39 Comments
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Robin White's avatar

You'll always be towering, Leah!

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Leah Garchik's avatar

Like our late avocado tree! Will text you!

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Claudia Scharf's avatar

I remember those elementary school days in Brooklyn quite well and I was the tallest girl in class until the sixth grade and then I was next to last. Loved hearing 'size. places'! I only made it to 5'6".

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Leah Garchik's avatar

Hope all’s well, Claudia. So good to run into you a few months back. Xx

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Lucy Gray's avatar

Lovely, and self effacing because while your height has always been impressive you are also a beautiful woman. But a funny woman, now that is the true testament, and you certainly pass that test!

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Leah Garchik's avatar

Aw, I am trying to comfort myself by remembering that Helaina was not funny at all!

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Eve Meyer's avatar

The EXACT same thing happened to me a couple of weeks ago! But I left the 5'0" world for 4'10" and it makes me feel inconsequential.

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Leah Garchik's avatar

Such a bummer to have to worry about one’s height! Xx

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Mark Hedin's avatar

well, *i* have always thought tall gals extra attractive

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Leah Garchik's avatar

IIntimidation is NOT your mode. And congratulations on that!

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Summer Brenner's avatar

Leah! What a fun read. As for the 'getting shorter' crowd, you're still taller than I ever was when I stretched to 5'6" although in 7th grade, I was the tallest (and skinniest) girl in the class. Thanks as always.

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Leah Garchik's avatar

And in addition to tallest and skinniest, I held medal for lack-of-need to wear a bra

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Margo Freistadt's avatar

Leah: You'll always be a giant in my book!

Sending love!

Margo

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Leah Garchik's avatar

And you to me! So great to see you and Lyn the other day

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Laura A Merlo's avatar

You’re a sunflower, not a violet!

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Leah Garchik's avatar

Oh you! Send a pic of the little one!

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Thomas Raher's avatar

A wonderful read and I can attest aging has that affect. For me (a man) there’s a bit of a variation on your theme. Yes I’m shorter but even worse the upper body once, not so many years ago, was robust. Now I weigh less than when I had to run to maintain. My top half is virtually skeletal while my waistline continues to expand. Life is a beach while waiting for the poof! Peace!😎

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Leah Garchik's avatar

All the more reason to relish every day (I always was a

Pollyanna)

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Trina Robbins's avatar

O my dear, you have no idea! All my life I have been the shortest one! At PS 121, I was always first in line, paired with Warren, the shortest boy (it was probably worse for him!). When I finally stopped growing, my full height was 5 feet two and a half inches. In supermarkets I've always had to ask people like you to reach for that quart of milk that's on the top shelf. And that thing about shrinking as you age? I am now five feet one inch!

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Leah Garchik's avatar

I will reach up and get it for you anytime, dearie!

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Tessa DeCarlo's avatar

I always wanted to be 5'9" but only made it to 5'8 1/2". I too was devastated when a medical check-up revealed I'm down to 5'7". But my big feet aren't any smaller, which seems very unfair.

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Leah Garchik's avatar

Small feet would just make standing too much of a challenge. I’d rather stride than mince

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Miltiades Mandros's avatar

I simply love short stories.

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Leah Garchik's avatar

Well hello to you! And thanks

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Jane Downs's avatar

I, too, stood in the middle of the top row all throughout grade school. My height gave me a kind of gravitas I was able to take advantage of. My mother at 5´11'' had to find special clothes or have them made. Now, there are so many tall girls including my athletic 5'11 daughter and niece and grandniece. At 5´7 I feel short.

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Leah Garchik's avatar

Yes, at 5’7” now I feel short, too! Xx

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Sandra Phillips's avatar

Terrific, as always, concise, funny and very true, S

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Leah Garchik's avatar

Oh you ARE a pal!

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Mark Hedin's avatar

... and been told that what i always considered my own modest height -- 6’1.5” or so -- could make me an intimidating presence in some situations. ... Me, physically intimidating?!? Pffft

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Leah Garchik's avatar

Xxx. A real blow to find myself shrinking!

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