Jasmine's Place Issue No. 3 - January/February 2013 | Page 8

In my wildest dreams, I could never have even fantasized that I, lisping little “Patricia Lynn Punchinello,” would receive accolades from stammering super star “Mel Tillis!” to fill their lives with homespun humour. Once inside my small dressing room, I lock the door, and relish the clicking sound of bargain-priced boots on mosaic-tiled floor. Lowering myself into the vanity table straight back chair, I look into the lighted mirror. Emotionally, I morph into six-year-old Patricia Lynn standing in front of my bedroom looking glass. I rehash the school day before… The kids say I talk funny; they laugh at me. I want them to stop. I tried to tell them! My words came out, “Thop it!” They laughed and made funny noises. Like snakes, they hissed in my face. “Ssss, Ssss!” A firm rapping on the door jolts me from painful self-talk reminiscing. I wipe away shed tears; standing upon shaky limbs, I go to unlock the door. An Opry gofer says, “Patsy, there is someone here who’d really like to meet you!” “Hi Paaa…tsy, Juuu…st want to tee…l you how muuu…ch I liii…ked your shhh…ow!” I stand speechless, staring into the compassionate eyes of Mel Tillis! He laughs heartily, sensing my shock and verbal paralysis. Daughter Pam steals him away, to attend an Opry Legends awards banquet. In my wildest dreams, I could never have even fantasized that I, lisping little “Patricia Lynn Punchinello,” would receive accolades from stammering super star “Mel Tillis!” Glad I stepped out then! Copyright © Pam Ford Davis http://teapottestimony.vpweb.com/?prefix=www JASMINE'S PLACE 88