Readers: During a recent search of Jesse Bontreger’s locker, I, Caleb Morris, discovered a floral print booklet with pages upon pages of writing. Curious, I opened it up and was intrigued that it was Jesse’s diary, which he affectionately refers to as “Patsy.” Filled with interesting insights, this glorious booklet needs to be shared with the world.
Friday, April 19
Dear Patsy,
Life is grand. I find myself loving the little things in life: puppies, mittens, breathing. The week was off to a great start during Mennonite choir festival in Lansdale, Pennsylvania. I made some new friends and even met a few girls 😉 One in particular, Tiffany, told me that she loved my sweater. You better believe I turned five different shades of pink. How flattering!
My host parents were an elderly couple whose house smelled like cough syrup. Allergies kicked in and I ended up spending every night with my eyes watering, crying myself to sleep. Nevertheless, I made the best of it. The days were wonderful. I loved singing my heart out in the mass choir, especially to Randall Thompson’s “Choose Something Like a Star.” That song is one of the landmark pieces of our generation.
It was difficult getting back into the swing of school. Especially in the wake of the Boston Marathon bomb catastrophe, which clearly has the nation shaken. So much tragedy in our world today. Even the county-wide school threat that was supposedly going to take place on Monday had some of us worried. Nothing happened.
But, I’m happy to say that my week really picked up near the end. The Concert Choir received gold ratings at ISSMA contest, an impossible feat without my vocal expertise. Fish Fry is today, but sadly, the school won’t let me help out with it. I begged the administration to let me work, but they voted me down. What can I say? The sweat, the angry customers, the buckets of frozen fish batter… I’m not the same without them. I hit an all-time low in the main office, crying and pleading to Allan Dueck to let me work at least one shift. He asked me to leave.
I’m looking forward to spending a few relaxing evenings at spring sporting events in the next week or so, being the sports fanatic that I am. Maybe I’ll catch a fly ball at one of the baseball games! Wouldn’t that be swell, Patsy 🙂 I can finally redeem myself for getting hit in the face by a foul ball at last year’s season opener. Cross your fingers and let’s hope for the best!
Ciao,
Jesse