Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Earth—A Bead of Memory


My first memory of second grade at St. Mary’s Grade School in Independence, Missouri, delights me. Fondly, I gaze within, at the slim volume held in my childhood hands. It’s covered with thick blue paper with dog-eared corners. It’s my first Baltimore Catechism.
            From second through eighth grade, I studied a catechism for “religion” class. The paperback books presented the beliefs of Roman Catholicism through the method of questions and answers. The name of the catechisms came from the city in Maryland where, in the nineteenth century, U.S. bishops had determined that Catholic children needed a book to learn the basic doctrines of their faith.
            Each year the Baltimore Catechism got thicker and the questions more detailed. Line drawings illustrated each volume except for the one I had in second grade.
            That first catechism was probably about 6 ½ x 4 ½ inches with perhaps sixty-four pages. Each two-page spread had the same format: On the upper corner of the left-hand page was printed a square. As I remember, it was large—probably 2 x 2 inches. Beneath the square was the catechism question for that week.
            The right-hand side of the two-page spread provided the answer to the question along with a story about that answer.
            My favorite two-page spread was the first one. It asked, “Who created the Universe?” In simple words, the right-hand text recounted the story in Chapter 1, Verses 1-11, of the Book of Genesis in the Hebrew Scriptures.


From freedigitalphotos.net/Idea go
           
            During the first week of school, I memorized not only the answer to the question but also the entire text of the creation story. Sister Mary Anne would award a sticker to those of us who answered correctly. The sticker for the creation question remains vivid even today: Against a sky of cobalt blue speckled with distant stars floated the green earth and its vast indigo oceans. Swirling over all were wisps of cirrus clouds.


From freedigitalphotos.net/FrameAngel

            The depth of color, the vastness of Universe impressed both my mind and my imagination. I was so overjoyed when Sister Mary Anne called on me and I answered her first catechism question—“Who created the Universe?”—with the correct answer: “God created the Universe.”


From freedigitalphotos.net/VictorHabblick

            Joy surged through me as I licked the sticker and attached it to the blank square on my catechism page. Throughout all of second grade I’d frequently return to that first two-page spread to gaze at my sticker. My mind was unable to grapple with the distance of the starry skies or the rounded perfection of Earth, but the intensity of its beauty enthralled me.



From freedigitalphotos.net/Chrisroll

            Today I searched Wikipedia and the free site I use for a photograph that would recreate my memory. But none were the cobalt blue, the indigo. And so I’ve given you four photographs. Each captures some aspect of what I remember.
            The artist who painted the Earth from space for the catechism sticker left such an indelible mark on my memory that when I first saw the NASA photographs from space, I thought, “Yes! That’s exactly right!”
            I’m wondering what vivid memory you have of first or second grade. For me this one is a treasured blue bead on the necklace of remembrance that encircles my life. 

67 comments:

  1. Goosebumps. I love this. first grade was a magical time, wasn't it? what a beautiful memory.

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    1. Dear Teresa, I'm glad first grade was a magical time for you. It was for me too. I so remember the dresses I wore with belts of the same material attached at each side of the waist and then tied in a bow in back. Peace.

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  2. Unfortunately, my only memory of that period is when we were all holding hands & dancing in a circle & my panties (which were either too large or the elastic had broken) FELL DOWN!! (I'd rather have your memory!)

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    1. Dear Fishducky, only with you could this happen! A memory I have from seventh grade was as embarrassing for me as that one must have been for you--at the time. Now my memory just seems funny. Peace.

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  3. I love this! I don't remember any of my catechism classes, only that I had them for a short while. You're right, the intensity and beauty of the Earth as seen in this way is so striking.

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    1. Dear Kari, I'm glad you loved the story. I wish the nuns had given us stickers for catechism answers later in my schooling. The catechism became a matter of rote. Peace.

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  4. Lovely memory! You paint a vivid picture. I'm going to have to think about an answer to your question. Perhaps it'll make a good post for me for another time. I have strange, random memories of grade school and it would be fun to put them to words.
    Have a great rest of the week.
    Love,
    Stephanie

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    1. Dear Stephanie, I hope you do post about early years of schooling. I'd fine that interesting. I bet "Peanut" would too! Peace.

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  5. Beautiful photos and beautiful memories. We've such a gorgeous world.

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    1. Dear Michelle, yes, the whole Universe is truly awe-ful. Peace.

