SMILE FOR THE PICTURE
I grew up in the 60's which was an age of ,"ignore it, it will go away," philosophy. Picture day at school must have been a trying time for those school photographers. I was in sixth grade before I had the nerve to carry out this long awaited plan. I had decided I wanted a school picture in which I had an even facial expression. I am only paralyzed on one side of my face, so I actually could produce half of a smile. I just wanted to have a more normal looking picture and knew the only way this could be accomplished would be to not smile. So our class was herded up into the picture room which was the school gym and each child was hurriedly rushed in and out smiling.
My summons came. "Smile for the camera." I treasure that picture to this day. I was wearing this multi patched quite in style sweatshirt and my auburn hair curled slightly down my shoulders and past. My crossed eyes were blue nonetheless and I had an even face instead of a crooked grin. That was the year I had the courage to have atleast this one thing my way. I love that sixth grade picture and the way it still makes me proud after all these years.
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