BACK TO SCHOOL
ANXIOUS…FRUSTRATED…DISAPPOINTMENT…NERVOUS.
What would others think about me? What would others say about me? Afraid of being disappointed by being left out of the groups. Being the last to be picked for a team sport in the gym class. Always looking around the corner to see who would pick on me. Afraid of what would be done or said to me on the school bus. Afraid of the loneliness it would bring.
HALLOWEEN
A TRICK.
I loved wearing costumes because I was able to hide underneath them. Trick or Treat was good because no one knew who I was. I was hidden, so by not knowing me, they didn’t tease or hurt me.
BACK TO SCHOOL
EXCITEMENT…ENJOYMENT… PLEASURE…FULFILLMENT.
A world of difference from yesterday! Now I return as a paraprofessional. I’m respected, admired, loved by my colleagues, and the child in my care. When Labor Day comes, I no longer dread the loss of summer. I return to an environment where I am happy and respected.
HALLOWEEN
A TREAT.
Halloween is now a treat! I still hide my scars, but in a fun way because now my costumes do not hide me. They accessorize me.
Violet Wolf, Dr. Neil Floch’s gastric bypass patient with 152 lb. weight loss
