September 23, l997

Poor Gerald lAndrew Johnstone III. What a shame. He had the bad luck to be born into a family where the parents waited l0 years for him and loved him so much. He was the first grandchild on both sides of his family so he had two sets of grandparents who doted on him as well. When Gerald needed anything he always received three. One from his parents and one from each set of grandparents. Gerald felt like he had three sets of "magic fairies" to meet his special needs.

When he went to bed at night, there was never anything on the foot of his bed. But when he woke up he knew his "magic clothes fairie" had visited him—he saw a clean shirt, clean slacks, clean underwear and clean socks, all waiting just for him. Gerald liked that.

When he went downstairs for breakfast he could see that his "magic food fairy"had done its work. There was never anything on the kitchen table when he went to bed but now he saw his favorite cereal, his favorite cereal bowl, his favorite spoon and a clean napkin, all ready for him.

Gerald felt so fortunate and so safe surrounded by so many helpers. With so many helpers, so many toys and so many adults to play with Gerald was very happy at home.

But Gerald’s good thing ended at age 5 when the family was informed that Gerald must attend kindergarten. At first the family looked into the possibility of buying their own kindergarten for Gerald and maybe selecting some boys and girls to attend school with him. But that didn’t work out so they decided to give the public elementary school a chance to meet Gerald’s needs.

Mrs. Smith has been teaching kindergarten in the elementary school for many years but was somewhat puzzled when she received the following letter from Gerald Andrew’s parents.

Dear Mrs. Smith:

I suppose you have been wondering all summer if you would have our son in your kindergarten class this year. Well, after many weeks of discussion with Superintendent Jones, Principal White, our

pediatrician and our minister, we feel that you come closest to being the teacher who might live up to the needs of our son, Gerald Andrew.

First is the matter of his seat in the classroom. I have made a survey of his classmates and unfortunately, of the 25 children in his room, I can’t find even one child who would be suitable to work with our son. So I suggest he sit with you. He is used to playing by himself or with other adults.

I am enclosing a list of foods you might serve him for snack. I know snack time is at l0:30 for his class but Gerald is used to a flexible eating time. I hope you won’t mind if he eats when he feels the need.

You may find that Gerald is fond of toys and may demand to keep things that belong to other children. Just ignore it ,please. I am sure the other children will understand. We don’t like to see Gerald upset. So we just don’t use the word "NO."

The last concern I have is about his school work. We are firm believers in responsibility and hard work, but Gerald has had such a difficult time with his nervous stomach that we allow him to work only when he feels he can handle it. Let’s not make a big deal about unfinished work. after all he is only 5 years old.

Well, I am sure you are going to love having our Gerald Andrew in class this year. If he needs anything extra just give us a call. We will be home all day just in case.

Very truly yours,

Mr. And Mrs. Gerald Andrew Johnstone II.

P.S.. We are sending along a dozen Pampers for the first week. If you need more don’t hesitate to call.

Well, things are not going well for Gerald Andrew at school these days. He is still waiting for his "Schoolwork Fairy" to arrive. He just doesn’t understand how these other kids can do so much by themselves.

Poor Gerald. Perhaps Gerald got so much that he actually lost so much.