I got a call from Jackson's principal one morning shortly after Thanksgiving. I have never received a call from the principal before, and my heart skipped a beat when she identified herself. I think that's a common reaction because she quickly told me that Jackson is okay, and there wasn't an emergency! She continued to choose her words very carefully by telling me this was a rare circumstance and they were very concerned, etc. etc. All the while I was just wishing she would spill it. What finally became of all of the mysteriousness boils down to her asking if we could benefit from being one of the school's Sub-for-Santa families! I didn't know whether to burst into tears from embarrassment or laughter. It took some effort to compose myself and inquire if this concern was due to Jackson's holey shoes. As you can see from the picture, they had seen better days. Despite Jackson owning 3 other pairs of shoes that currently fit him, he continually sacrificed comfort to the attention his ridiculous shoes offered him. The principal, again, searched for words and then finally admitted that one of the teachers at recess had brought the shoes to her attention. I explained Jackson to her, how he refuses to wear a coat in 20 degree weather, how he immediately rips holes in every new pair of pants he gets, won't brush his teeth unless threatened, the list goes on. This very kind principal explained that her son was the same way, and that she understood completely. There was some explaining to do for Jackson's teacher too because apparently Jackson has been begging for food from the "school lunch" kids telling them that I only put a plum in his lunch! I could see a case being built against us!
I called James at work to tell him what awful parents we are, and he couldn't even understand me because I was laughing so hard. Don't get me wrong, I am soooo thankful that we live in an awesome community with people who watch out for each other. It's so comforting to know that the teachers at school are so concerned with the well being of their students. But...to have them call and think we are in need due to poor grooming habits of my child is just a horrible reflection on us as parents!
I also had to call my good friend whose son is in Jackson's class, because her son has holes in his shoes too! We laughed until we were both crying. Later that day she locked her keys in the car and I picked her up from the store on my way to pick up the boys from school. When they got in the car, she asked Jackson how his shoes were doing. He said the soles fell out at recess that day! We asked if anyone notices or asks about his shoes. His answer was "Of course, EVERYONE talks about my shoes!"
I had to tell Jackson about the Principal's phone call in order to get him to throw the shoes away. When I told him that the teachers think he is a needy kid, he fell to the floor laughing and sad " I'm not needy, I just like to wear holey shoes!"
See what I get to deal with! I'm afraid it's hereditary, from the Williamson side! And to clarify what I mean by that, James and some other members of the Williamson clan have been known to hang on to their holey, tattered, discolored clothing to the point of ridiculousness also :)
