COME BLOW YOUR HORN!

You know the nursery rhyme…

I made my acting debut as “Little Boy Blue” in my third grade class’s rendition for the school district’s annual variety show. My parents were able to purchase the appropriate costume from the stock available at school. Needless to say, I was a smash!

The real story, though, backs up a year (2nd Grade) to that same school-wide variety show.  That time I was designated a Czechoslovakian dancer. I was so excited to show off my slick moves. There was a particular costume to be purchased from the school for the appropriate cultural look. My parents decided that they could not afford the purchase; therefore, a relative would make her own pattern and fashion a homemade version of the required costume. I could not bear the thought of my supposed humiliation in the near future.  Consequently, on my own I withdrew from the performance.  Later, when I told my parents I would no longer be participating, I witnessed their pain at not being able to provide for me like the other kids. Guilt.

I never forgot that guilt even though I succeeded in “fitting in” for the third grade presentation. These are the lessons of youth.  Maybe this incident served as an ingredient of my sensitivity toward families who need a little economic boost from time to time.

Mish & Mash…A Reflective, “Yours Truly” MUSINGS about Life’s Travails, Juicy Tidbits and Crass Behaviors, Too!