I’d like to think I’d own up to it now. But I’d also like to think now that I have the “you’re having a panic attack” thought loop I’d also just go use a restroom.
I embarrassed myself laughing uncontrollably, reading this in a public place. Right—until that kicker. Learning about moral courage as a child—and experiencing the shame—a powerful way to learn. Was there no such learning in the lives of these people who can’t seem to muster an ounce of moral courage as our elected leaders??
I was laughing pretty hard at 1am in my kitchen when I wrote the first part because I had to go back and make it real in my head and also just thinking on it now that I had kids. I’m not joking when I say I return to this memory about once a week. I have a different perspective on how bad it was now that I’m a dad and I’m guessing Jesse and the others probably don’t even remember.
I laughed until the betrayal broke my heart. I betrayed poor Carrie in a similar way in 4th grade and I still feel for that girl. I hope that Christ will heal her from all the abuse she suffered at my and others' words. Thank you for helping so many of us feel less alone.
My husband lifted his butt cheek to fart (which always makes me laugh & I'm no third grader) just before I got to that part of the story, so reading your tale was extra hilarious. Wonderful writing. Took me from hilarity to heartbreak in the space between paragraphs. I'm guessing Jesse is the kind of guy who will have forgiven the mystery farter long ago, but I bet he learned a few things that day, too.
My wife was asleep upstairs and I was eating a piece of bread as I read this, simultaneously trying to not wake her and to not choke. It’s very difficult to laugh both quietly and safely with a mouthful of bread. I’m happy to report neither unfortunate event occurred.
Moral courage is hard when you’re a kid. Hell, it’s no walk in the park as an adult. It’s a practice, not a perfect. I really enjoyed this piece!
Do all humans go through an age where they think the sound of farts is the result of butt-cheeks flapping together? It seems like understanding the true nature of farts should be a documented developmental milestone.
I laughed so hard I startled my granddaughter - who then beamed at me (she has never heard me laugh that loud and repeatedly). Then I cried but I hid that from her because how could I explain how much I related to the betrayals I've committed and how I regret every one with all my heart. Thank you.
This is such a good piece of writing. Your use of language is excellent, and this hit me right in the feels. I thought about all the times I failed to be courageous, all the moments I look back on with shame.
I laughed until I cried, until I read about the betrayal. You’re right - it’s so very hard to grow moral courage!
I’d like to think I’d own up to it now. But I’d also like to think now that I have the “you’re having a panic attack” thought loop I’d also just go use a restroom.
I embarrassed myself laughing uncontrollably, reading this in a public place. Right—until that kicker. Learning about moral courage as a child—and experiencing the shame—a powerful way to learn. Was there no such learning in the lives of these people who can’t seem to muster an ounce of moral courage as our elected leaders??
I was laughing pretty hard at 1am in my kitchen when I wrote the first part because I had to go back and make it real in my head and also just thinking on it now that I had kids. I’m not joking when I say I return to this memory about once a week. I have a different perspective on how bad it was now that I’m a dad and I’m guessing Jesse and the others probably don’t even remember.
I love this so much!!
I sent it to my sister, who is a special ed teacher. She will love it too.
You have to let me know what she says
I laughed until the betrayal broke my heart. I betrayed poor Carrie in a similar way in 4th grade and I still feel for that girl. I hope that Christ will heal her from all the abuse she suffered at my and others' words. Thank you for helping so many of us feel less alone.
My husband lifted his butt cheek to fart (which always makes me laugh & I'm no third grader) just before I got to that part of the story, so reading your tale was extra hilarious. Wonderful writing. Took me from hilarity to heartbreak in the space between paragraphs. I'm guessing Jesse is the kind of guy who will have forgiven the mystery farter long ago, but I bet he learned a few things that day, too.
We all grew like an expanding gas that day.
My wife was asleep upstairs and I was eating a piece of bread as I read this, simultaneously trying to not wake her and to not choke. It’s very difficult to laugh both quietly and safely with a mouthful of bread. I’m happy to report neither unfortunate event occurred.
Moral courage is hard when you’re a kid. Hell, it’s no walk in the park as an adult. It’s a practice, not a perfect. I really enjoyed this piece!
Thank Jebus for the laughter! 😂
I howled while writing it.
I literally went from laughing so hard to crying.. poor Jesse!! God will forgive you 💔
Thanks Agnes.
Do all humans go through an age where they think the sound of farts is the result of butt-cheeks flapping together? It seems like understanding the true nature of farts should be a documented developmental milestone.
We need a survey in this immediately. It might be a Rome thing.
SchmloooOOOooo? - that is a fart noise I have yet to meet!
Poor Jesse. Poor you. Perhaps somewhere somehow, in the vast soup of being, he has been vindicated & you have been forgiven.
Wait. You’ve never had a fart that sounded like it was asking a question because the pitch goes up at the end?
Well yeah, but I am thinking of the sound as more like a teeny kazoo in the orofice, not quite so sibilant, but squeakier creakier.
Oh well, different orifices, different expressions perhaps...😎
Anyhow - here's to a vocabulary of flatulence!
How about fripfripfrip?
I laughed so hard I startled my granddaughter - who then beamed at me (she has never heard me laugh that loud and repeatedly). Then I cried but I hid that from her because how could I explain how much I related to the betrayals I've committed and how I regret every one with all my heart. Thank you.
This is such a good piece of writing. Your use of language is excellent, and this hit me right in the feels. I thought about all the times I failed to be courageous, all the moments I look back on with shame.
I literally lol'd so loudly!
It's kinda funny how many professional comedians were mistakenly put in Special Ed. classes. Seems like you're on the right track!
OMG what a brilliant piece of writing. Well done. 5 stars. Reminds me of Le Petomane.