Dear Reader,
Today our guest writer is Jennifer Schell, one of the 2021 Honorable Mentions from my Write a DearReader Contest. Thank you so much Jennifer for sharing your story with us.
Flat as a Board
Growing up, I was the tall, lanky, awkward girl. I hit a growth spurt early and arrived at my adult height of 5 foot 7 in grade seven. Unfortunately, other parts of my body did not get the memo to start developing until much later. Relentless taunts from the boys were common occurrences throughout junior and senior high school. 'Flat as a board, shaped like a ruler, bodybuilder chest,' yes, I had heard it all. Even my family liked to poke fun at me. One year they bought me a Far Side cartoon birthday card about the girl who wished for boobs, and two goofy men appeared when her wish was granted. 'Be careful what you wish for,' they teased. My lack of development was a joke to everyone but me. Oh, how I longed to be a buxom girl. To have curves that girls envied and guys admired. All my friends had developed, why hadn't I?
The answer to my life's biggest problem came to me as I was perusing the glossy pages of a "Cosmopolitan" magazine. There, on the second to last page, was the advertisement that was going to be the answer to my prayers. I couldn't believe the before and after pictures of the models whose busts did indeed seem to grow due to the bust enhancement pills. This must be real, I thought. I didn't hesitate. I purchased a money order and waited for my miracle to arrive. They say a sucker is born every minute, and indeed I was the sucker now with an empty wallet and a flat unchanged chest.
Thankfully one does not stay in high school brain forever or body. My early twenties were a time of change for my bony body as pregnancy hormones surged through me. Expanding stomach and swelling breasts delighted me. I came to admire this body of mine growing a miracle inside of it and expanding daily to accommodate life. The birth of my daughter brought many changes to my perspective on my body. My fingers etched the silvery purple stretch marks, and I marveled. My body had strength. My body had a purpose. I would celebrate this strength, and I would teach my daughter to do likewise. I look back over my life and consider the wasted worry and tears over being flat as a board.
-- Jennifer Schell
Honorable Mention, 2021 Write a DearReader Contest
Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.
Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]
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Looking for a great, funny read for ages 6-10? Kids will love Minerva Taylor's ALIEN MOM featuring a mom who's turned into a strange looking alien and her two sons wondering how to get her back to normal! For a chance to win a free copies, to talk with the author, and more, see http://www.authorbuzz.com/kidsbuzz.
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