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  6. While I was good in school and enjoyed learning, my most vivid memories are of being bullied because I was a head taller and all the little mean-spirited bully boys that were in that first school I went to. At the age of 11, I was able to transfer to an all girl school, so all was well after that.

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    1. Dear Inger, I'm so sorry to learn that you were bullied. Until seventh grade, I was the tallest student in our class of twenty-six, but fortunately I wasn't bullied for that. I'm so glad you transferred to another school and things changed. But bullying can leave, I'm sure, a memory that hurts to think about. Peace.

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  7. What a gorgeous memory! You took us completely back there with you. I had a first grade teacher who should never have been a teacher because she detested children, so I don't have good memories of that year.

    My second grade teacher was precious, and I still love to think about her. I remember so many things, but mostly I remember her kindness. I try to keep that at the forefront when I deal with my students.

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    1. Dear Shelly, I was fortunate never to have a teacher who detested children. My brother did, however. His first-grade teacher threatened the children with a wooden baseball bat. They were all terrified. I know how that affected my brother, so I'm distrubed to learn that you, too, had that experience.

      I'm relieved, however, to learn that your second-grade teacher was kind. That must have made all the difference. I'm sure you do keep kindness at the forefront when you teach. That's so apparent in your blog. Peace.

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  8. Oh I love this post! I can just sense your thrill as a child-- "Who created the Universe?" "GOD created the Universe." Love the photos too! Can you just imagine what it must be like to be in outer space and view the earth from that vantage point?

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    1. Dear Karen, I truly can't imagine what being in outer space would be like. Part of that I think is that my mind closes now that I'm an adult because I am acrophobic. Being up high--anywhere--makes me sick to my stomach! I don't do well on roller-coasters or even ferris wheels! And yet, once I was on a ferris wheel at a county fair and the wheel stopped for several minutes with me in the gondola at the top. Looking out over the countryside as my stomach settled was a wonder. Peace.

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  9. I love the way this memory springs to life, all color and confidence and light. Beautiful!

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    1. Dear Emily, I wonder what memories your two girls are going to have of their early schooling. Even now, they are collecting memories. They probably share them with you each day. And some of these will possibly stay with them for life. You certainly, with the art projects you blogged about several months ago, gave them a wonderful introduction to learning. Peace.

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  10. Beautifully recounted, Dee. That love of learning has stayed with you all your life. Having a good start in school can make all the difference. :)

    I wrote about my memory of my first spiritual crisis from first grade in parochial school (the one about the teddy bear on the bible) but my best memories from first and second grade (before I went to public school in 3rd) were that if I finished my work I could go help other kids with theirs. We had 1-3 in one big classroom and I could help kids even in the grade above me. I could walk around, talk, help, ask questions...habits which did not bode well for me when I entered public school. Third grade was hell--LOL!

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    1. Dear Rita, yes, a good start in school makes such a difference. That's the reason I think the "Head Start" program is essential.

      What's the link for your memory of the teddy bear on the bible? I'd love to go and read it.

      I can just see you in that early classroom finishing off your own work and then moving from desk to desk helping others. With your blog, you continue to help others and to teach us. I've learned so much about art from you. Peace.

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    2. This was just a quick memory I lifted from my blog not a fully written story (as several of them are in my life stories blog).
      http://soulcomfortsstories.blogspot.com/2009/08/teddy-bear-on-bible.html
      Thanks so much, Dee!! :)

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    3. Dear Rita, thank you for sending me that story on your second blog. You shared so well your first transcendent experience. These words of yours so reflect what I came to understand many years ago while in the convent: "My God is a loving God. My God has miraculous love that is bigger and stronger than all the hate or anger or fear in the whole world. But I was also "told" the teacher was not lying. That is how she sees God and that is who God really is to her--inside. Everybody's whys or insides are different. And only God knows your insides--your secret, safe place." The truth is that we find what we look for, and if we look for a vindictive deity, we will surely find one! Peace.

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  11. My memory of first grade is not good. I had to go to the bathroom very bad but it was not the time when we would have our class break where we would all walk in a line into the bathroom. Finally, I could not hold it any longer and had an accident as I sat in my seat. Sister Mary Phillip, upon seeing the evidence of my crime, yellled out, "Who was the pig who did this?" She knew full well who the guilty person was but wanted to make sure everyone else did also. She then got me some towels and made me get on my hands and knees to clean it up.

