Winning the Public Speaking contest turned me unexpectedly into a minor celebrity --temporarily. Of course all celebrity is temporary. But my mother, who had more imagination and faith in me than I ever warranted, decided immediately to capitalize on my newfound fame on behalf of my uncle Morley, her brother, who was pastor of the Baptist Church in Bridgewater, just about 10 miles south.
She informed me that Uncle Morley's church (to wit, the Ladies Aid group) were inviting me to come to their next meeting and present the Program--a presentation of "The Blessed Damosel.." I felt extremely proud and honored to be asked, until I found I would have to take the train down there by myself. I had never been on a train--I was petrified. That did it for me--no way was I going!
Mom was not deterred. She negotiated with my brother Frank (I believe some consideration was exchanged on my behalf) and it was decided he would make sure I was settled safely on the train. Uncle Morley would retrieve me on arrival. So I agreed.
Frank escorted me to the station, handled the ticketing. and even went on board with me, and after some deliberation on my part as to which window I wanted to sit beside, he got me settled in my seat. By then, with pocketbook and papers in hand, I noticed the train had quietly started moving, and by the time Frank got to the door, it was speeding too fast--he could not get off! He was stuck--he was going to Bridgewater with me, like it or not.
No comments:
Post a Comment