So my mother is moving into a new house. As with any big move, she’s been going through some boxes—some of which contain stuff from my childhood. Some of this stuff amused her, so she sent it to my inbox.
She found a piece of paper, on which she had scrawled something I’d said when I was five:
“Things that go too much fast, they get lost.”
Ernest, eat your heart out.
She also found some notes from my fifth grade teacher (with whom, I should add, I am currently friends on Facebook):
“He enjoys free writing time very much.”
And:
“I continue to be very concerned about Mike’s lack of organization.”
This was before I’d earned, through sprouting beard, the right to be called Michael. And I stopped being concerned about seeing my bedroom’s floor a long, long time ago.
Lastly, she found this elegant little plea, written in what continues to be my penmanship:
Anyway, just thought it was kinda interesting and funny. Definitely confirms that being a writer is a child, not a choice—or, well, you know what I mean.
The Bloggery of Michael J. Coene 
Great post.
I remember so well, asking my mom to remember the story I was spinning for her in our kitchen one day, “Remember this for me, mama, ’cause when I learn how to write this is going in a a book.”
Isn’t it neat, when our parents remember these things for us? Really convinces me of the existence of a writer’s gene.
Yikes!! Being that fifth grade teacher, I hope my words did not in any way harm your self esteem. The rule was we were to state something positive and then a goal to work on!!!!! You were an enthusiastic writer, but I do remember many assignments being lost in that desk of yours!!!! However, my memories of you are of a bright, funny, articulate, and friendly boy. It was hard entering Rodgers Forge Elementary as a new fourth grader….including being put in a four/five split class, most of the kids knew each other since preschool, but you quickly made friends with Adam, and Craig. You were well liked and as I said to my husband one day, ” I can never think of Michael Coene without a smile forming on my face.” You were fun to teach..and I am honored to know you!!!!!!
Ladies and gentlemen, my fifth grade teacher, Audrey Stickney!
This just might be the coolest thing ever to happen on a blog post.
As for my self-esteem, I don’t think you need to worry—I love me very much.
Desk looks the same, though.
@ejrunyon: Did you write the book?
@Mrs. Stickney: You were a great teacher, and you should continue to be concerned about Mike’s lack of organization. He wasn’t kidding about not being able to see the bedroom floor!
@Michael: Great blog! You crack me up!
Love,
The Mother