Two of my three children attend private school, but I will never be a "private school mom". Just yesterday, I attended my son's first lacrosse game. I was the first mom there, and planted myself in a grassy spot on the sidelines. It was a beautiful, Spring day, as I sat and watched my son and his team perform their warm-up exercises. I was excited for my son, as he seemed to really be enjoying lacrosse, and I was proud of him for trying something new.
A few minutes later, another mom walked up, introduced herself, and sat down beside me. I have tried very hard over the years to not judge a parent's personality by his or her "private school" looks. She seemed pleasant enough, as we exchanged "small talk" about our sons and their interest in lacrosse.
Soon enough, several other moms walked over and sat down next to us. It did not take very long before I felt like the "one" in the game, "one of these things is not like the other". I quickly lost interest in the conversation, as they compared their exercise regimes, golf lessons, vacation homes, and who they know.
As I sat there on the hill, wearing my flip-flops with my "non-pedicured" toenails, the "private school mom" conversation quickly became nothing more than background noise. I sat and focused on the warmth of the sun on my face, the feel of the breeze on my skin, the green of the new leaves popping up on the surrounding trees, and my son on the field in his lacrosse jersey.
I am glad to be in a situation that allows me to have choices, especially when it comes to my kids, but I will never be a "private school mom". I will always be the daughter of two music teachers.
I like your post. All my life, I've been like a chameleon adapting to and blending with various situations. In my early years, I thought this was a fault. I know now that it has helped me countless times to "move among them, but not be one of them." I am me... not everyone knows what that means. Stay you... and keep writing.
ReplyDeleteI like this post. I like the honesty. I've felt this, too, at the park or at the beach, but mostly I feel it when I with people who don't believe what I do about God. For me, though, that's expected. The Bible is clear about Christians never quite feeling at home here. But back to you and your experience, that's what great stories are made of. The worst of situations can become the best stories.
ReplyDeleteMaybe you should send THAT to the Post.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments! I can relate to you both on so many levels, and it is always nice to hear from people who can relate to what I write about. That is what I LOVE about writing. The people who come up to me and say, "I totally get what you're saying!" Of course, on the down side, I have to get used to the people who disagree or find my writing, somehow, offensive. That has only happened a couple of times, and it takes some getting used to. I would be naive to think that everyone would see things from my point of view, however, now wouldn't I : )
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