My Epitaph
Ever since Junior High, I have had 3 best friends. We functioned well separately, but socially, we did everything together. The 4 of us were "close" friends with several other groups of "best friends" like us. None of us was the least bit "cliquey". We welcomed anyone to join us for conversation, giggles, or help with homework. In a class of 302, we were far from the "in" crowd, who openly mocked us. We all helped each other survive the cruelties of high school.
Several of our big group have re-established contact through FB. One of our friends, Sue, started a private Group page for us to privately chat about whatever is on our mind. We also have a monthly live chat. Sue named this group our Wine Club. Whenever Sue finds a female classmate on FB, she invites them to join our group. We're still not cliquey. My 3 best friends, and many of our "close" friends are members of the Wine Club. We also have several members who were casual friends.
One of our casual friends recently joined one of our ongoing discussions. This lady was quite shy in high school, but she always had a huge smile on her face. K frequently joined our group for conversation and giggles. Yesterday, K wrote her memories of all of us who were involved in this particular discussion.
Here's what she wrote about me:
"Your sense of humor, both verbal and non-verbal made Teen Years more comfortable. You never seemed to want to leave anyone out. You were approachable and when people left your company - they felt a little bit better about themselves and Life. You can be very animated in your own "Dry Humor Way."
Thank you for the smiles that lingered and brighten the day."
K's impression of the high school "me" brought tears to my eyes. The person she described, is the person I've always wanted to be. I guess I'm a success! I would be proud to have that paragraph as my epitaph.
posted by tshsmom @ 4:30 PM
11 comments
11 Comments:
Wow, that is lovely. Very interesting to hear how people perceived you as a teen - other than the mockers/dicks, of course. Usually our perceptions of ourselves are so different. At least that was the case with me.
Congratulations on being that kind of person in high school. It says a lot about your character. My friend Larena was like that too. Me, I was different depending on who I was with, so I could be nice or a bitch. It took me a while to work out most of the kinks. I'm still a work in progress though.
Wow! How touching. That must feel so great after all these years have passed to be remembered so fondly!
I'm guessing you are very much the same today.
It's very cool when we live up to our ideals without actually going all out TRYING to be a good person. Way to go! :)
I sometimes wonder what SME's group of friends and I's would write about us if we were to do the same.. Yikes...
Glad you brought great memories to this one person..
You deserve to hear such heartfelt true words, Tshs. You've always made me feel welcome in your blog world - and your warmth and sense of humor does leave me feeling better.
Cherish the words the way we - your friends - cherish you.
WC, My perception was different too. I just thought I was a friendly smartass.
Our group did tend to take in the underdogs-sort of a defense mechanism against the "dicks".
Now that I think about it, our group was larger than the dicks...so why did we let them intimidate us?
VV, we all have to learn how to deal with that inner bitch. I kept mine pretty well hidden in high school. Now I've learned to let her out for exercise every once in awhile. ;D
Jeannie, we rarely know whose life we have touched for the better. I'm delighted to know that I've touched a few.
Yes, I'm still a friendly smartass.
Sonja, that's what was so cool! I was just being ME.
Tweets, It can be surprising. ;)
Cherie, Awww, you made me tear-up again! I feel the same way about YOU!
cherie she is a wonderfuld person in person also.. She welcomes all of us with open arms when we go home even with my husbands fear of dogs... She makes a way for everyone to be comfortable in her home..
Inner bitch? Hell, mine's been out so long by the time I was 3 I was known as "Princess." I was very demanding even as a child. I have a favorite picture taken of me when I was three, hip jutted out with a hand on it and giving somebody what for with so much attitude it showed up on film. It contrasted fabulously with my angelic looks. *smirk* I can't get away with as much anymore which is probably why the bitch has mellowed out. It's hard to be a Diva when the world no longer cooperates with you. That's okay, I needed to be knocked down quite a few pegs. When I was 16 I would spend hours primping and ignoring my kid sister. When she asked why I didn't want her around I told her in a very hauty tone, "I value my own company." What a snot I was! I can't believe anyone ever befriended me or that my family tolerated so much shit from me. Now I'm known as the kindest, most patient person most people have ever met. If they'd only known me years ago, they'd never believe it.
That is awesome. I too have reconnected with high school friends. Mostly rewarding. High School can be hell. I don't remember much of my years there, thank goodness. :)
You were the person who saved many from complete despair I'm sure, I am so happy that someone took the time to tell you have wonderful you were/are.
That sounds about right!
Is that the "Wine Club" or the "Whine Club", BTW? ;D
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