It is one of the blessings of old friends that you can afford to be stupid with them. – Ralph Waldo Emerson
Fear wears many disguises; fortunately, at times, they are benign and humorous.
Three days ago, I had the pleasure of attending my 50th reunion from the Scranton Preparatory School, at the time, an all-male Jesuit high school.
Discipline, in all its forms, was a cornerstone of Jesuit education.
The reunion was an enjoyable, memorable event; an evening complete with love, laughter, and renewed friendship; and many, many embellished reminiscences.
In sophomore year, a friend and I were talking in the halls between classes, a minor infraction in the eyes of the prefect of discipline.
Unfortunately, we were overheard by the headmaster, who considered it a major infraction.
In a quiet, chilling tone, he said, “See me at three, boys.”
Everyone in the school knew what to expect in the prefect’s jug, but neither of us knew, or wanted to know, exactly what to expect in the headmaster’s jug.
Rumors abounded that he was a former Golden Gloves champion who used errant students as sparring partners. We knew we were in trouble.
At three o’clock sharp, we reported to his office. His secretary told us to take a seat in the hallway. We sat in our chairs for two hours imagining what our punishment would be; the Spanish Inquisition came to mind.
At five o’clock the door opened, and the headmaster stepped into the hallway.
We jumped out of our chairs and stood at attention.
“I almost forgot about you two,” he said. “You can leave now.” – Excerpt from “I’m Afraid”
I offer these thoughts for your consideration.
Welcome to my World!
The saga continues in my next blog.
Do Not Be Afraid!!!