Memories
Helen Titus Crume
I was in awe of the kids that really liked school and seemed to always understand what
the sisters were talking about. I remember putting JMJ and a + on the top of every page,
margins, ink wells, and those damn scratchy pen nibs. Mine always seemed to be able
to spew ink in every direction but the one that I intended. They were definitly not
left-hand friendly.
Sister Kathleen was my favorite teacher. For me she was the only one that seemed to
have a love for life and a love for kids. I think we had her in the 4th grade.
I walked home for lunch everyday after one try in the lunchroom. I think orphanages
must have been modeled after our cafeteria. I remember being picked to play the
mother in a play in the upper grades because I was fat and frumpy looking. My mom
was an ex-hairdress and loved the marcel hair style. I hated it and the curling
iron. I am sure I still bear the scars of that instrument from the Inquisition.
I remember the movies on Wednesdays and the sour pickles. I have vivid pictures
of being in the balcony and watching Westerns. Nutshells and homework! Marble
notebooks and no erasing! My non-Catholic aunt studied for Religion tests with me.
Her favorite was: Who made you? Only now do I realize why this tickled her
so.
Most of the pictures I remember were taken in front of a car. My dad was in the
the car business. There is one picture from my Confirmation that I will find and
send. I want it on my coffin when I am laid out to eliminate any unnessary sobbing. |