Today I was in the cafeteria watching preschoolers eat their lunch as well as throw temper tantrums and half-flips off the lunchroom benches. That'll get your undivided attention. I also saw an attractive young dad eating with his kindergarten son. "Hmmmm! I wonder who that is?"
Then, as I was pouring my tea, a deep voice said, "Hey, good-looking. Aren't you going to give me a hug?" I looked up and it was the kindergarten dad. I rared back and squealed, "Corey!" I didn't recognize you. You're a man now!"
Sure enough. The kindergarten dad was a former student of mine about 20 years ago when I taught 4th grade. I'll never forget that kid. He was all boy and involved in sports. The year I taught him in 4th grade he had brought a blowfish in for "Show and Tell." Then, at break that year, I observed my fourth grade boys playing football. They were screaming and yelling. I rushed to the playground because I thought there was a fight.
You won't believe what I saw. The boys were playing football with the blowfish (puffer fish). No wonder they were howling as they caught the blowfish. The spikes on it were like needles. Being the good teacher that I am, I confiscated the blowfish and told young Corey that I would like to buy the blowfish and proceeded to write his mom a note. It would make a great object for my Science Center.
Corey's mom answered my note by saying she would gladly give it to me. So, I've had the blowfish for over 20 years. I named him Spike. Now, whenever I see this mature young man, I chuckle because he has a history that has lasted for two decades.
I love this story! I know that blowfish well.
Posted by: Merry Jennifer | August 22, 2007 at 05:39 PM
Great story, I agree. I've seen the blowfish.
Posted by: sherry | August 22, 2007 at 07:12 PM