Class of 53
Sender
May Pelletier
Email
mayalmayoder@yahoo.com
Posted On
2009-02-10
Year
'52/'53
Memoir
Darlene W and I decided to skip school. I was a senior and she was a sophomore. Our families were close, as well as we being best friends. We decided to take the bus to the west side of Portland above where the vista tunnel exists. She took off her shoes and made all those 'uppity ladies' stare at us. She took my bet, and I lost a week of lunch money'
Upon returning to school, I wrote my 'permission' slip. We would have gotten away with this truancy if Darlene had not had 'great remorse'. She 'fessed up but I stayed with my story.
One thing I had not considered is the counselors! I apologize I cannot remember the sophomore counselor's name, but Mrs Finnegan, was my counselor. When our stories were put together by them, I was called in for an explanation.
Mrs Finnegan looked into my lying eyes and said, "May, I am so very disappointed in you." I would have taken any punishment, but this I could not bear. She was such a fair and caring person. I wanted her good will more than anything.
This may seem like a trite story, however, I am now in my 80th decade, and it stands out as one of my memorable happenings in high school. I am mother of nine, and grandmother of 28 and going, but have never forgotten this story, and have shared it with my children and grandchildren.
The PS to the story is that Darlene and I did not see each other for nearly fifty years, and just this year I had the honor of taking her to see the Celtic Thunder at the Rose Garden. We recalled this long ago incident, while remembering other innocent mischief we did together. What joy it was. Some of our children are grandparents, themselves. It seems like yesterday that we were those crazy kids, and I realize, we still are.
Upon returning to school, I wrote my 'permission' slip. We would have gotten away with this truancy if Darlene had not had 'great remorse'. She 'fessed up but I stayed with my story.
One thing I had not considered is the counselors! I apologize I cannot remember the sophomore counselor's name, but Mrs Finnegan, was my counselor. When our stories were put together by them, I was called in for an explanation.
Mrs Finnegan looked into my lying eyes and said, "May, I am so very disappointed in you." I would have taken any punishment, but this I could not bear. She was such a fair and caring person. I wanted her good will more than anything.
This may seem like a trite story, however, I am now in my 80th decade, and it stands out as one of my memorable happenings in high school. I am mother of nine, and grandmother of 28 and going, but have never forgotten this story, and have shared it with my children and grandchildren.
The PS to the story is that Darlene and I did not see each other for nearly fifty years, and just this year I had the honor of taking her to see the Celtic Thunder at the Rose Garden. We recalled this long ago incident, while remembering other innocent mischief we did together. What joy it was. Some of our children are grandparents, themselves. It seems like yesterday that we were those crazy kids, and I realize, we still are.