1977: Second Grade, Halloween

Do you remember your second grade teacher? Mine was Mrs. Astley. I have no idea how old she was because, really, when you are seven everyone over age nine is old. Mrs. Astley had gray hair and was truly one of the nicest people I have ever known. Sometimes she let us pick who we wanted to stand by in line, and therefore, sit by at lunch or in music. Clearly she came from good stock.

Second grade was the year I dressed up as Princess Leia and my brother was Luke Skywalker. That year we were the only ones dressed as the bun-eared and light-sabered ones. The next year? Everyone dressed up with Star Wars on their minds. We were trendsetters, you betcha.

That was also the year I discovered Jack Prelutsky. I loved his book of Halloween poems, It’s Halloween. Of course, the book I loved had a different cover than the one published these days. That cover was what drew me to the book. The cartoon drawn by Marylin Hafner of the ghosts and the goblins and the haunted house and the trick-or-treaters contemplating their approach spoke to my seven-year-old self.

That year Scholastic was offering not only the book, but a poster with the book’s illustrations. Thirty-one faces of goblins, ghouls, ghosts, and trick-or-treaters were covered with a golden oval. Each day of October I scratched off an oval to reveal a new face and knew that I was one day closer to Halloween. I loved that poster almost as much as I loved the book.

Last year my mother brought a piece of paper to me. "Here," she said. "I thought you might like this for your Halloween collection. If not, you can throw it away. I think I got it from Scholastic in the 70s. It’s old."

I carefully opened it, not really expecting anything at all. My mom is always bringing me things from her classroom as she declutters. Besides, I’d never mentioned my love of the book or the poster to anyone. It was something I held for myself simply because it was part of me like my blue eyes and red hair. It never occurred to me that anyone would need or want to know.

What I saw made me gasp involuntarily. I looked up at my mother and said, "You have no idea what you’ve given me. This is the best gift I never knew I wanted. I never dreamed there was one left!"

It was, of course, the poster I had loved so many years ago in second grade. It was folded and creased and aged. Several of the golden ovals still sparkled. I was torn whether I should scrape them away and reveal the faces or leave them be. Eventually I decided I wanted to see the faces and removed the ovals. I am so glad I did. The poster is complete. I love it even more.

For Christmas Husband and the kids surprised me once more. They had my poster framed. I’ll hang it up and yes, visitors who are unaccustomed to my idiosyncrasies will wonder. I, though, will smile and be transported back to the warm Indian Summer day in 1977 when I ran out onto the playground after school in my white satin Princess Leia costume. It had been such a good day.

Tagged as: It's Halloween!, jack prelutsky, marylin hafner, unexpected gifts