What a long time ago to remember!

I remember days when we could play in the schoolyard until it was dark and
our parents would feel we were somewhere safe. A great homerun would hit
the school!! What a steep hill it was to chase balls when they went over
the fence. I also remember buying candybars at the Badminton Club at the
bottom of the hill in the ravine, where three large houses now stand.

I remember being one of two goalies for the school team in Grade six when we
played the finals at Maple Leaf Gardens. Our coach was Bill Fleming and we
lost to Whitny 3-0. A highlight of my life! Speaking of Mr. Fleming, it
was Paul Hudson who was killed at the crosswalk at Erskine and Mt. Pleasant
where there is now a light. I loved when Mr. Fleming would sing "A Capital
Ship" and I remember the incredible amount of copying we did of everyone's
projects on explorers. I still remember that is where I learned about
scurvy.

I recall when Carl Brewer made his comeback to the leafs to prove that he
could still do it - and he did! Michael was so proud! I remember the
Balloon race too! I sold the most balloons and got to send the Blythwood
one off from the top of the CN tower. That was scary!! I also remember
having to collect those wooden fruit baskets each year.

We learned recorder in Grade 5 with Mrs. Kincaid and I imagine that was
quite a chore! There was a mug decorating contest and I thought the picture
was awesome. Wasn't it someone from our class that won that contest?? I
can still remember our student teacher, Miss Birch in Grade 2! I had my
first crush on her.

I learned Disco dancing with Mrs. Baldwin on Wednesday afternoons at our
clubs. I can still do parts of 'The Carwash' dance.

However, I also remember the bullying and name calling. The times I got
shoved into mud puddles and the countless times I would come home in tears.
Kids can be so cruel. I know it is a part of growing up, and everyone
experiences some teasing and such. However, some get "The Lions Share". I
was a sensitive kid, a trait that I am proud of as an adult. Sadly, not all
of my memories are happy ones.

When I look back, I find that I remember the good things. The challenges
have become lessons. I'm thankful for good teachers. I still proudly tell
people that I went to "Blythwood" and smile. It really is a special place.

Mike Adamson '81