awards. I was sitting there, feeling a little sorry for
Harley; I thought he would be almost invisible
throughout all this.
And then came the best surprise of all. His art
teacher had chosen him for the art award. Harley
looked so shocked, he didn't rise and had to have his
name called twice. It brought some laughter. I gazed
at Aunt Glenda. Her face beamed and Uncle Roy
looked genuinely impressed. He glanced at Mommy who smiled at him. He was too stunned to get up and take a picture. so Daddy moved quickly and snapped
it.
Afterward. Uncle Roy shook Harley's hand so
hard. I thought he might have broken his arm. Some
of the men he knew from work were congratulating
him, too, and he was basking in it. All of us took turns
hugging and kissing Harley. Afterward, as we headed
out to the cars and to the restaurant for our
celebration. Harley hung back with me.
"I've got you to thank for all this. Summer," he
said. "You thank yourself. You did it," I replied. We had a wonderful dinner. I couldn't
remember a time when we all looked more like a
family. Aunt Glenda seemed truly overwhelmed with
happiness she hadn't experienced for years and years.
For a few hours in time, she was able to put aside her
great sorrow.
On Monday. Harley did what he had promised
and went to see the guidance counselor to make out
some late admission applications. Two days later.
Daddy and I packed the van with my things for the
trip to my music camp. Harley had already begun
working with Uncle Roy on a project we were doing