It should have been a banner year, a year of achievement in a young life.
Van in uniform, on the right. Age 12.
It went mostly unnoticed.
It came up a few days ago when a classmate posted a photo of my YWCA Babysitter Certification class from 1964.
It was from the local newspaper, to which my family subscribed, but no one took note of it; I’d never seen it before.
This was the year my mother was caring for a baby of 11 months, and a newborn. These 2 babies, and their slightly older brother, aged 3, changed the course of my life as I took on far more responsibility for their upbringing than was natural.
It was the year that I went to the head of my class, representing my school in a 
state Spelling Bee. My prize was a Kodak Instamatic, the first of many cameras, setting up my lifelong role as family photographer.
It was the year I performed a piano solo in concert, and cut my bangs to look a bit more like Diana Ross, whose persona I recreated in a lip sync group that performed favorites from the Supremes.
It was the year I set up financial independence, opened my first bank savings account, bought my own clothing, took on regular babysitting jobs to finance my adolescent expenses.
I took leadership roles in school, church and Girl Scouts. I attended my first boy/girl dance, developed my first real crush, watched my friends blossom into young women, prayed that I’d soon reach that coveted 100 pounds.
This is not meant to be a sad post. I don’t regret the circumstances that forced me to develop my independence; they did me a favor.
Thanks to my friend Mark Bialczak, whose post earlier today inspired this one.
vanbytheriver 
That really is amazing how you were standing on your own feet so quickly. I love that Diana Ross hair dress. Do you have a photo?
Oh, how I wish. Since I was the photographer by then, there were very few of me.☺
Oh, what a shame…. But at least we got an idea 🙂
For sure…and thanks…exits singing “Where Did Our Love Go”. ☺
🙂 🙂 🙂
I well remember my seventh grade. This was a wonderful story.
It was a big year..even if I was the only one who noticed. Thanks, Linda ☺
What an amazing year of growth and budding independence. Lots in there about exploring who you would become. I love these posts that show how amazingly resilient kids are. Thanks for sharing, Van.
We all found our way, somehow, we didn’t find out until later where that resilience would lead us. Thanks, Diana. ❤️
I remember seventh grade..Catholic School. I didn’t think it was that long ago, but I guess it was….:)
The years kinda sneak up on us, George. Thanks ☺
Wow. You had to “grow up” fast. Not a bad thing in a way. Good on you. And I agree with Erika: Is there a picture?
Not that I know of…but, as with this photo..you never know when one will crop up out there on the Web. ☺
Hahaha… yep 🙂
Growing up fast could have it’s benefits.
It seems so. And I got to experience a 2nd childhood with my own kids. Thanks, FC.
I so hated seventh grade – first year of junior high (as we called it then). Absolute hell for a shy, nerdy chick like me. Sounds like your year might have gone a little better than mine.
(It’s funny how those old pictures and newspaper photos manage to come back, isn’t it?)
My real trials came when I transferred to public school for just one year, in 9th grade. It was hard to blend in as the new kid, especially at such a vulnerable age. Thanks, CM and oh…those photos do pop up ! ☺
Wow, you were busy! And that’s an impressive list of accomplishments. I really want to high five your 7th grade self.
Thanks so much for reading and commenting, Jay. And for the high five. ☺
I knew you were made of strong stuff Van. Love the raw honesty in this post. ❤
Diana xo
Raw and honest…those are powerful compliments, Diana. It’s been my goal in this blog. You are always kind to notice. Thank you. 💕
One of the things I enjoy most about your writing is how frank and how emotionally evocative it is. I also find your writing very relatable because it is so open and honest.
I could identify with a lot of what you have written here. I am the middle child with much older brothers and much younger little siblings. Therefore, when I was wee, my brothers’ teenage behavior and other issues swallowed up all parental attention and I had to develop some independence skills. I found I liked the feeling of being capable so I actively sought out opportunities to learn how to do things for myself. I, therefore, became the capable one who needed less and so that perception became the parent-child dynamic. By the time my youngest siblings arrived, when I was in my mid-teens, I was basically fending for myself other than not paying rent to my parents. Indeed, I ran the entire household for a week and cared for my sisters when my mother was in hospital. There are times when I feel a flush of resentment over having grown up so quickly but the adult me also appreciates how prepared for life I was because I had those skills and the ability to be completely self-reliant.
I understand that feeling, Laura, my mother had mental/emotional challenges that left us older siblings to step in way before we were ready. When I left home for college, it was like I was abandoning my own children. One thing it did was delay my own interest in motherhood…I felt like…been there, done that ! I was in my 30’s when I reconciled that conflict, and had 2 babies of my own..who allowed me to experience some of that childhood that I lost years ago. Thanks for sharing. ❤️ It’s nice to know we are not alone.
I was 12 when I got my babysitting certification too. 🙂 Do they even do that anymore? Would anyone even let a 12 year old babysit these days?
I’m not sure about today, Mel, but at the time, it was a highly regarded program. We all got a lot of babysitting gigs as a result. Not sure today’s 12 yr. olds would get off of their smart phones long enough. ☺
It was required by almost every parent I babysat for. I can see that now, as a parent – how valuable that training was. 🙂
I took a steady babysitting job for a pharmacist that led to my first teen job as a soda jerk in his store. Benefits. ☺
What a year that was for you, Van. Thank you for being you, still, now. 🙂
Your middle school photo provided the inspiration for this one. Thanks for that post. ☺
You’re welcome, my friend.