I had a great time in 7^th grade.

It was a time of puppy love (along with a school girl crush on my homeroom teacher). I made friends easily. Nancy, Kathy and I were a threesome in and out of class. I enjoyed school. 

Then, the school year was over. Would we all pass and be in an 8^th grade homeroom together?

I’ll never forget the gist of our teacher’s answer (or as I interpreted it).

We would be staying together (unless we had done something wrong).

School resumed in the fall.

I readied myself for 8^th grade with anticipation, new clothes and school supplies.

On opening day, I learned that I was not assigned a homeroom with friends. As days past, my feelings of isolation increased. I was unable to cope. One day in social studies class, tears began to flow.

Asking why I was crying, the attentive and compassionate teacher called me to her desk. I explained that I had not been promoted with my 7^th grade homeroom class. Continuing, I shared the rest. I thought that I must have done something wrong. She said that was not the case. Class assignments were not made that way.

I felt some relief but it was minimal and temporary. The damage had already been done. I missed my friends and failed to make new ones. Never before having much difficulty with schoolwork, I then struggled. New math terrified me. Would you believe that we were given instructions involving hieroglyphics?

I repeated the 8^th grade after transferring to another school. The dark cloud did have a silver lining. I made lasting friendships with classmates in the new school. The LORD heals wounds.

“He heals the brokenhearted
and binds up their wounds (Psalm 147:3 HCSB).”

The LORD also renews relationships.

I have reconnected with one of my two best friends from 7^th grade. I can hardly contain my excitement! I’ll be seeing Nancy next month during a trip back home.

Published articles in Mature Living Magazine, Devotions for the Deaf, The Secret Place, Coosa Journal, Mary Hollingsworth's The One Year Devotional of Joy and Laughter, Jo Krueger's Every Day in God's Word. http://www.pamforddavis.com
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