This is part 5 of a 6 part series entitled, “A Tribute to Mother.”

E is for Encouragement

I was marching in the parade. Wearing Iola High School’s heavy gray wool uniform, white buck shoes and carrying a big tenor saxophone. It was a very special day.

Too bad Mom couldn’t be there to see this. (She would be in Waupaca having her teeth pulled.) It was quite a trip to Waupaca (20 miles)and you always tried to combine two or three reasons to make the trip.

It was very hot. The drums rolled, I recognized the message in the beat and stepped out trying desperately to keep in a straight line with my row. Then, I looked up and there on the corner by the Methodist church stood Mom. One hand clasped over her mouth—the other waving wildly in the air.

Somehow-she made it anyway.

E is for Encouragement