Sorry

By Doug Hawkins

The mistakes we make,

We have to live with.

The mistake I made, I can

Never forget. It will haunt

Me for the rest of my life.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse UK
• Release date: Jun 15, 2015
• ISBN: 9781504943789

Doug Hawkins

Douglas Hawkins taught elementary school for 31 years at a variety of schools in Southern California. He writes this book to highlight his experience as a D and F student in K-12 schools that went on to become a schoolteacher impacting lives of kids like himself. His practices as a new teacher and being the first male teacher at an elementary school site, shaped the story about the people, places, teachers and student experiences that are memorialized in this book.

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© 2015 Doug Hawkins. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 06/09/2015

ISBN: 978-1-5049-4377-2 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5049-4378-9 (e)

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

DEDICATION

I would like this book dedicated to all those carers and foster carers everywhere who give these kids a chance at a new life without the praise and recognition they greatly deserve.

It all started on the 11th of September 1997, not the most memorable day on the calendar, but it’s a day me and my family will never forget, the day that changed our lives forever.

My name is Jamie Moore I am 12 years old, I live with my mum and dad and my brother Tom. We live at 57 Greystone Avenue, Wickford, Essex.

Mum’s name is Jean she is 38 and is a dinner lady at our school, dad is 39 he is a painter and decorator for the local council, Tom is 2 years older than me he is not only my brother but also my best friend. We live in a quiet area not much happens but mum says it is a safe area to bring up children.

It was a school day just like any other, up washed and dressed, dad had already left for work, mum was upstairs getting ready, me and Tom were in the kitchen eating breakfast, when we finished.

Go and give mum a shout she’s always the last to get ready Tom said.

Just as he said it mum walked into the kitchen.

We all ready she said.

It’s you we were waiting for I said

Mum always insisted on walking us to school. I don’t know why it was only 10 minutes down the road.

Just in case she would say

In case of what we get knocked down abducted by aliens - get mugged I said jokingly.

You never know she answered.

Tom looked at me raised his eye-brows and smiled, I nudged mum she nudged me back and smiled.

When we reached the school gates Tom walked over to his mates, I ran over to mine who were sitting on a bench.

Bye then mum shouted and walked over to the school canteen.

My first lesson was P.E this was my least favourite lesson, I don’t like sports and I didn’t like the teacher Mr Jones a very large man who smelled of sweat all the time, I bet the only time he runs is to the dinner table.

As it’s summer we have to do field sports which is mostly just running round the track, while Jones’y sat on a chair and watched. After an hour he blew his whistle.

Right you lot hit the showers he shouted. About time I thought.

As usual he would be standing at the entrance to the showers (wierdo) I thought, he stood there with a tower in his hand, I didn’t like him and he knew it and I don’t think he liked me either.

I finished showering and went to walk out as I passed him I felt a pain at the top of my leg he had whipped me with the towel.

What did you do that for you spiteful bastard that hurt I shouted.

The whole room fell silent

What did you say Moore he said.

You heard that hurt I was angry now.

Right you lot hurry up and get dressed he shouted.

My mate Terry leaned over and whispered

You are in for it now

I don’t care the fat git I said.

We were all dressed and starting to leave the gym.

Not you Moore you have a date with the head he said with a sly grin on his face. Snidey git I thought.

As I sat outside Mr Sweeney the headmaster’s office I could hear Jones’y talking to him as if he were the victim and butter wouldn’t melt in his mouth.

I could hear footsteps down the corridor as I turned I saw mum walking toward me, he face was bright red I could see she was fuming.

Just what have you been up to now she said

Just as I was about to tell mum what happened the door to the office opened Come in Mrs Moore and bring Jamie with you said Mr Sweeney. As we entered the room Mr Jones was standing over by the window.

As you may or may not be aware there was an incident in the gym today said Mr Sweeney

No I am not mum replied

I will let Mr Jones explain what happened he said

He started to explain what happened and said it was a joke just a