Lee family in about 1966, Houston TX Usually, our mother's six children enjoyed singing together. But, not this time. She was teaching us an arrangement of the hymn "Love at Home." It was very complicated and taking a lot of time to work out. We had made such a fuss about not wanting to double parts that she had written it in six parts, giving each of us our own notes to sing.
Actually, we were demonstrating anything BUT love at home right then. Bobby (16) and Betsy (13) were impatient because they had homework to do. Barby (8) had a cough. Billy (6) would rather just be off playing. Bonnie was very little (2 1/2) and had to have a lot of coaching. And Benny (11) was always up to his shenanigans that disrupted the rehearsal. The arguments got to fever pitch and Mom called for back-up.
Actually, we were demonstrating anything BUT love at home right then. Bobby (16) and Betsy (13) were impatient because they had homework to do. Barby (8) had a cough. Billy (6) would rather just be off playing. Bonnie was very little (2 1/2) and had to have a lot of coaching. And Benny (11) was always up to his shenanigans that disrupted the rehearsal. The arguments got to fever pitch and Mom called for back-up.
Bonnie age 3, Houston TX about 1969 "TOM! DO SOMETHING!!!!"
As Dad marched down the hall, we all braced for a tongue-lashing. We could see the steam building up as he came closer. Just as he was about to let loose, little Bonnie looked up at him and very coyly said, "It's okay, Daddy, we like you mean."
At that, we saw the steam simply fizzle out Dad's ears. Then, we all started laughing. And then we started hugging. Bonnie had reminded us that we really did love singing together and we really did have love in our home. After that, we promised to continue our rehearsal without further bickering.
Wisdom out of the mouth of babes...
As Dad marched down the hall, we all braced for a tongue-lashing. We could see the steam building up as he came closer. Just as he was about to let loose, little Bonnie looked up at him and very coyly said, "It's okay, Daddy, we like you mean."
At that, we saw the steam simply fizzle out Dad's ears. Then, we all started laughing. And then we started hugging. Bonnie had reminded us that we really did love singing together and we really did have love in our home. After that, we promised to continue our rehearsal without further bickering.
Wisdom out of the mouth of babes...
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