High School High
(Stock image)
Describe a memorable experience from high school. That was my writing prompt. It took me back to my freshman year in the western town of Prineville, OR.
At 14, I was a shy, 98lb. freshman. Every day between classes, I walked through crowded halls often with my head down and my Pee-Chee clutched to my chest. Sometimes my small world was abruptly raised to a higher perspective thanks to Big Dave. He liked to sneak up behind me.
As a senior, his 6’4” 250-pound frame made him the school’s heavyweight wrestling champion. And he was a real cowboy. Dave Maley wore Wranglers and boots because he spent his summers loading100-pound bales of alfalfa hay, moving irrigation pipes and wrestling steers to the ground. Occasionally, he spotted me in the hall in front of him. He crept up behind me, his hands girdled my waist and my body lifted off the ground, rising above everyone’s heads as he set me on his shoulder like a big parrot. I wasn’t sure how I felt about being scooped up without permission. Once I recovered from the initial mortification and understood his playful intentions, it still took all my courage to sit up straight and pretend that I belonged there.
As we strode through the hall with me perched on his shoulder, the big kids weren’t big anymore. I could imagine music from ABBA’s “Dancing Queen” play as the sea of teens parted below me. By the time he gently deposited me in front of my locker, it was easier for me to smile and laugh. He’d grin and continue walking to his class as if he just moved a bale of hay to give his big muscles a quick stretch.
I never knew when he would do it and don’t remember talking to him, except to politely suggest that he put me down. Big Dave’s shoulder rides stand out as the only memorable moments of my freshman year. That and the caramel cubes Mrs. Dixon, my English teacher, would throw at me if I gave the correct answer.
p.s. When I asked Dave for permission to print the shoulder ride story, we shared a laugh as he had no recollection of them. He did remember my brother who was also on the wrestling team.
What about you? What memorable experience comes to your mind? Please post your comments below. I love to read them. Also, maybe you’d like to subscribe to my monthly newsletter and receive my free Top 10 Fire Song List. Thank you.
