|
We wanted my Mom and Dad to have a special 50th wedding anniversary celebration. Some 300 of my parents friends would be invited to the event which would be held in the reception hall of their church.
"And we thought you might do something in a little program we are arranging," suggested my sister Nancy.
"Sure, I'd be honored to say a few words," I naively replied.
"Yes, that would be nice." Nancy studied me carefully now. "And we thought you might play guitar."
"Play guitar?!?! Come on, I've hardly touched my guitar in the past few years ... and I certainly never played for 300 people!"
It got worse. I hate country western music. My father likes it. This difference in musical tastes was a source of some friction in my youth and the subject of a few jokes. As the concept evolved, the joke was on me. I would play an original country number. "The Ballad of Eldon & Clara" sung to the tune of "The Wabash Cannonball" which was always one of my Dad's favorites. The ultimate act of filial piety was unfolding.
The only way I was going get through this was by doing an "over the top" performance. As you can see from the photo above, I got into my role. A 10 gallon hat, chaps, cowhide vest, western shirt, western belt, boots, bandana ... I had everything but a can of Copenhagen in my back pocket. Oh yeah, and my guitar. I was not quite Gene Autrey, but decked out in my full Western regalia, I imagined myself a real singing cowboy. I just strolled right out into the bemused audience doing my best "Wabash Cannonball." I remember rambling on a bit on stage and then I launched into "The Ballad of Eldon & Clara" with its lyrics that were every bit as ridiculous as my attire..
Now, you have to remember this was a family affair. My sisters Nancy and Christy were not to be outdone and they had found some cowgirl attire themselves. They joined me on-stage after the first verse for a trio. On the last verse, the entire clan -- sons-in-law, daughter-in-law and grandkids -- donned their cowboy hats and came up on the stage for the grand finale.
Not sure if we would have made it in Nashville, but we were certainly a hit at the St. John's Christian church reception hall. On the last rousing chorus, it seemed the whole audience began singing and clapping along. Mom and Dad didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
It was a great moment. Our family was so together.
|
|
