Some of my most valued treasures, are letters that CJ wrote to his middle school teacher Mr. Monson. They were actually supposed to be journal entries, but I guess writing to someone, was better than talking to yourself on paper.
Each entry usually started with "Dear Mr. Monson" and was followed by "did you ever" or "have you ever".
The entry that sticks out in my mind the most goes something like:"Dear Mr. Monson, Have you ever been in a school program where you try not to look at your mom cause she has black streaks running down her face? Well I have. My mom always cries."
The questions to Mr. Monson were about a wide variety of subjects. Some were funny, some were serious, some were proud and some were even sad. I've often thought about CJ's Mr. Monson letters and how even at such a young age, they must have been very therapeutic. Mr. Monson usually didn't answer the letters but when he did, he did it without advice or judgement saying only "wow" or "thats amazing" or "no, I never had that happen". What a wonderful gift to give a student, a place to ponder about life and your role in it.
So, in honor of CJ and Mr. Monson, I've created a "Dear Mr. Monson" page, where I would like to ponder my own life's questions. Thank you CJ, what a wonderful gift to give your mother. I think everyone should have a Mr. Monson.

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Wizard of OZ


Dear Mr. Monson,

Have you ever watched The Wizard of Oz? I'm sure you have, most everyone I know has. So let me change the question. Do you like The Wizard of Oz? Not me, I hate The Wizard of OZ.
When I was little, that movie scared the crap out of me. I remember watching it every summer. It would start in the early evening, before dark and I would come in from playing to watch it. Right off the bat, I would be scared. First the tornado, I would be so afraid for Dorthy. How was that house going to stay together? Then the little munchkins, those were scary looking little creatures. What scared me even more than that shrieking voiced witch, was the flying monkeys. Now those things gave me nightmares. Because I haven't watched the movie since I have been an adult, I can't even tell you what it was about those stupid monkeys that scared me so bad. All I know, is that it would be dark out by the time the monkeys would show up and I would be sure they were outside the window flying around waiting to get me. Maybe thats why things that fly at night (like bats or big bugs) freak me out so bad. Wow, I think my blood pressure is raising just thinking about it. I would like to think that I couldn't possibly still hate the dumb movie. Sometimes I think maybe I should watch it, it's probably not so bad. Hmmmmm....maybe I'll try it. NOT! I'm not brave enough.
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