Page 42 of The End of the Rainbow (Hudson 4)

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for a moment.

"Everything all right?" he asked.

"Everything's wonderful, Daddy."

"Harley's got some big decisions to make about

his life now," he said still looking after him. "I know. We talked about that. He's going to

see about getting into a school. You know how

talented he is with his construction art, and how he is

interested in planning buildings and bridges and

things. He could be good at it. Daddy. He really

could!"

"Okay, honey."

"Maybe you can help him. too. Daddy." "I'll certainly try," he said. "Just be careful

about one thing, honey. Be careful about your

investment in people. Too often, we are disappointed

in our relationships," he advised. "You've got to be

s

ecure about yourself first. Get your feet well planted before you lean in one direction or another. That way you won't fall on your face. You understand what I mean?" he asked, his eyes scrutinizing my face

carefully.

"Yes, Daddy. I do." I smiled. "You want me to

be like Mr. Oak Tree.

"Oak Tree'?" He looked out at it. "Oh. Yes,

that's it. That's it exactly," he said. Then he put his

arm around me as we walked to the house.

The next day was Harley's graduation

ceremony. He never looked more handsome. and Aunt

Glenda and Uncle Roy were so impressive in their

new clothes and styled hair, they attracted a lot more

attention. Mommy and I held hands, especially when

the graduates paraded in and onto the stage. After the

speeches, the principal began to call out the traditional

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