High School Is An Option

Well, at least that's what daddy thought. He tried really hard to push his concept on mom too. He felt that when we kids turned 16 years old we should go out, get a full time job and turn the money over to him and mom to help pay for the household expenses. Mama said no. Bob was 16, I was only 13 so I wasn't too afraid of getting caught on this one. I guess that's the ostrich-head-in-the-sand syndrome that so much of America is caught in the middle of.

Mom fought her battle by finding out from the principal at the local elementary (Richard Boaden) what the current state laws were and eventually, armed with this knowledge and truth, Dad's bright idea was shot down and we kids were allowed to pursue our high school diplomas as a matter of privileges granted by the state and federal governments. Whew! Close call. Looking back I have a fuller view, understanding and appreciation for what mama went through. Bless her heart! She picked her battles, some more than others.

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