My very first day of school will always stay in my memory as a day of dreadful embarrassment and shame.
I had never gone to Kindergarden or any preperatory school before entering the first  class of elementary school. I hardly knew any schildren of my neiborhood. I had been a very early reader, and mostly sat home alone, with a book in my hands.

I was terribly nervous and excited, and when my mother gave me my usual cup of cocoa to drink, one big heave and I threw up and sat shivering. My very stern mother simply told me: You are going to school, now  that’s that.

Accompanied by my mother and big shepherd dog, we went. She approached the teacher and told her what  had happened. The teacher suggested that, if I were as nervous the following day, she should give me the bottle of cocoa to drink in class. But the children will all be laughing at me? I shall make sure that no-one will be laughing at you!

She certainly kept her word, and I adored her.
It took me quite a while before I could have my
breakfast at home peacefully, and anticipated
Seeing the wonderful new friend I had made in school.

Needless to say that she stayed my friend for many
years after I left elementary school. She helped me to
make a little money to pay for my highschool tuition,
by helping slower students and watch their homework.
I can still see her beautiful face, blue eyes, her name was Elizabeth Grellepois. 

 

© Gerta Freeman - February 28, 2012