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Summer 1951

Tommy Kizziah felt perspiration gather between his shoulder blades under the leather strap of his Gibson 335. From the bandstand he glanced out at the crowd of over two thousand fans.

Sounds of electric guitars being tuned, a fiddle bow drawn across its strings and the tam…tam…tam of the drummer warming up, echoed through the building. He waited for the radio engineer's signal to tell him when it was time to start the show.

The man held up three fingers… Tommy turned his attention to the musicians who were making their last minute adjustments. "Here we go, boys." Two fingers popped up, one… then the man pointed at the band and nodded.

The lively tone of Evelyn's steel guitar kicked off the group's theme song, Long Tom Boogie. Tommy smiled and stepped up to the microphone. His deep voice carried over the loud speakers to his live audience, and through radio speakers in the living rooms of thousands of folks listening at home. "A great big Saturday night howdy to ya', neighbors!"

An explosion of applause cracked the smoky, dim atmosphere of the hall. People of all shapes and sizes made their way to the giant hardwood dance floor.

"Welcome to Wagon Wheel Park, where we're coming to you live over KSLM. I'm Tommy Kizziah with the West Coast Ramblers, and tonight our special guest is Willie Nelson…

* * *

 

December 5, 1915

Rebeka Jane Hickey remembered the day she married Elick Alonzo Kizziah in 1903. Their small, dirt floored, four-room house, they still lived in, rested on the Tennessee river. It was the second dwelling on the road leading to Rockwood, TN from Jackson Landing in Roane County.

Janie, as everyone called her, was pleased her family lived so close to the first dwelling. Lon's mother, Lydia, and his three younger brothers occupied it. Why, you could almost throw a rock and hit Lyd's house.

She and Lon had four sons that she loved with all her heart. Isaac Enoch (who they called Ike), William Franklin (Bill), Jack Wilder (Jack), and Major John (Red). Two babies, born before Ike, died infant deaths. She'd been heartbroken when she lost the little things.

This day will be different, she thought, as she lay on the bed in her home, gazing up at her husband. His smile went from ear to ear as he held the tiny newborn in his arms.

"It's another boy, Janie. What do you want to name him?"

Lon didn't know it, but Janie already knew what she would call him. If it had been a girl, she would have named her Mary Lydia after her mother-in-law, but it was a boy.

"Thomas Henry," she whispered when Lon placed the bundle in her arms. "Thomas Henry Kizziah."

* * *

Sixteen months after Tommy arrived, she finally got the little girl she'd always wanted. Mary Lydia was born April 14, 1917. Janie felt life was complete.

One evening while Tommy toddled around, Janie carried Mary on her hip and listened to the music her family was making in the other room.

Lon played a lot of instruments, but that night he played the guitar. Jack, who was learning quickly, screeched out the tune on the fiddle and Bill, at eleven years old, plunked the banjo with skill.

She walked over to the old wood stove and checked the biscuits. Browned to perfection. She put Mary down, got a dishtowel from the counter top and moved the hot morsels to the table. Beans and biscuits wasn't the best meal in the world, but it would fill their bellies.

Stifling the cough that threatened to rack her lungs she hollered over the music, "Okay, supper's ready!"

The family filtered into the small room, taking their seats one at a time. Janie gazed at the scruffy brood. She loved each and every one of them. She only wished she felt better so she could join in more of the fun.

Oh, she could still play the organ, but singing had been too hard the last few weeks. Every time she tried to take a deep breath, she'd cough.

Taking her seat she looked at her husband. "Lon, I think I should go into town and see the doctor. I can't seem to shake this cold. Maybe he has some medicine he can give me. Do you think we can afford it?"

Lon dipped his biscuit into his beans and took a bite. "We'll make do. I'll take ya' in to see the doc tomorrow, Maw can watch the young'uns."

"Why don't y'all take Tommy in with ya. See if ole doc can do anything for that cocked eye of his," Bill chided, laughing.

Janie found herself always defending her youngest boy. "Now you leave that baby alone. He ain’t even two years yet. Maybe his eye will fix itself."

"Mamma, you know that aint gonna happen," Ike said.

"Well, it might if we pray hard enough about it."

"I think he's retarded. Why, he cain't even talk right yet. You better pray about that, too, Maw."

She whacked Jack on the back of the head. "You boys stop it right now. You'd better be the ones prayin'… for forgiveness. Talkin' about your brother like that. One of these days he'll be big enough to take care of himself. I bet you don't talk bad about him then."

The cough couldn't be stopped this time. She covered her mouth with her hand. It burned deep in her lungs when she finally caught her breath.

"Yep, we'll head out for town first thing in the mornin'," Lon announced.

* * *

"Well, what do ya' think, Doc?"

