Awkward

5th and 6th grade were awkward years for me – for a myriad of reasons. The 1970′s were here and everything around us began to change. Since change never has been my ‘thing’ – I wasn’t feeling too groovy at that point.

My parents got back together and officially remarried. Mom, my little brother and I had spent the summer at her parents – which had been a good place for us. Once Dad came to get us, we returned to our West Texas roots and settled into our original ‘hometown’. Although our family was reunited it was different and we would never be the same as before. For my parents – I’m sure it was complicated - for me as a ‘tween’ it was … awkward.

This move meant starting over, so we rented a duplex located within walking distance of an elementary school. During my 5th grade year, I found this old fashioned school to be a safe place to learn and grow. Texas was familiar turf for me, and my teacher was kind. She brought out the little artist in us all. My drawing began to shine, we even put on plays and made paper mache’ volcanoes.

I joined the choir – which was my ‘happy place’. Singing brought me comfort and joy as we sang songs like, ‘Up – Up and Away – in my Beautiful Balloon’ and ‘Let the Sun Shine’. Mom’s family sang in good times and hard times – so this was a natural outlet for me.

The Jesus movement sought to teach the ‘whole word to sing – in perfect harmony’ – while men were dying in Vietnam and racial unrest was brewing like a volcano threatening to erupt. Culture sent mixed messages of LOVE and death.

Meanwhile, fashions were a FUN distraction!! Patten leather boots, shag-suede purses, Indian headbands, mini skirts and maxi coats. All these seemed to soften the harsh world around us. I tried them all and found an identity, of sorts, in being on the edge of this new world.

Once the hot, Texas summer came, it brought yet another move for our fragile family. This move took us to the ‘other’ side of town. There were railroad tracks through the center of town that literally separated  the north and south sides, socially and geographically. We moved to the ‘better’ part of town which landed me in a nice, newer school for the 6th grade. I had an older man for a teacher {awkward} and the boys began to tease me.

I don’t remember making friends much that year. {awkward} I think my ‘new friend’ graces were wearing thin. I’m really an introvert and find it painful to visit with strangers. However, once I know you – watch out – I’ll talk your ear off. Some things have not changed.

My new found faith was a deposit in my soul that I would draw from later on. My parents didn’t attend church so I missed out on spiritual training and social graces that my peers knew. {also awkward}

My story is to be continued … I promise it gets better … as I join other bloggers with Mommy’s Piggy Tales. To see previous entries – click ‘My Story’ in the categories to the right.

Remember to leave a comment on the Give-Away post for free, gourmet coffee!!

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