Comments on: Dissing the Coat Check

By: Sarah

Sarah — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 05:58:08 +0000

I think ALL my report cards right up to ninth grade said “Sarah doesn’t talk…I only wish Sarah would talk a little more in class.” Halfway through the ninth grade, I found friends that were worth taking my coat off for. Sometimes I wonder if there were more (in 8th, 7th, 6th grade [okay, 6th grade is pushing it. Now, *that* was traumatic.]) people like that, but I just wasn’t willing to find out.
Anyway, my eleventh grade report card said it again right after I moved schools. It took me a while to start taking off my coat again.
Great post!

By: Serenity

Serenity — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 03:29:47 +0000

I love reading these stories about people and their coats. Your last line is beautiful, Den.

By: Den

Den — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 02:52:00 +0000

It sounds like he’s got a more overt form of the “coat” we all tend to wrap around ourselves in uncomfortable situations. It’s nice that you can see clearly when he takes his off.

Dominic takes toys everyday, and I think they spend most of their time in his backpack. It seems like it’s still a consolation for the interruption of his playing known as “school”.

I always keep my essential tools in the same pockets. This way, I don’t forget them and there right where I need them. It likely conveys some comfort as well. One my tools is my pocketknife, which make me think of my grandfather from whom I inherited it. Because of his example, I always thought pocketknives were standard issue for adult men, but I’ve found that several of my friends think it quaint. I’m keeping it anyway. I like having a bit of Grandpa with me in case I can’t keep my coat on.

By: Serenity

Serenity — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 01:54:34 +0000

Aw, Mom, you crack me up. I can’t wait to hear all about it!

And, Tif, it kind of breaks my heart to imagine you not talking. School can be so traumatic!

By: Kathy Nickerson

Kathy Nickerson — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 23:10:54 +0000

You could hear your stuffed animals??? How sweet is that? I just spent half a day at the mall trying to find the perfect bag to take to a writer’s conference with me so I can carry all my comfy items in perfect order. In the end, I decided none of them were as “right” as the purse I’ve been carrying for about seven years! Sheesh. I’m soooo keeping my coat on in Denver.

By: Tiffany

Tiffany — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 18:47:53 +0000

This post took me back to first grade. I used to carry a little piece of home with me to school, in my pocket, to remind me that I would get to go home for sure at the end of the school day. I wasn’t raised in daycare (and I’m grateful for that mind you) but unfortunately was deathly afraid of going to school for a brief period of time. I think my first quarter report card from that year said, Tiffany doesn’t talk! I know right? Look at me now, I won’t be quiet. =)

By: Jenny

Jenny — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 17:57:40 +0000

I love the analogy and I sincerely thank both you and Jake for bringing it out.

By: Felicity

Felicity — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 16:47:57 +0000

I laughed out loud at your ear thing. Gracious, how did I miss that?

Macy has just started this idea. She likes to tuck a little Barbie puppy or Little People pig into her coat pocket.

Claire likes to have her school reading book with her everywhere and Ada is most likely to grab a tube of lip gloss or pack of gum to share. I’m not sure Jess does this, but he is very proud of his small Gatorade bottles that he packs to all his basketball games. Dan has his iTouch. I always haul a massive bag, so home is right with me all the time! : )

Such a precious idea.

By: Katie @ cakes, tea and dreams

Katie @ cakes, tea and dreams — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 16:02:15 +0000

I looove this post – as May said, so wise. And I love the image of all of your family members, clinging to the little things that make you comfortable – but I also love the image of how the coat goes flying at Grandma’s house.

By: May @ Anne and May

May @ Anne and May — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 05:26:20 +0000

I love your wise observations about the small things in life. And I completely agree about the comforting predictability of loved ones.