It was Jenny’s turn to be the Super Star of the week in first grade. That is a really big deal for a first grader. Her teacher set up a little revolving shrine for the Super Stars. The shrine would include some of the students’ favorite things, pictures, buddies, artwork, and notes from home. It gives the classmates a little glimpse into the home life of each kid, why they like certain things, and what their families looked like.
Jenny eagerly awaited her turn. She had already lined out the favorites that she wanted to bring to class. The teacher asked that she also include a couple photos of her family. Mark doesn’t get to the classroom often. He always said that anything to do with the kids and school was my job. I thought it was the right thing to do by letting Mark know that he may want to send a photo of himself to class with Jenny. We managed to get all the goodies to the teacher the week before Jenny would be the Super Star.
Jenny’s week arrived, and after the first day, she came home with some interesting stories about her dad. All her classmates wanted to meet him and see him in person. Jenny said he was the most popular dad in her class. I couldn’t imagine what could elicit such a reaction.
On the last day of Jenny’s week as Super Star, I found out why her father had become so popular. I picked Jenny up, prepared to bring home the items from her shrine. There, in the center of the display, was a 5×7 glossy photograph of bare-chested, grinning Mark, standing waist-deep in a raging river, wrestling a big fish.
What first grader wouldn’t be enthralled with a guy like that?
When the teacher had asked for family photos, I dug out a little 3×5 shot of myself and the kids on the first day of school. It was a simple little shot representing the three of us. I think I may have included a picture of our cat, too.
In retrospect, I have to wonder if Mark misunderstand the assignment. Clearly he thought he was that week’s Super Star.
Tags: all about me, child of narcissist, narcissistic behavior, NPD
