Ellen's Parents didn't sign the permission slip or pay the admission or the bus fee that was sent home 4 weeks ago. The day before the trip a note was sent in…
"I am sorry we moved and lost the slip, how much does the trip cost?"
The busses were all full, no more room. It wasn't my decision, but they had to be told that they would have to make other arrangements for Ellen on the day of the trip.
Everyone was going with the exception of little Ellen. I felt so bad.
Today I arrived at school. There were so many grownup faces in the classroom, some of which I had never seen before.
“This is great parent participation”, I thought.
”Oh no, what is she doing here, didn't they understand? Well maybe if someone doesn't show up, things will work out and she can go”
”C'mon Ellen, let's go over to the table and sit down,” I said.
“Hello...hi...how are you? Good to see you, thanks for coming, yes, so glad it isn't raining.”
As I make my way over to the name tags to attach them to the children waiting on the carpet with Ellen in tow, I feel a tug...a resistance. I think to myself, “Not now, please don't make a fuss...all these parents, I'm hot...oh please, please move out of my way”.
“What is HE doing here?” He's been absent for one week, no permission slip, no money, NOW he shows up, and there's his Mom...she's going to give me a hard time...
Ellen pleeeease.
All of a sudden, she doesn't budge. I turn around and look at her, her hair looks a bit disheveled. I look up again and I'm face to face with a grownup.
“What does she want?” Why is she so up in my face? Can't she see that I'm harried? Whew.
OK, calm down…deep breath.
“Hello, how are you?” I say calmly with a smile. After all, she has to be a parent, and I MUST be polite to everyone. She started to gently pull the child from me, as she looked down.
I am putting it altogether. So THIS is Ellen's Mom. I haven't even met her. Seven months this child has been here, and I am just seeing this woman for the very first time. I am thinking all of this as I followed this mom's eyes down to her side. Never have I been so confused in all my life. Another Ellen!
Who did I have by the hand? It was Alice, Ellen's little sister. She's only one inch shorter, but it's Ellen's plump, round, cherubic face, Ellen's fluffy body, Ellen's expression, Ellen's eyes, Ellen's everything. I raised Alice's little hand up to look at it. It felt like Ellen's chubby hand. She even held my hand like Ellen with the same amount of pressure. She was a little stubborn at moving just like Ellen. I couldn't believe my eyes.
Alice pointed above me and over my shoulder. With my mouth still open, I turned around to see what had attracted her. Her little Ellen finger aimed at a picture...she said "Frauwah" She had found her sisters "Frauwah". An Ellen voice...this is too much. I had to sit.
Exactly what i needed right now something cute and uplifting this was so nice i loved the confusion that weaved itself into that great moment of who is this and where is the real ellen
I liked your story, I even read it to my little Ashleigh, and how strange that she says parents are just that way and asks why. Out of the mouths of babes so yes I thought it was a great story.
Marylin,
This is a wonderful pictoral of True Life Adventure of todays gradeschool teachers, whom I sincerely believe are sorely misunderstood in what must be balanced. This left me wanting for how the "space available," problem played out.
Wanted to say I appreciate so much your review of my story "Gideon's Gift." Really means a lot since it's my first post.
Vicky
Reviewed by Cathy Montgomery
7/2/2002
I think reading your first story "Butterflies, Flowers, Dings and Dongs" made this one even more touching!! Wonderful writing, Marilyn...
I don't get it. Or is it just for the fun of the ding ding dong? Feeling like that right now :-) reminds me what it has been like being in the middle of helping with organized trips. Ding ding dong! LOL.
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