The Father Daughter Banquet(Martha Hume) It was late spring in 1967. There was going to be a Father Daughters banquet. To say the least I was down in the dumps my father tragically passed away the winter before. The feeling was more that of an orphan.
I don't recall having said anything to anyone about my feelings.after all I was fatherless and there wasn't anything anyone could do about his death or how I felt about the circumstances.
Mother had casually asked if I'd planned on attending the banquet. Her opinion was it would be a good experience for me. I agreed the banquet would be a great experience. Then I questioned where I would find a father.it is a father daughter banquet.
She said, if you want to go I'll find a father, or a surrogate father for the evening. I admitted that I would like to go. She smiled and said," leave the rest to your old mama.
" Mama" the second requirement is that the daughter must prepare her father's meal. I haven't a father or have I ever cooked a full meal for him or anyone.
She again suggested that I leave the meal to her. She smiled and said " Don't worry you'll prepare the meal and you'll be great. Mama knows a bit about cooking and there aren't any rules that say a mama can't help is there?
There wasn't
I thought out loud to my father, my surrogate father, " God, I pity the poor man." Whoever he will be, he doesn't know what mother and I are getting him into.
At the last possible moment my mother informed me that the substitute father would be my uncle. She sat the groceries on the table with several cookbooks. Your uncle,E.L likes seafood. You'll prepare baked flounder with a fresh salad. And another side dish. For dessert you will prepare his favorite chocolate moose.
Mama help: I don't know anything about preparing any of those dishes. You promised you would help.
I have that is where the cookbooks come in. I'll be here to help if there is something you don't understand.
What have I got myself into? I don't need a mama's help. I need a miracle.
Mother knew everything about the banquet and the awards ceremony that would follow. Together we had gone through the badge pictures in the back of the Girl Scout manual. Together she and I discussed the qualifications in detail. We had the conversations in normal teen adult tones. We discussed the requirements in elevated tones, and whispers especially when one of us disagreed that I had not completed every qualification.
I signed my name beneath each badge I felt I had earned. Mother then signed beneath my name confirming I had met the requirements. The scout leader then signed her name beneath my mother's. The signatures were a matter of honor." On my honor...."
My uncle arrived promptly at 7:30. He was dressed in his best suit. Being escorted to the banquet on his arm allowed me to feel like I belonged. The looks I received from the other girl scouts was jealousy. Several of the sister scouts complimented me on how young and attractive my dad was. I corrected the honest mistake at first but I soon changed to a simple smile and a' thank you "
The awards ceremony began after the last dish was cleared from the cafeteria table. I smiled as each girl's name and awards were announced. Each time I applauded another girl's accomplishment and my resolve to silently accept the truth, I hadn't participated in one scouting event except the day camp. I hadn't earned one badge. In almost any other situation I could console myself with " next year I'll be better. Junior Scouts was something I'd not have an opportunity to do over.
When Mrs. Johnson called my name. I hesitated that it had to be a mistake. My uncle rose to his feet and lifted me to my. Feet. " Go on girl scout go receive your award" I slowly walked forward to the podium.
My name was announced before each award was pinned on my sash. The evening concluded. With my having been awarded every badge possible.i could have whispered to Mrs Johnson " I haven't earned that badge or that one either. I should have upheld my honor, the honor of scouting but I didn't.
Mother had arranged for her press buddies to photograph the banquet and awards. I realized the local press was there in attendance when I became blinded by the flash and lights of the cameras.

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