GROWING UP AMERICAN: A Collection of Childhood Tales Page 12

  We did not however, tell my parents since John wanted to wait and speak to dad when we went home that year for Thanksgiving. After a delicious dinner of turkey and all the 'fixin's' Mom, Dad, John and I sat down to let the food settle and watch a John Wayne movie. Those of you who have been there know that my parents’ living room is rather long and a bit narrow. The couch takes up most of the back wall and then on either side of the room is a swivel recliner that faces the T.V. on the opposite wall from the couch. The movie finished and John indicated to me to get my dad's attention. I spoke up and said 'Dad, John wants to talk to you about something."

  Without missing a beat my dad swiveled his recliner around looked John in the eye and announced, "You don't want to marry my daughter." Needless to say John was unsure what to say for a minute but then he spoke up and replied, "Actually, Mr. Liddle, I do." Dad was ok with that but then Mom wouldn't believe us until we showed here he ring we had just picked out. Parents are funny sometimes.

  THE END or maybe just the beginning:

  They say we need to be in touch with our ‘inner-child’ and maybe that is true or maybe sometimes we just need to remember where we came from. The rest of my life began when I traded in my little golden horse for my golden husband. A man who has believed in me whatever I chose to do.