Stay true to the dreams of thy youth

1 comments:

Bruce Kratky said...

Interesting name, Fleckenstein. I had a seventh grade gym teacher by that last name who terrorized me. He struck me with a paddle so hard that I nearly fainted and vomited. The blow to my buttock was so severe that bleeding welts developed on each cheek and soaked through my gym shorts, then my regular pants later in the day. To this day I remember the pain, shame... the name. My crime, I forgot to tuck my gym t-shirt into my gym shorts before the whistle to begin class blew. I remember collapsing on the floor. I also remember the look of horror on Mr. Fleckenstein's face when he saw the damage he had done. To this day I think he was more concerned for himself than for me. I was not taken to the nurse's office. I was too ashamed to tell my parents. I stuffed it and moved on. Naturally, I have become a strong advocate for no corporal punishment in schools. In Mr. F's defense he probably never intended to hit me that hard. It was an accident of sorts. Still, I have not forgotten.

If I, forty-nine years later, can remember that day, can still feel the pain and the shame and remember the name, I wonder how my father would have felt towards Mr. F. and the school had I been killed. Some wounds would be very difficult or impossible to have heal. Deep wounding of this nature happens all the time in the Middle East... all the time. No wonder the conflict lasts and lasts and lasts.

8:31 PM  

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