"She's got pneumonia, Lon. I'm going to give her some medicine that will make her some better. Actually, I feel like she's been through the worst of it already. You have one tough woman there."

Janie joined her husband and the doctor in the small office opposite the even smaller examination room. "Did I hear you say pneumonia?"

Lon put his arm around her shoulders. "Yep, but he's givin' you some medicine to help ya."

"You need to rest, Janie," the doctor warned, peering at her over his wire-framed spectacles. "I know you've got those babies, but the bigger boys can help you watch them. Lyd, too." He glanced at Lon. "You'll make sure she gets some rest, won't you?"

"Yes, sir, I'm sure Maw will watch the babies. I'm gonna leave in a couple of weeks. It's time for the medicine show to come through and you know I play and sing on it every year. This year I'm takin' Bill and Jack with me."

"I think she'll be okay by that time. Just a few days rest is all she needs. Like I said, she's already over the worst of it."

Lon pulled a few dollars out of his pocket. "How much do we owe ya, Doc?"

The old man scratched his head. "I know you're working at the Strickland farm, but are you still doing carpentry work on the side?"

"Sure’nuff."

"Did you see that the roof on my porch out front is trying to fall down?"

"I noticed it."

"How about you fix that for me, and we'll call it even."

A smile crossed Lon's lips. "That sounds good. The boys and me’ll be here Saturday mornin’. It’ll only take a few hours.”

The doctor offered a handshake. “Good enough.”

Janie followed her husband to their old battered pickup. She climbed onto the dusty seat then shut the door. “I’m feelin’ better already. Just knowin’ the worst is over eases my mind.”

“Doc was right you know. You are a tough gal. You’ve been sicker than a dog, and didn’t stop doin’ what you needed to do. I love ya’, Janie.”

A grin lifted the corners of her mouth. She knew Lon appreciated her. “I love you, too.”

* * *

When the medicine show wagon pulled in front of the house, Janie's heart sank. It was time for most of her family to leave for the summer. She felt a tug at her skirt as Red stood shyly behind her. Tommy, being the inquisitive two-year-old, had climbed up the wagon steps before she could catch him. "Jack, get T.H. would you?"

"Sure, Maw." Jack took his youngest brother by the arm. "Come on Tom, you cain't go with us. This trip is only for big boys."

Janie imagined Jack did feel pretty grown up because he was getting to go on his first show. For an eight-year-old boy, he was a responsible child, and wanted to make his daddy proud. Her too, of course, but his daddy was his idol.

Lon placed the last of the supplies into the wagon. Taking long strides, his tall frame got closer to her. He was such a handsome man, and her boys would be too.

“It’s time to go, Janie. You let Maw help ya with the little ones. I’ll send ya money when I can. The more tonic we sell, the more we make, and I’m hopin’ that havin’ the boys with me will inspire folks to buy.”

“How long do you think you’ll be gone? You know this is the first time I’ve ever been away from the Jack and Bill.”

He put his arms around her and pulled her close. “We’ll be back in a few weeks.” Humor shined in his eyes. “The boys’ll be fine and so will you. Ike will be here to be the man of the house while I’m gone, and I’m sure the garden and the babies will keep you busy. The time’ll fly by. I’ll write ya.”

For some reason, she didn’t feel comforted, but she knew he was right. Time seemed to go by faster the older she got, and getting the garden started was going to be quite the chore.

Mr. Trench’s voice rang through the air, “Let’s go fellas, we got one more stop to make before we get out’o town.”

Janie looked into her husband's deep brown eyes and accepted his good-by kiss. “I love ya, Lon.”

He smiled and nodded. “Same cow bit me.”

Jack was already waiting on the wagon, eager to make his first trip. “Come on, Paw.”

Lon climbed onto the wagon, and it pulled away with half her family resting on its creaky frame.

* * *

Tommy and Red were in the corner with the musical instruments Lon hadn’t taken with him on the medicine show. For some reason Tom was fascinated with the old guitar. Janie figured it would do no harm for him to play with it. Even though two strings were broken, the four left on it could cause quite a racket when he plunked them.

Red didn’t have much interest in making music, but he loved to watch his little brother pretend to perform. So he sat quietly on the dirt floor and listened while, not quit on key but loud and clear, his brother’s sweet voice rang through the small dwelling.

“Jus a walk wif thee…” Plunk, plunk, plunk, “Jesus e my pwea…”

It was her favorite hymn and she was pleased he knew at least that many words. “T.H. you’re getting better all the time.” She hoped Lon would take the time to teach Tom the same way he did Jack and Bill.

Lon loved their youngest boy, but he thought he wasn’t as smart as the other boys. Everyone had thought Tom was retarded because he looked different, with his eye cocked up in his head, but he was smart.

