anonymously. She did not need to look even more nerdy by getting something from her mother. But I was glad that she got a few minutes of pleasure from those events. I bought items anonymously for a few other kids that would not have gotten anything. It was neat to see how happy it made them.

[Arugula Latte]

73. That was nice of you.

When I look back on high school, I wish I had bought anonymous flowers/candy canes for some of the kids. I was not popular, but I wasn't unpopular either. I was just sort of middle tier. But some kids were truly ostracized, and I wish I'd thought to help them just a tiny bit ... at least I was never mean to them, and usually nicer than most ...

[Call Me Wesley]

51. Wonderful story,

and I am somewhat glad that we did not have Valentine's day when I was in school; it would have divided the class even more. And a wonderful story about your dad, too. To have such a foundation to grow on is a blessing.

And we just gave out hearts to some ones who hadn't any yet (except for this one guy who has now two because I hit 'refresh' ...). Popularity is something I'd never fit in.

:hug:

[ScreamingMeemie]

57. I did that with the refresh button too! I think.

My dad just left from coming over unexpectedly for coffee. He does that every once in a while and I cherish it.

[redwitch]

58. you are a darling!

That experience probably still breaks your heart a little. It broke mine to read it today. That being said, you are the wonderful person you are because of experiences like that- tempered of course by the unconditional love you got at home. Too many people lack empathy, it is why the world is such a mess. Bless you Mrs. Grumpy and your beloved dad. He did good raising you. :hug:

[ScreamingMeemie]

67. DU is full of people far more darling than I.

Thank you redwitch. I always tease him and tell him he did the best he could what with my Irish temper. :hug:

[nutsnberries]

61. you are the second person today that i've heard

rave about their daddy and it's really beautiful. :loveya:

The other person was Amber Helms (daughter of Sago mine victim) speaking at the Mine Safety Congressional Forum. She told some stories about her dad being her best friend and the one that believed she could do anything. You could feel that he was inside her telling her that she could go on, that she could continue and get her words out and how important it was that she did so FOR THE OTHERS. Not for herself, not for him. She touched everyone that listened, I'm sure. As did you. At least anyone that believes you, as they should!

really nice post, MrsGrumpy.

[ScreamingMeemie]

68. Thanks cb...I wish I had heard her speak.

I bet that was really moving. I hope you have a wonderful week. :hug:

[nutsnberries]

96. happy valentine's day to you!

:hug:

[Sugar Smack]

63. That was so beautiful, so eloquent and touching.

I'm feeling choked up right now. Your description is about real love and not about totems. There is more truth in what you say than what I've read in a long time. What a wonderful picture of you and your Dad.

And for the record, I'd give my left arm to go on a "Thelma & Louise" type roadtrip with you! :loveya:

[ScreamingMeemie]

69. I'd go with you in a Second!!!

Provided we didn't "end up" the way they did...:loveya:

[grace0418]

64. Wonderful story! Thank you. I wish I had a father even half

as supportive as yours was. Your story really touched me because it was so similar to my own, with one big difference. My dad was a good man but did very little to boost my self-esteem or comfort me in any way, ever.

The worst was my freshman year in high school. It started out pretty good because my best friend from grade school was moving back to Illinois from Nevada. I was so excited to introduce her to my new best friend (who I had met in 8th grade) because I thought we would be like the three musketeers. Well, instead, my two friends decided they didn't want me around anymore and hatched this elaborate plan to blow me off. As if being a freshman, a geek and an early developer wasn't bad enough, I had to start high school with literally no friends. A week after classes started my dad caught me crying in my room and said "Are you STILL crying about that? Geez, get over it."

That was my dad. Thank goodness for my husband!

Anyway, I loved your story. Thank you for sharing it.

:hug:

[ScreamingMeemie]

70. Those friendship "triangles" at 14 can be so deadly.

Girls at that age are so wicked to each other. :hug: I'm glad you are the person you have become. Sometimes we are successful in life in spite of our childhoods. :loveya:

[huskerlaw]

65. Excellent post, MrsG

It reminded me of the quote: "Always be kind, everyone is fighting a hard battle" and that's actually the second time I've been reminded of that this morning.

Your classmates had an excuse, they were just kids and likely didn't understand how their actions affected you. But we adults often don't treat people any better.

I typically don't celebrate Valentine's Day (screw you, Hallmark), but this year I'm going to use it as an opportunity to help someone that other people ignore. I'm not buying anyone a heart. I'm going to keep my eyes open through the day and look for the chance to help someone fight their battle.

Thank you for the reminder, MrsG. :hug:

[ScreamingMeemie]

71. We don't "celebrate" in the usual way either. I make a special

theme dinner for the kids and MrG. The kids and I study up on a particular region of the world and have a dinner based on that. This year we are doing "Italy" in honor of the olympics.

You are to be admired, huskerlaw. :hug:

[huskerlaw]

72. what a great idea!

I love the theme dinner idea. Fun and educational. :)

Thank you, MrsG, I admire you as well. :hug:

[GOPFighter]

74. Recommended!

You brought back a lot of memories of my childhood. Sometimes it was just the fear of rejection that kept me awake at night.

One of the things I enjoy most about being an adult is that I no longer need other people's approval. It's okay to be different.

As a father myself, I'm proud that your Dad was so thoughtful and compassionate. Obviously you grew up strong and confident...and compassionate. Thanks for a wonderful valentine story!