    My second grade teacher, Sister Mary Angela, was a much kinder person. Of course though, I never wet my pants again after that incident.

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    1. Dear Arleen, what a horrible happening. That Sister Mary Phillip must have terrified all of you in first grade. She is an example of everything a teacher shouldn't be.

      I'm so sorry you had this experience. I wonder is it helped make you into the kind person you are today. I've seen that kindness in your blog postings about your grandchildren and the cat who came to your backyard. If that experience helped you embrace kindness then it surely is an example of make lemonade out of sour lemons. And she was sour! Peace.

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    2. I am sure it encouraged me to be compassionate. Every experience is a life lesson. Most of my teachers were good people and extraordinary educators. Having classes of over 50 students is quite a task to do 5 days a week.

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    3. Dear Arleen, yes, teaching so many children well in a classroom is indeed difficult. In my first permanent posting in the convent, I had a class of 55 seventh graders. I almost went "round the bend"! Peace.

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  12. This is beautiful! God, life, our world, the universe is amazing.
    My main memory from that time in my life involves my parents going on vacation and leaving my brother in charge. He sent me to school in a pair of long johns! *still smiling*

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    1. Dear Elisa, I'm glad you can smile at this! I gathered from your posting last year when you and your brother sort of dueled that he continues to have a strong desire to tease you! Peace.

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  13. I don't have any memories from that time. Except being made to drink milk at morning break which had been left in the sun all morning. Many of us were sick and I suspect that many of us (like me) cannot face unadulterated milk to this day. Oh, and giving everyone in my class including the teacher chicken pox.
    I much prefer your memories. Thank you.

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    1. Dear EC, oh, what a memory. I don't like unadulterated milk either, but not because of getting sick. I like chocolate syrup or sugar in it! So, you have everyone chicken pox. I bet they enjoyed their days off from school. Peace.

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  14. by the second grade, the teachers had grown weary of strapping me. so mrs. doane that that if she made me wear the dunce hat and stand at the blackboard facing the class i would be shamed into holding my tongue. unfortunetly all this did was afford me a better view of the situation and yet more suggestions from me on how to run a better classroom.

    in the third grade mrs perry returned to the strap.

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    1. Dear Bev, I never realized that in Canada teachers strapped students. I knew that here in the states they were allowed to paddle, but I never saw any of the nuns who taught me do that to any of my classmates.

      My brother, however, did have a nun who wielded a wooden baseball bat. I don't think she ever used it though. Just the threat frightened the first graders witless.

      I hate to think of you being strapped for simply being a curious and delightful child. And that's the kind of adult you've grown up to be. I'm glad you've remained true to yourself. Peace.

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  15. I have few memories from my childhood, but I remember very well drawing and coloring a monarch butterfly. I can remember the colors standing out on the page. I have no idea why that memory is so vivid!

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    1. Dear DJan, somehow for me it was the color of that sticker that has stayed with me just as you remember the monarch butterfly's colors. I wonder if that says something about our brains?????? Peace.

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  16. I enjoyed your story very much. I remember wonderment, fear (I was so terrified of the automatic flush toilets that I went home in wet pants until I got a special dispensation to use the normal toilet in the nurses office) jealousy, and anxiety, but my best memory is of being able to read the whole reader right away and then being paraded through every class in the school to read out loud. There were 5 classrooms with two grades in each except for kindergarten. I have always seen that day as the high point of my "career " as a student.

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    1. Dear Mimi, what memories--the frightening automatic flush toilets and the wonder of reading so well that you were a model for the other grades. I can see why you'd consider that day of going from room to room, reading for the other students, as a high point! Peace.

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  17. What a lovely memory you have, and I love the last line, " . . . this one is a treasured blue bead on the necklace of remembrance that encircles my life."

    I am one of those who only has uncomfortable memories of first grade. I loved that I magically learned to read (before I got there, so I would read my books from the library on the walk home from school) but my teacher was old and grumpy (probably younger than I am!) and I was put in the corner on a stool (no dunce cap thank goodness) simply for answering a question the girl behind me asked. I was mortified!

    Glad your memories are joyful ones!

