Why the word pilfered? Because it’s a gentler word than stolen. But I did steal it.
At a home in Amery where my parents and friends had coffee and conversation one Sunday afternoon, we kids hung out in the bedroom. In this room there was very little to play with, but there was a jewelry box. Lovely jewelry, piles, and maybe a little gold and silver.
Ten years old, I could have written a brochure on immaturity. Then the theft. Sneaking the lovely, shiny ring out of the jewelry box and into my pocket, I had no idea what I’d do with it. Of the three kids playing that day, I was the only thief.
Mom and Polly Linden had been friends in teacher training in Polk County Normal, and they were bosom buddies, sister-like.
Two days later, at suppertime, Mom answered the phone. She was talking to Polly, and as she spoke she looked over at me. When she hung up, she asked point blank if I had stolen anything. Polly had discovered a ring missing, and Mom grilled me about it. At first I denied it, but that didn’t last long. Admitting to the act, she told me to get it. Up to my room I went, and soon brought it down. That, I thought, might be the end of it. But no.
(this was written as a recent column in The Amery Free Press)
Mom informed me that on Friday afternoon, instead of taking the bus home, I was to wait at school and she would pick me up. From there I figured out what might happen.
Friday she drove to the school door and I got in. I still remember the drive out past Goldsmith’s, around a couple curves, and pulling in at Volga Elementary. My feeling was one of apprehension, not so much nervousness. I knew it was something that had to be done.
We walked into the building and into the classroom of Mrs. Linden. First a little small talk among those old friends, then Mom turned to me as if to say, “Now Loren. Do you have something?”
Taking the ring from my pocket, I handed it to her and told her I was sorry. Mrs. Linden was gracious and said she was just glad to get it back.
A little more small talk, another “sorry” from me, and we left for home.
Mom didn’t lecture me or get angry with me, she just let the actions she put me through speak volumes. Maybe a few words of follow-up, but not much else was said. In hindsight, it seems that she had a bit of Quaker in her. She’d present me with the realization that I did wrong, take care of it, and that would be the lesson learned. For a lifetime.
Lessons learned are some of my favorites. It’s so interesting how different parents handle situations.
I have been browsing on-line greater than three hours lately, but I never discovered any fascinating article like yours. It’s lovely value sufficient for me. Personally, if all webmasters and bloggers made excellent content as you probably did, the internet will probably be a lot more helpful than ever before.
Thanks for the kind words. I hope you continue to look in on it. Please tell me of your position and background. L in Wisconsin
Thank you. I hope I can continue to put on worthwhile posts. Tell me more of your background please. L in Wisconsin
Thanks to my father who stated to me on the topic of this weblog, this website is actually amazing.
Thank you, and thanks to your father. Please tell a little about you/your father, his first name will appear in an upcoming fictional story or joke.
Greetings from Los angeles! I’m bored at work so I decided to check out your site on my iphone during lunch break. I really like the info you provide here and can’t wait to take a look when I get home. I’m surprised at how fast your blog loaded on my phone .. I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyhow, very good blog!
Thanks, glad you enjoy it. It’s been fun putting together and I try to keep it light but at times very meaningful. You might get an insight into rural Wisconsin with some of the posts, I’m from Amery which is up near the Twin Cities. Down the line just send your first name and soon it will appear in one of the posts; and I hope you enjoyed the girl / lady falling back on the fence. Found that photo somewhere and put a little story with it. Loren
Thanks, hope you keep looking at it. I enjoyed putting it together. Loren
Sorry your first comment disappeared. I’m new at this as well, and for me a writing blog as well as a blog for pleasure reading turned out pretty good, not bragging just lucky for who helped set it up, that the blog should try whenever possible to not look cluttered. Easier said than done, and my task each day is to come up with one or two new posts, which hasn’t been hard so far. What are you thinking of blogging about?
Thanks for the note. I hope you enjoy the posts.
Supporting the blog post.. thanks Adoring the contribution.. best wishes Great feelings you’ve got here.. My web browsings seem total.. thanks.
Thanks Crazy, I click on your address and I can’t get in. Thanks for writing, I hope I keep earning your trust and attention. elkfarm