中学时代的一堂人生课

请不要嘲笑别人，因为也许他心中藏着难以言喻的隐痛；请不要嘲笑别人，因为也许他身上的可贵品质有一天会让你无地自容。

In sixth grade I had a nerdy1), homely teacher for first period—Mr. Pennington. He wore diapers2). Naturally, as 13-year-olds do, we made fun of him. Sadly, I participated. Most people whispered and giggled and some did so blatantly3) to ensure he could hear. He never flinched4).

One early morning the class had pushed all of the desks to the perimeter5) of the room and everyone sat on the floor drawing, cutting, coloring, and gluing decorations for one holiday or another. We all chatted and laughed loudly while Mr. Pennington stood precariously6) on a desk—one foot on the seat and the other on the table portion of the same desk—stapling7) our designs along the corkboard8) border above the chalk boards in the back of the class.

I was sitting with a group of girls very near to, but with my back to Mr. Pennington when someone whispered, "Wouldn't it be funny if he fell?" I turned my head and looked up at our teacher thinking, "No, not really." But wanting to fit in, I just snickered9) and nodded.

As soon as I'd turned to look at the cheesy10) artwork in front of me, there was a crash and loud thud11) right behind me. I jumped to my feet and spun12) around all at once. Whether the action was out of sudden fear from the noise or from sensing what had just occurred and knowing something needed to be done, I can't really say.

As everyone stared and mumbled "oh shit" under their breath13), I scanned the room to see who was sitting closest to the intercom14) button by the door. All at once the girls shrieked and I turned back to look at Mr. Pennington convulsing15) violently on the ground.

"Cedric! Page16) the office, run next door, and get Mrs. Johnson!" I shouted. He didn't hesitate.

I don't know why, instinct or watching too much ER17) with my grandparents, but I told everyone to scoot18) back. Mrs. Johnson came running in and that's when I realized the main office was talking over the intercom. I hadn't heard it. I was too busy staring in shock at Mr. Pennington—now lying on the floor motionless. Was he alive?

Mrs. Johnson barked19) into the air, "Call an ambulance!" Another teacher, Mr. Carson came into the room and ushered20) us next door.

After being stabilized, Mr. Pennington had refused to go to the hospital until he spoke with me. He thanked me. "For what?" I thought. He confided21) in me that he had epilepsy22). It dawned on me that this was the reason he wore diapers. I felt sorry that I'd ever poked fun at him.