I went to high school in Philadelphia. Had gym class. Hated it. One of my "favorite" parts was the ridiculous line up. I think there were four or five rows of students, about four or five in each row. You had to sit there. I don’t even know why. Roll taking, I guess. Always sitting on some disgusting gym floor. Ugh.
Anyway, the ‘kid’ that sat in front of me was Ray Shaw. All of my friends (eyes rolling now) had such a crush on him. Oh my g-d! And it was a secret crush, I don’t know why. He was a nice guy. Sort of rough on the outside, sensitive on the inside. Hmm, maybe that’s why they liked him. :O) (Now I’m thinking of the first time I saw a picture of Robert… I’ll need a moment or two.)
Anyway, somehow Ray signs my yearbook. I remember exactly what he wrote, and I have often quoted it throughout the ensuing years. No, I won’t say how many years! This is what he wrote:
"It was a fun gym class with you – don’t hate the "not-so-smart" in life."
Did I mention this was gym class? You know, basketball, climbing ropes, square dancing on a really bad day. How did he know this? How did Ray Shaw get such an insight into my head / life / thoughts?
I relayed this story to a friend tonight and realized that I needed to blog this.
Ray Shaw, from Philadelphia, if you’re out there, send an email. I’ll tell you who all your secret crushes were. :O)