“Socially Awkward”

 

     The summer after my sixth birthday, we moved to Southern California. The fresh crisp air of the countryside, the awe-inspiring starry skies, and the beautiful plush greenery of my lovely home became a thing of the past. I was surrounded by people everywhere. The homes were so close together that I could easily see into my neighbor’s windows! Where was I to play and explore? And the smog... the smog was almost unbearable!

     After we moved to California, my parents had me repeat the first grade because I seemed “socially awkward.” The truth was that I was an unusually thoughtful and compassionate child. Even though the teachers loved me, I was out of my element around children my own age. I just didn’t care to be part of a culture that prided itself on taunts, competitiveness, and humiliation. And I was slowly learning that there was something unusual about me, strangely unusual. Uneasiness grew as time passed. I longed for my happy little life back in Tennessee where life was familiar, simple, and comfortable.