We all Had Someone In High School That We Envied….Admit It!

My nemesis was named Marty.

She was a cheerleader, got all the leading roles in drama class, and was a grade-A student. And she was pretty. Of course!

I had a winning monologue in the group I was in. I entered in the comedic division. My monologue was entitled, "Please Don't Eat The Daisies". We had to recite our monologues in front of the school assembly.

I was so nervous. This was a first for me. I looked out from the stage to a school body of faces. Could I do this?

I took a deep breath and started my monologue. As soon as the laughter began, I relaxed. The most impressive part was that someone ahead of me had done the same monologue with no response. That was scary for me. It's always a scoring problem when there is more than one doing the same monologue.

The laughter in the room kept encouraging me. I was in my element.

I was in seventh heaven, and then the drama teacher approached me and wanted me to join the drama club and read for the lead role in the next play.

Marty had already read for it. I got the part! Now I was floating.

I was so excited. I couldn't wait to tell my mom. I was racing home to tell her.

That's when my dream imploded. Trish, I must work, and you must babysit your little brother.

"But Mom, they picked me for the lead over Marty."

"I can't help that, dear. I have to work, and I need you to babysit."

I was so sad and deflated that I had to return to school the next day and tell Mr. Barker I couldn't do the part. He didn't say a word, but I could see the disappointment on his face.

I was never offered an opportunity like that again. It didn't make much difference because I would have to give the same answer. It was a lose-lose situation.

Marty got the part, and no one knew I was even considered for it.

Yes, I was resentful and angry, but I gradually accepted that that was how it would be until I was on my own.

Some memories from the past never go away, but we learn to live with them. We all try to be better than our parents were, or if our parents were exceptional, we try to emulate them. Sometimes, we succeed, and sometimes we don't.

My mother was never the 'I love you and hugs type.' I was! As an adult, when I would call my mom and end the call with 'I love you,' I would hear silence. Eventually, she got used to it and replied the same. That was a big step forward for us.

We all have issues of one type or another. Let's pray, grow, and get beyond them the best we can. Each generation can improve the last.

Cheers, my friends,

Have a good day,

Trish