If you have the words, there’s always a chance that you’ll find the way. Seamus Heaney.

It was getting close to the end of the school year in the eleventh grade. Grades only went to eleven at that time in Newfoundland. The principal announced we were to attend a couples-only dance and we could invite our parents. Well, the only place father attended was the Church.

I resented having to invite a date as I did not have one in mind. So, in my mind, a couple is two people. So I invited my buddy Eddie and my Mom. The cancer later took my Mom and Eddie from us. Having my buddy and my Mom eased my stress. I had known Ed since we were kids and our fathers rowed a dory across the harbour to work on the night shift cleanup for 14 years. Eddie’s mom called our fathers The Clancy Brothers. The local band played and I danced with both my mom and Eddie.

I did not pass that year. I failed General Math and Religion. The Religion was equal to first Year University Theology. Well you know my General Math set me on a course that did not include University.

I did not receive a invite to Graduation Party and 20 years later was not invited to Grad Class Reunion of 1977. No record of me attending. I put 13 years into that school system. Failed four grades. It was time to move on. I know how to add and subtract and I respect most people and consider myself a kind person. The principal called me up and offered for me to repeat the classes I did not make the grade. I was in a relationship and did not feel like studying Math or the life of Martin Luther, thank you very much. Only one other time my math prevented me from doing something I loved was when I applied to be a military photographer. They gave me an Academic Math test and that put an end to that thought. Yes, I could have upgraded my math, but other things came my way which were also exciting. I am a fairly good judge of distances. So my photography is fine. Just don’t ask me to explain Algebra or Geometry.

There seemed to be a lot of events happening in our community back then that were discriminating toward single people. Not sure why. We had a lot of single bachelors who were really no hurt to anybody. I tried the couples-only ploy one more time with one of my buddies. We got turned away. The Lions Club was having a dance on a Saturday Night, couples only. Ken and Kevin were not seen as a couple. I had a heated argument with that one. Kevin has since passed away too. As we get older it becomes the circle of life. Friends will arrive, friends will disappear.

I just discovered a new singer for me. Brandi Carlyle I believe her name is. She can make songs up on the spot. Very impressive. Leaving on Sunday for two weeks in Costa Rica. Will have to use those failed math classes to cover for that trip. Shots in my back tomorrow for my arthritis. Will miss the dogs though we are very close. Until next time.