[ScreamingMeemie]

78. Thank you GOPF...I know there are people out there who may

doubt the validity of this story, and that saddens me a bit.
I bet you are are an awesome dad! I feel the same way about the needing of other people's approval. As long as I can live with myself I'll be okay. :) :hug:

[cassandra uprising]

76. That is a wonderful story

and a wonderful picture of you and your father. Thanks for posting this

[ScreamingMeemie]

79. Thank you for reading it cassandra u!

I hope you are having a wonderful week. My dad is now a wonderful Poppy...to my kids! :)

[WritingIsMyReligion]

77. Beautiful.

Just...beautiful.

:hug::hug:

Love ya, MrsG!

:loveya:

WIMR

[ScreamingMeemie]

80. Love you too WIMR....!

I hope your week is filled with happiness, dear friend! :hug: :loveya: :hi:

[WritingIsMyReligion]

95. And yours!

Happy Valentine's Day! :hug::loveya:

[Shine]

81. Very touching, Mrs.G.

how wonderful that you received such unconditional love from your father. What a blessing. What a gift.
:hug:

I know you pass it on.....

[ScreamingMeemie]

82. Thank you Shine. I hope I am half the parent he was...and still is,

although he spoils the grandkids a bit too much. ;) :hug:

[Zomby Woof]

84. *ZombyHugs*

For you and DaddyGrumpy/ :loveya: :hug:

A very sad and sweet story. Eternal FEH on those little creeps for not appreciating YOU. :loveya:

[ScreamingMeemie]

85. *GrumpyKisses* back at you...

...and I know THAT will be okay, because nini won't remember who it was anyway.

:loveya:

My Daddy is the best. He's a great Poppy now too...I'm a bit jealous even. ;)

[Maddy McCall]

86. :-(

:cry: :cry:

Check your PM. :hug:

[ScreamingMeemie]

87. Maddy...

:loveya: Thank you for that. :hug: You are an amazing woman.

[xmas74]

88. I remember being in seventh grade.

It was my first year in a new state. We had a fundraiser through the cheerleaders where you could buy an anonymous valentine and fill out the message for a quarter. The cheerleaders would deliver them on Valentine's Day. I sent a couple to the two friends that I had made that year and hoped to receive a few of my own.
I did receive three. The cheerleaders delivered each one in the cafeteria to me w/ a smirk on their faces. As I opened each one I felt excited and was glad to know that people really liked me. Then I read the messages. First message said in large capital letters, "PIG GO HOME!". Second message had a drawing of a pig being butchered. Third message cannot even be printed on here but has to deal w/ a part of the female anatomy and moldy cheese. I picked up my books and valentines and left the cafeteria and went to my locker. When I opened my locker a horrible smell came out. Someone had taken the paper bag of used tampons and napkins out of a stall in stuck it in there. (In middle school we were not allowed to have locks on our lockers-they considered it a deterrment against storing drugs in them).
I remember going to the nurse's office and asking her if I could go home for the day. The answer was no. I went to the library, hid in the back for an hour and cried. When I left I had to go to the principal's office, where I was given a detention for missing a class.

In high school I dated the same guy. He always dumped me right before each major dance and took a prettier,more popular girl to the dances then came crawling back a week after the dance. Like an idiot I took him back every single time.
As an adult I dated a guy who didn't believe in celebrating any kind of holidays but expected presents from me for all holidays. Once again, I put up w/ it. I didn't want the presents-I just didn't want to be alone.

To those of you who gave me the simple little hearts-I've appreciated them more than you know. It feels so good to be appreciated by someone. Tomorrow I hope to get a valentine from a certain five year old and that will be the best of all. But right now it feels wonderful to have people give me just a second of their time and think of me enough to give me a valentine. It's so silly but it feels so good.

[ScreamingMeemie]

89. ...

:cry: I was right there with you reading that.

I used to spend my 8th grade lunches in the "locker pit" for fear of being confronted. :hug: :hug:

Thank you for being so trusting as to share that. Your five year old is so very lucky.

[xmas74]

90. Only a couple of people know me here in RL

(as far as I know) and the one who knows me best has heard this story before.
I learned my lesson quickly and did my best to change my strong Wisconsin accent since it offended my classmates. I changed the way I dressed and spent quite a bit of my time vomiting my meals so that they could no longer call me a pig. I was still constantly made fun up. I gave up midway through high school, knowing things would never change.

Funny thing is, good friends that I've made in college and in the real world have looked over my "awkward" pictures and had a completely different opinion on my looks. They've pointed out the "mean girls" flaws compared to my own. I developed early, had a cute face and figure, was praised by a few teachers constantly for my intelligence and was an athlete. I was not the girl who spent large sums of graduation money(I didn't receive any) on breast enlargements or nose jobs.
Looking back I realize I was awkward but no more than the others were. I was just a bigger target. They knew just what to aim at me-they chose to call a 13 year old runner who had developed early but didn't want to develop at all (since runners tend to have a slight frame and small breasts) a fat pig. It's made me the woman I am today-insecure and constantly worried about my looks.

[ScreamingMeemie]

91. Girls are good like that...in a very bad way.

I thought I was the only one on earth who had a hard time ditching the Wisconsin accent. We moved ever two or so years...When I moved back to Wisconsin, they made fun of my New York accent.

It may not mean so very much xmas, but I have enjoyed your presence, wit and posting style here...and you are beautiful to me.

[xmas74]

92. Thank you.

And moving as a child really sucked.
BTW-still can't completely ditch the accent. It shows up whenever I pronounce "Wisconsin" or any number of cities in the state. It also shows up when I've had a few too many drinks. And when I visit family in Wisconsin they complain and state that I sound like a Southerner.

[ChoralScholar]

93. Too bad we can't nominate lounge posts...

this one would be on top.


Great (even if heart-rending) story, Mrs G.

[ScreamingMeemie]

94. Thank you ChoralScholar.

I hope you have a wonderful day! :hi: