John O'connor
I attended the Beach
Elementary School during the Viet Nam War era, having my oldest brother serving there, my mother was the Sunday School teacher at Saint Raphaels Episopal Church,and I, the young mischevious alterboy. Always greeted by Miss Shevlin with her welcoming smile and caring and nuturing ways and words of encouragment while entering into the library.
I didnt know all the words to that Donavon song, but after overhearing 4th grade teacher Ruth Jacobs call her "Gertie", I could barely contain my young self.
With an aire of self confidence walked into the library, exchanging Hello's, the big box fan near the entryway.
Leaning real close to the fan to get, what I later found out was called reverb, got out the words
"Hurdy Gurtie, Hurdy Gertie,Hurdy Gertie"and it sounded beautiful.
While the rest of the class were laughing I hadnt noticed Miss Shevlin picking up her misting spray bottle which she used for the plants that received the morning sun.
Received a quick pssst,pssst pssst,while the class roared with laughter I knew singing would not be my 'calling',but yet years later
remembering those days still makes the back of my ears hurt from laughing so hard. More than anything, I believe it may have been the collective thought in our young minds that acting foolish could hurt you
Message received and practiced the rest of what is now 67 years.
Hey,youall notice the i before e except after c ?
Miss Shevlin is still with us afterall.
Love,Respect
Thoughts and Prayers
John Patrick O'Connor
Last Graduating 6th Grade Class Fort Myers Beach
Elementary School