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Chapter III
(Middle School)
“A Few Bumps Along the Way”
In the early summer between elementary school
and middle school, we had our usual Memorial Day
Cookout for Keaton’s Birthday. As his birthday is on
May twenty-ninth we often combine the two outings.
Keaton enjoyed these cook-outs; members of both
his father’s family and his mother’s family attended.
Friends and neighbors also joined the party. The
age difference between Gavin and Keaton was more
apparent that particular summer, however. Gavin was
six years old and Keaton was eleven years old. It was
noticeable in Keaton’s growth and in his increased
mood swings. Keaton was not a typical pre-teen or
teenager. His parents would discover this truth later
when Gavin was a teenager.
In late August the boys went back to school, Gavin
to Critzer Elementary School and the first grade and
Keaton to Dublin Middle School and the sixth grade.
Keaton showed a real tendency to become attached
to his teachers. This is a trait that stayed with him
throughout Community College. It is less difficult for
him to communicate with adults than with persons
his own age. It still is today.