Happy New Year
It has been a long time since I have put together an end-of-year reflection for the reading pleasure (or distaste?) of my friends and family. But this year has been extraordinary, so here is a recollection of 2017 in quotes:
#7 "Not one thought of K----" (Displeased parent)
In my teaching career I have received my fair share of angry phone calls and emails. In fact, this particular parent has been behind a great deal of those. However, I was surprised to receive a message from a parent...of a student...that had graduated...from a school district I hadn't taught at in over a year... the day after my wedding...about the guest list. I had barely been married 24 hours when:"I'm writing to congratulate you on your wedding. I'm not sure why so many students were invited but [my student] wasn't, but whatever. It finally pushed me to the point where I can express how angry I am at you for leaving without giving [my student] a chance to say goodbye. She was really hurt by this and I'm not sure if she's over it even now. She trusted you. You violated that trust. I'm not sure how she meant so little to you that you could do that to her, but she clearly thought more highly of you than you did of her. I don't need a reply, I needed to get that off my chest. Seeing your pictures pushed me over the edge. All those kids there and not one thought of K-----. Whatever. I hope you never feel the abandonment that you forced on her."
I know that the intent of this messages was to make me feel bad, or draw me into a fight, or to put a blemish on a perfect day. But the true result: a family catch-phrase that is synonymous with whining.
The lesson: no matter what you do, someone will complain.
And to be clear: I invited family and friends of the family to my wedding, not students: people who encouraged, supported, believed in, and love me and my wife. Most of those people were family, some were old friends, some were young people I previously taught.
#6 "Wrenches aren't cool, they're just useful" (Mom)
The winning argument in a competition over who had cooler stuff in their barn coats. I have wrenches, hoof picks, and other essentials. Mom has a piece of antler. Apparently she won. I still disagree.
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| This is way cooler than an antler. |
#5 "Well, you better come up and see this for yourself." (Ian)
Ian and I managed the most successful pasture-raised chicken season we've ever had. Turkeys...not so much. We suffered a skunk attack one week before processing and lost 2 full-sized turkeys and bruised wings on most of the rest (not inedible, but not attractive enough for sale). Ian discovered the carnage and called me. My question: "Hey, what's up?" Ian: Well, you better come up and see this for yourself."
Alas, that's farming.
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| Tore right through the chicken wire. |
#4 "Don't call 911" (DUI driver)
Christmas Eve at the farm. We are decorating the tree when we hear a knock at the door. A truck had missed the curve by the barn and run into the deep ditch--the airbags were deployed. Being the family we are, we all leapt into action: Mom and Sydney gathered blankets and medical supplies, Dad got the flood lights on, Ian and I were first the to the truck. The driver was already pushing the door open. Fearing spinal injury I slowed her down and started to assess the situation. Her slurred response: "Don't call 911." Both driver and passenger were highly intoxicated--and high. Too bad they weren't as concerned about breaking the law before they started driving as they were after crashing. I'm just grateful they just went into the ditch instead of hitting someone.
#3 "We need to go to the E.R. for this one." (Me)
I slipped on my hardwood floor and slammed my elbow down on the coffee table. However, between my elbow and the table was a drinking glass. Three lacerations around the joint. I'm pretty good at "rubbing some dirt in it" and carrying on, but not for this one. I got nine stitches and a pretty sweet set of scars. I tell my students I fought a bear.
#2 "You made me wait a half hour!" (Guire)
Our wedding ceremony started 30 minutes late. Some say it was the bride taking too long to get ready. Some say the photographer wanted a few extra shots. Some say the groom and groomsmen were playing pool. Others claim that the wedding-manager forgot to come get the men. The true story depends on who who ask.
Fast-forward to the very end of the wedding: as we are about to seal our vows with the kiss, we are interrupted by the next line in the ceremony (we forgot to leave a spot in the script); we hesitate and wait. Without missing a beat, Guire, who married us, quips, "you made me wait half a hour!" Thunderous laughter, a wave of joy, and we kiss. The most perfect moment in my life.
#1 "I will"
The conclusion of our wedding vows. Best words of the year.
And for the record-- The groomsmen were ready on time.