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    1. Dear Sandi, oh, the mistakes we teachers make. We do or say something that stays in a child's mind forever. Two years ago, I met a student whom I'd taught in fifth grade in Omaha. She recounted something I'd done to her. She'd accidently broken a sand dollar that my mother had given me. I must have scolded her with such strong words that she's never forgotten. I felt like such a lout. A real curmudgeon. And I did it in front of the whole class. That's really a no-no in my book. I'm wondering what other horrible things I did to students. Peace.

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  18. What a lovely memory, Dee. A happy memory for me from first and second grades is that my best friend, Michelle Murphy, was in the same class I was in. In second grade, the teacher left the classroom for a few moments (perhaps the poor woman needed to use the bathroom). When she returned, the class was out of control, but Michelle and I were working quietly. Mrs. Snyder announced that Michelle and I were the two students she could always trust. I felt so honored. When I subbed, instead of leaving a report for the regular teacher that said which students had misbehaved, I liked to report the students who were well-behaved and helpful.

    Love,
    Janie

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    1. Dear Janie, that surely is a happy memory! I'm glad you have that--glad that you and Michelle studied quietly together. Like you, as a teacher, I liked to emphasis the good qualities of the students rather than those that sometimes annoyed me. Peace.

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  19. Wonderful that you are able to recall in such detail your early years of school which you describe so interestingly. I always enjoyed school except in a couple of Jr. High School instances. My K and first two years of school, other than recalling place, bring only one memory to mind -- the day the boy, Buford, who had an unusually large round head and sat in front of me, soiled his pants in a most odorous manner. Many years later I concluded he was likely a special needs child, but I'm not sure how much recognition such children received then.

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    1. Dear Joared, the young boy, Buford, was perhaps a special needs child. As I indicated to you in my response to your comment on my other blog, we didn't have a special needs child in our small class of twenty-six. But there was a girl in the class ahead of us who was special needs, and I remember the nuns being very understanding, although I don't think her classmates were always that way. Peace.

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  20. What a wonderfully vivid memory, Dee, and one that is so positive and sweet for you.

    I loved my second grade teacher (I think I loved most of my teachers). Miss Blood. To me, she was beautiful and I was right, for she married a handsome prince in the spring and became Mrs. Thone. It took us all until June to call her that. She taught us to read and she let us put on a circus for our parents. I was a seal. It was easier to bark like a seal than say lines for a child as shy as I was then. As Teresa said - it was magical.

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    1. Dear Penny, I so enjoyed your comment about Miss Blood/Mrs. Trone and being a seal. What an imagination and what understanding she must have had to see that a shy child would make a wonderful seal.

      All the teachers I had from 2nd grade on were nuns except for one who was married and we all thought her so romantic. But the teacher whom I thought deserved a wonderful husband was my first grade teacher in public school. Her name was Miss Micmellon and I thought her so beautiful and so kind. When I had problems with asthma in school, she'd hold me on her lap. I even have a picture of her. She gave all of us her small school photograph. It's a treasure. Peace.

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  22. The photos was see of the universe today are so amazing..and beyond our imagination.
    It is always good for children to learn about creation. And what we learn as a child, always remains with us. I also love that God refers to Jesus and the Holy Spirit, when he says in His word, Genesis 1:26 "Let US make man in OUR image." I can imagine you as a little girl back then as your writing brings out a picture in your story. Blessings Crystal

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  23. Dear Crystal Mary, thank you for saying that my writing brings pictures. That's what I try for.
    Shalom.

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  24. I very much enjoy reading your recollections of your earlier days. My first grade teacher was the worst teacher I ever had. She not only acted like a witch she really looked like one too! She did things like make fun of pictures that we drew in art and yell at the children who sang off key during our music lesson. Kind of stifled all my creative abilities forever! I had some mediocre or not great teachers but never anyone nearly as scary and awful as she was. (I also had many wonderful teachers.) Also, I so identified with your excitement to answer the creation question correctly! I had a similar situation at around age 7 or so where I was in Sunday School and answered a question about Advent correctly and although I did not get a sticker, the teacher was so effusive in her praise that I felt so special and still have a strong memory of that happy feeling from so long ago! Thank you! Deedee

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    1. Dear Anonymous, the power of praise! If only all of us would compliment and praise more often, how contented most humans would be. Thank you for sharing the range of teachers you had--from someone who didn't respect children at all to those teachers who were "wonderful." Peace.

