73 Inches

Before I got there, I thought the strangest thing about going back would be the students. Students sometimes have strange ways of showing that they like you, that they missed you. They're awkward (as are their teachers), and so sometimes, like boys do to girls they like, they hit. I was expecting more ribbing, more hassling, but it was generally very pleasant. Pleasant, hell, it was almost ecstatic. There were hugs, even from students I didn't feel liked me, or hug-liked me.

The strangest thing about being back is being short. I'm in a wheelchair. Honestly, I don't have to be, and I know this is horrible, but I feel like my recovery and coming back should be a gradual process. First, I'll sit. Then, I'll roll-a-bout. Then, once I can put my foot down, I'll be standing, but probably not for long periods, and maybe with a cane. A pimp cane. But for now, I'm short. I didn't notice unitl I was rolling with my principal toward the elevator. She is about 5'8" or so, I don't know, I can never judge a woman's height, but she's shorter than me. Today, I realized I was looking up at her.

It hurts classroom management to all-of-a-sudden be shorter than your students. As I even told one class, usually I can stand up, and my hulking presence in front of the room will calm things down a bit. I'm not a mean look guy. I used to be, at sleep-away camp. I could shut a kid up across a dining hall with a sharp glare. Somewhere along the line, I lost it. I tried it on a kid once who told me that it was gone. He said: "you don't have the anger behind it anymore." I guess that was a compliment. And besides, I don't know if I want to be throwing that kind of anger around, real or perceived.

I miss being hulking. Now I'm all dufus-y.

Movies. I finally saw the Godfather. The original, which I had never seen in its entirety. I think that hearing all the references and quotations, especially on Stern, actually enhanced the movie for me. The subtle nuances that everyone loves were highlighted because I was so familiar with Artie doing his impressions almost every day. Also, Brazil, which is a Terry Gilliam film. If someone can explain it to me, please do, though it was fun to watch. Twin Peaks is moving along, slowly.

Your homework is to give someone who doesn't know you like them a hug.

Comments

[Ben]

Welcome to the Godfather. It's sort of blissful, isn't it? You will be rewarded in multiple viewings. Don't forget Godfather Part II' that has it's own magic too. You should write a blog about which you think is better--I go back and forth.

Wait about 5 years to see Part III, and don't take it too seriously. I sort of treat it as apocryphal.

As for short teachers, now you know what it's like for our little friend.