May Day Memories

When I was in fourth grade, my teacher called me to her desk. She asked if I wanted to be one of the princesses in the court who rode in the May Day festival our schools put on each year.

I ran home and burst into the kitchen to tell my mother. The invitation was the biggest thing to ever happen to me.

She quickly hired a seamstress to sew me a light blue gown complete with a hoop in the bottom. The evening of the event, I rode in the back of an open convertible that paraded around the football field. The stands were packed with parents and the lights twinkled across the colorful Maypoles. I waved and smiled till my teeth hurt.

But my most vivid memory that spring night was of the Maypole Queen. She offered me her soft white stole to wrap around my shoulders when it got cooler. I remember thinking how nice this Senior was to me--a little fourth grader.

I never forgot her kindness.

I also will never forget the kindness of so many more experienced writers who have offered me great advice or a word of encouragement or places to submit during this writing ride.

So today I'd like to say thank you everyone for being the Kings and Queens in my court. Happy May Day!