Page 101 - Reason To Sing by Kelita Haverland

Chapter Sixteen

My mother always saw the performance spark in me. She
nurtured that flame with love, encouragement and a strong
work ethic. She was never a typical stage mother in any way.
She always taught me to believe in my dreams and to believe in
myself; to work hard and be the best I possibly could be.
I also witnessed the performer in her. Maybe that’s where
I get it. I will never forget the time she and Daddy dressed up
for a Halloween party. She wore ugly old green pants tucked
into brown leather boots, a red checkered flannel shirt and a
black wool toque. She blacked out a few teeth, painted on a
fake mustache and chomped on one of Daddy’s pipes. How
my father managed to fit into her pink Klondike Kate dress,
I’ll never know. He did not make a very good-looking woman,
even with the ruby lips, thick mascara and blonde wig. He was
such a good sport wearing those high heels. I’m not sure how
he ever walked in them.
My mother is not only funny but bright, intelligent and a
good businesswoman too. She also has a very big heart. When
we lived on the ranch, we’d often find someone in trouble,
sitting at our kitchen table receiving financial help.
Recently she has been wanting to buy a car for me and
some diamond stud earrings. I have the feeling these are gifts
she wants to give me now because she knows she won’t be able
to give them to me later. Maybe they are for my graduation?
Or even my wedding? I don’t want to think about that; it’s way
too sad.
My mother has always had a great passion for our family
and its 4th generation Canadian roots. She adorned our
walls with yellowed, black and white photos of our great
grandparents and aunts and uncles. Some are on horseback and
some in a studio. These folks are all without smiles and all have
crazy hairstyles and very proper outfits. She tells me stories

87