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  25. What a wonderful memory, Dee. Your teacher and the materials captured your imagination. My second grade teacher, Mrs. Love, lived up to her name. In her class I felt I could do things, go places. It was a good season. I hope your season is going well.

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    1. Dear Deanna, I'm so glad that you,too, had a wonderful second-grade teacher--Mrs. Love. Teachers/people like that give us wings! And yes, my season is going well. I'm walking as exercise again and so feeling that I'm accomplishing something each day. Peace.

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  26. Here I am again, Dee. I'm going to try one more time to let you know how special I think you are an how much I enjoy your blog. Blessings for a wonderful week! Debra

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    1. Dear Debra, I'm so glad you've figured out the problem! And so happy to know that you enjoy this on-line blog. I certainly enjoy yours. Blessings to you for a wonderful week also. Peace.

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  27. Strange how these childhood books are so incredibly memorable, Dee. You remind me of Jane Eyre and the books she used to pore over when she was a child.

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    1. Dear Kate, I'm wondering what childhood books you find memorable. I treasure a copy of "LIttle Men," which was given to me for Christmas in 1945. I'm pleased that you see Jane Eyre in me. I always admired her fortitude. Peace.

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  28. That is a beautiful story!! My main memory of second grade is Miss Collins- one of those old school spinster teachers and she WAS pretty old, too! She taught us manners (say excuse me when walking in front of others, etc) and Don't Run With Scissors! and she would give you an F if you forgot to put your name on your paper! Man, she was strict! But, we got a really good education...
    Thank you for the tips about those other authors -I'll check them out - Louise Penny can't write fast enough for me!

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  29. Dear Melissa, it's not strict teachers that annoy me--it's those who are mean. Who say caustic things to children. Fortunately, I truly never had a teacher like that, but the stories I've heard rend my heart.

    I'm glad you got the tips. I'm a real mystery reader, so I have a list of fine writers whom I enjoy. I'll share if you're interested. Peace.

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    1. Yes - my mother's experience at the Blue Coat school would have been of the crueler kind - they were so strict and caning was the punishment of choice for misdeeds.

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    2. Dear Melissa, way back in 1968 when I was teaching at a public school in Dayton, Ohio, I was ordered by the vice-principal to paddle a seventh-grade student. This was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. I suspect that when caning is accepted as simply part of the way we treat students than sometimes teacher who need to be bullies can become enamored of it.

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  30. As always, your clear writing takes the reader to the moments you experienced. I love this: "...this one is a treasured blue bead on the necklace of remembrance that encircles my life..." Superb.

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  31. Dear Susan, thank you for the kind words about my writing. I've begun another blog that's specifically on writing--my learning about the tools and building blocks of writing, my publishing background, my attempts to get published, etc. If you have any interest, I've listed the blog to the right of my postings. Peace.

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  32. Dee, I do envy you the clarity of your childhood memories. The one you have shared with us is so clear and vivid and beautifully-written. I have no one clear memory of my early school years to match this, though I do remember being allowed to read whatever I wanted while the others were being taught to read. My mother told me I had taught myself to read before I even started what in the US would be kindergarten.

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    1. Dear Perpetua, I can just see you reading away at age four or five--burying your nose in a book and maybe going home and excitedly telling you parents what you'd read.

      I do seem to have some vivid memories of my childhood. Many of these memories are quite happy, others are sad, and a couple are quite terrifying. I hope to share them all on this blog because I discover that in writing about them I am able to understand and appreciate my life even more. More and more gratitude fills my heart and is on my lips. Peace.

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  33. My first grade memories are plentiful as are my second grade which I had to repeat because I came to Canada not knowing EnglisH. I liked my Canadian second grade teacher and the best memory of all happened when I was teaching a second grade. One day several supply teachers walked into the staff room. So what's special about that? One was my former second grade teacher and the other was HER former second grade teacher! Is this post material?

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    1. Dear Heidrun, thank you so much for sharing this memory--three generations of second grade teachers! Each of you touched one another's lives. Your teacher's teacher through her touched yours. Life truly is a circle of growth and renewal. Peace.

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  34. What a gem of a memory! I thoroughly enjoyed this--you've a lovely way of telling a story Dee!

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    1. Dear Chantel, thank you for stopping by to read this blog posting. You're so right--the memory is a gem. I'm blessed with many such gems. I hope you are also. Peace.

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