I remember in my teen years the summer evening bon-fires the neighborhood
kids had, usually across the street at the David's place with several boys and Alma and
Kathryn David gathered around. Perhaps they were burning an old worn-out
tire, maybe roasting marshmallows, laughing and having fun.
Reinette and I could never join them because around 9:00 pm we had to be in--no matter what. If I happened to be visiting my best girl friend, Wilma,
Mother would call and I'd have to go in. I'd be terribly put out, really
angry, utterly frustrated, not being able to have fun.
I can understand now that Mother couldn't fall asleep with us out. No
telling what might happen. Mother and Daddy got up at 5:00 or 5:30 in the
morning and needed their sleep--but I thought I needed fun. She was very
firm. I would get as furious as she was firm, but she never relented.
Monteen, November 7, 1997
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