A grin touched the corners of her mouth. Why, he wasn’t even three yet and he was trying to teach himself how to play the guitar.

* * *

Janie busied around trying to get the big meal ready. Today, her family would be together again. It was hard to believe summer had come and gone. Lon was right when he’d said the time would pass fast.

Mary was walking and trying to say Mamma. Tommy was talking good, but she was still concerned about his eye. She had hoped it would get better as he grew, but now she knew it wouldn’t. Maybe when he got older they could afford to take him to a doctor that knew a little bit about eyes. She supposed he needed spectacles.

Tommy jumped up and down on the rickety old porch. “Maw, Maw, here they come.”

Red and Tom’s little feet scampered away to meet the gang. She wiped her hands on her apron, picked up Mary, then crossed the short distance to the door. Her daughter on her hip, she stepped onto the porch and watched the wagon pull to a stop. Ike strolled out, said his hellos and helped unload.

Her heart beat wildly, as it always did, when her husband returned home from a trip. Lon stepped down and oh, what a sight he was. "Hello, husband." He approached, she gazed into his eyes and when he reached her, she put the baby down and gave him a kiss. "I've missed you something terrible."

He smiled and put his arms around her waist, "I've missed you, too, wife. How ya feelin'?"

"Better, the cough ain't as bad, and I can breath now. I'm fine, don't worry."

"Paw, Paw!"

Janie smiled when Tommy came toward them. Lon released his grip around her and lifted his young son in the air.

Twirling the boy Lon said, "Tom, you got so big while we were gone."

"Me big enough play music, Paw?"

Lon put the boy down and grinned. "Well, we'll have to see about that. Right now, me and you're brothers want some of your maw's home cookin'. We're hungry enough to eat a bear!"

Tommy, in his worn out hand me down overalls, toddled behind his father. He glanced at his little sister as she swayed back and forth and hung onto the porch so she wouldn't fall. "Papa's eat bear, Mary!" he proclaimed.

* * *

“Well, this is the last plank,” Lon said, then hammered the board in place. “It sure will be nice to have a wood floor this winter instead of that ole’ cold dirt.”

“I guess having Jack and Bill on the show with you the last two years really did help in sales. Maybe next year, Tom can go. He’s getting pretty good at singing, you know.”

Lon stood, then met his wife’s gaze. “Janie, you know I cain’t take that boy. Everyone’ll make fun of him cause he’s so ugly and they’d think he’s retarded. Besides, he cain’t play nothin’.”

“That boy is not ugly, he just has a bad eye/ He can sing, and the only reason he can’t play is because you won’t teach him. Before he was three he was trying to play, all by himself. He’ll be five his next birthday, and he’s smart, Lon, he can learn.”

“Hon, I’m not tryin’ to be mean, but I don’t have time to fool with Tom when I have to practice with Jack and Bill, work on the Strickland farm and do all my chores around here.”

“I know you do a lot, but you’re just embarrassed because of his eye. Maybe we should get him some eye glasses, or take him to a doctor somewhere and see if that’s what he needs.”

“Janie, it’s true, I don’t like it when folks stare at us because of Tom, but we cain’t afford no glasses. Hell, we just barely paid for this floor.”

Her heart filled with sorrow. He was right, they had enough money to last them through the winter, but that was only if he could work some, too. Ike brought in a little money from helping at the general store in town. She was proud of the sixteen year old. Even though he liked girls and had a few coming around, he always handed over his small paycheck to his daddy to help with things around the house.

“Okay, Lon, but you’ve got to promise me that when you have a little time, you’ll help Tom learn how to play. That doesn’t cost anything.”

Lon took a deep breath then released it. “Okay, I’ll try.”

At least that was more than he’d agreed to before, and that’s all she could ask for.

* * *

Spring 1921

The leaves on the trees were coming out in green splendor. Wild flowers bloomed in the fields and Janie struggled for each breath. Sometimes it was worse than others, and today the wheezing was the most terrible of all.

Last year she lived with the on and off again effort it took for her to breath, but this year it was more than she could recon with. That’s why Lon was taking her into town to see Doc. again. Maybe he’d have the outcome of the tests he’d done.

Lon was supposed to leave for the medicine show again in a few weeks, but she didn’t think she could make it without him unless she got some relief from the pressure in her chest.

“Come on, Hon, let’s go,” Lon urged.

Janie glanced at her mother-in-law. “Thanks for watching T.H. and Mary, Lyd, I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

Lydia Kizziah reached out and patted Janie’s hand. “You don’t worry ‘bout them babies, you just worry ‘bout gettin’ better.”

Closing the truck door Janie took a labored breath and replied, “I’ll be fine. We’ll see you later today.”

By the time they got to town, Janie was breathing better. When they reached the doctor’s, it was like nothing had ever hindered her lungs at all. She just didn’t understand.

