September 10, 2010

Humor:

Written by: Pauline O’Brien, Primary Literacy Teacher, Susitna Elementary School

I grew up in a family of six and, being the middle child, I had to be the one helping my three younger siblings. I remember having to get up in the morning to make toast for food in the morning, and my parents we so amazed with me doing this. So, I became the toast maker for everyone; mind you I was only 4 years old at the time. My brother was just 11 months younger and a younger sister came later. I started really well at becoming a great helper around the house, and actually started fishing with my grandpa at the age of seven. Talking about growing up fast! Living in the village of Akhiok during the summers and wintering in Kodiak, I realized at a very young age about work and having a good work ethic. This was going to be the key to my success.

All along, I was good at working but I lacked something in the education department. Because of fishing, we had always left school one month early and went back to school one month late. I don’t blame my parents for doing what they needed to do to put food on the table, but I didn’t read until the 4^th grade. By the time I got to 6^th grade, I was in a special reading class, with my other friends, probably in the same situation. I became bound and determined to get out of that class and join the rest of my friends, and by the 7^th grade I was out. I bet you are wondering where the humor is; well I will tell you.

Fishing with my grandpa and actually living with him during the summer, I learned that he was very old fashioned. Laughing and having a good time meant you were being silly. Well I must have always had this sense of humor because my friends would always be laughing which then made my grandpa mad. That was the end of our giggling and they went home. He would say, “That Sandy is not good, don’t hang out with her; she is too silly.” If he only knew who really was the silly one.

At many times during this cooking, cleaning, taking care of my sibling’s time, I was never laughing. I would cry about all the work I had to do to help out and wondered WHY ME? But, when I was around my friends, they were probably doing the same things in their homes. I would make light of our days. I guess my silliness was a way of escaping such a real and grounded world that no child should really be responsible for all the time. I believe that children should be children, and only for some of the chores that are not like labor, but are helpful around the house. I want my children to see what good work ethic is, not put them through it at an early age. To this day, I hold this sense of humor and I always try to make others feel not so serious but to let go and sometimes have a good laugh.

My Grandpa passed away when I was 15 years old, and my oldest brother a year later. I am grateful for his wisdom, and so thankful for the niece I have with me today. I still joke around and always have a smile on my face because life is too short to not enjoy those around you.

Thank you for allowing me to share my story, I have many more to share in the future.