Chapel Veil, Empty Head

That little second-grader in morning mass wearing a Kleenex on her head because she lost her chapel veil was me.  Although I never missed a spelling word and my handwriting was perfect, I couldn't read or write a complete sentence. Momma would “tsk tsk” to her mother and sisters that I seemed like “such a bright child." I remained in the lowest reading group with mediocre grades. I was compared to my sisters and cousins and, although this sort of torment may make other children strive for goodness, I just clammed up and wondered if I truly was a Dumb Dora.