I’ll never forget that day in 1972 when my fifth grade teacher at the Arizona State School for the Deaf and Blind gave me an apple, and it wasn’t because I was her star pupil, which I don’t think I was. Mrs. Jones, as I’ll call her, got it into her head that I needed to try foods I hadn’t eaten before. I don’t know why I was the only student singled out for this treatment.
After everyone else in the class had gone to the gym for physical education, I sat at my desk in the front row with this apple, while Mrs. Jones sat at hers, watching me. At first, I was only too glad not to have to go to P.E. But after I took the first bite of bitter apple, I would have given anything to be in the locker room, struggling to fasten the snaps on my gym suit. But Mrs. Jones insisted I stay there until I finish eating the apple.
A few minutes later, after managing to swallow a few more bites, I asked if I could get a drink of water from the fountain down the hall to wash down the bitter taste, but Mrs. Jones said no. She must have thought I was planning an escape, but that never occurred to me.
After a few more agonizing minutes, I managed to get the whole apple down. My stomach revolted, as I got up and made my way to her desk, intending to tell her I needed to use the restroom. But I realized I wouldn’t make it that far. I’d like to think that I regurgitated that apple all over that teacher, but common sense prevailed, and I used a nearby wastebasket instead. Since then, I haven’t been able to eat an apple by itself, although I like apple pie, apple sauce, etc. One bad apple can upset an entire barrel.
How about you? Is there an incident in your life that you’ll never forget. Please tell us about it.
New! Why Grandma Doesn’t Know Me
Copyright 2021 by Abbie Johnson Taylor.
Independently published with the help of DLD Books.
Sixteen-year-old Natalie’s grandmother, suffering from dementia and confined to a wheelchair, lives in a nursing home and rarely recognizes Natalie. But one Halloween night, she tells her a shocking secret that only she and Natalie’s mother know. Natalie is the product of a one-night stand between her mother, who is a college English teacher, and another professor.
After some research, Natalie learns that people with dementia often have vivid memories of past events. Still not wanting to believe what her grandmother has told her, she finds her biological father online. The resemblance between them is undeniable. Not knowing what else to do, she shows his photo and website to her parents.
Natalie realizes she has some growing up to do. Scared and confused, she reaches out to her biological father, and they start corresponding.
Her younger sister, Sarah, senses their parents’ marital difficulties. At Thanksgiving, when she has an opportunity to see Santa Claus, she asks him to bring them together again. Can the jolly old elf grant her request?
***
My Corner 
Reblogged this on Pattys World.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Patty.
LikeLike