Circa 1995

One sunny spring day in May, near the end of the school year, Miss T's first grade class was enjoying a trip to the zoo. I was a shy, and reserved kid, but I was also a happy kid. I remember begging Leanne's mom, our group chaperone, to take us to see the swans. Due to my enthusiasm for the animated film "The Swan Princess", I was excited to watch beautiful live swans gracefully swimming about. Leanne's mom promised we would get to see them. The day passed by, and I realized I had to use the bathroom. I quietly waited in line for the girls room, day dreaming as usual, when out of the blue a girl standing in front of me said matter-of-factly :

"You have a big nose."  

Then she turned around as if nothing ever happened. I clearly remember this day, because that was the day I changed how I looked at myself. There is a line that divides my childhood into before the "big nose" comment, and after the "big nose" comment. Before that girl, who I didn't even know, carelessly opened her mouth to say something unkind, I had never much thought about my looks. I was a just regular happy kid. After that comment, every time I looked in a mirror, all I saw was a giant nose. That girl spoiled my day. When Leanne's mom finally directed us to the swans, I was still crying. 

Throughout elementary school other children would often comment on the size of my schnoz, but none stung more than the first time those words accosted my ears. Of course, now that I am an adult, I have recovered from what that rude little girl said to me as a child. I like my nose.  I wouldn't trade my nose. It is my mother's nose, and my grandfather's nose too. However, on the rare occasion someone might reference my "big nose", I'm reminded of the girl who spoiled my day with the swans.