They drove up in front of Doc’s brand new office. It was the first time she’d seen it since they finished building it.

Inside, the rooms were bright. The walls were painted white and it looked so clean. Doc even had a nurse now, and his wife greeted the patients.

“Mornin’ Janie, you feeling under the weather?”

“Actually, right now I’m doing good. It comes and goes. As always”

“Well, you two just have a seat. Doc will be with you shortly, he just has one more to see before you.”

Janie sat next to her husband in one of the new chairs. The cushions were soft and velvety and felt good against her body. If only she could feel this well every day, she’d be fine.

The nurse appeared. “Mrs. Kizziah, are you ready?”

“Yes, ma’am.” She followed the woman in the white uniform to a small room. Lon stayed in the waiting area.

The Doctor’s helper took a thermometer out of a vile of alcohol, rinsed it off in a new sink with running water, looked at it, shook it then studied it again. “Are you running a fever, Mrs. Kizziah?”

“I don’t think so,” Janie replied.

“Well, we’ll check it to make sure.”

Janie opened her mouth. The glass object was cold when the woman placed it under her tongue.

“Now you don’t run off, I’ll be right back. The doctor will be in shortly to give you the answers you’ve been waiting for.”

Run off? Was that woman crazy? Where would she go? Especially with that thing sticking out her mouth. She smiled at her own silly thoughts and soon the nurse was back. The doctor followed right behind.

The woman took the thermometer. “No fever, Sir,” she said then left the room.

“That’s a good sign, Janie.” He smiled and took her hand. “I hear you’re having a hard time breathing again. This has been going on since you had that pneumonia three years ago, hasn’t it?”

“Yes.”

“I think I know why. All of the tests indicate that you’re asthmatic.”

“What in the world is that?”

“It’s a disorder in your respiratory system. Bronchial asthma affects your lungs and such. You’re probably allergic to something in the air around here.”

“How come it never happened before the pneumonia?”

“Well, maybe that made you more susceptible to some allergies. It’s a disease that can come on folks later in life.”

“What can we do about it, Doc?”

“I’m afraid you’re not going to like what I recommend. I think I’m going to get Lon in here and talk to you both about this.” He left the room.

What in the world could be so bad that he wanted to talk to her husband about it, too? Was she going to die from this or something? She swallowed the lump in her throat and was relieved to see Lon enter the room with the doctor. She reached for his hand and his warm grip was comforting.

“Have a seat, Lon,” the doctor said.
“What’s this all about, Doc?” Lon’s deep voice sounded stressed.

“Lon, Janie’s got asthma. That’s a lung disease. She’s probably got some allergies to something in this area.”

“So what do we need to do?”
The doctor took a deep breath and met Lon’s gaze. “I think you should move.”

“Move?”

Surprise was clear in her husband’s voice. Surely the doctor wasn’t serious.

“That’s right, move,” the doctor repeated. “It’s too wet here. There are too many things in the air that can make her sick. Asthma can be a killer and Janie really needs to live in a hot dry climate.”

Lon frowned. “Like where, Doc?”

The man didn’t ponder. “Texas, maybe?”

* * *

On the way home she tried to convince her husband that she would get over the sickness and they didn’t have to move, but he wouldn’t listen.

“Don’t argue with me, Janie. If the doc says we need to move to Texas, then we’ll go to Texas.”

“Lon, that will mean we’ll have to leave your mamma and your brothers. They’re our family, too. I rely on Lyd so much.”

“Hon, Maw will understand. You cain’t rely on anyone if you’re dead. Then our young’uns won’t have a mamma. Now, I know some folks in Dickens County, Texas. I’ve only been there once, but the air is dry and that’s where we’ll go.”

“What about the medicine show?”

“They’ll get someone to take my place, and I’m sure I can find a show to do in Dickens County.”

“But, Lon…”

“No buts! We’re goin’ to Texas!”

Chapter 2

Summer 1921

Not many trees dotted the landscape, and hot wind blew through the open windows of the truck. The boys had piled blankets in the back to make themselves as comfortable as possible, and they took turns riding up front now and then.

Lon watched the road and wiped a trickle of salty sweat from his face. It was only a couple of hours after daybreak, but it was already hot.

Mary was asleep in the seat, her hair stuck to her little face, and Janie looked pale and tired. Thank God, they only had fifty more miles to go before they got to the town of Dickens.

Lon prayed that moving to Texas was the right decision. Of course, as far as Janie’s health went, it was right, but he was worried about the money. He’d bought a truck he thought would make the trip with no problems, and with gas and food, he was down to his last twenty-five dollars.

It was too late in the year to find a medicine show to go on, but he was in hopes that he could get some carpentry work. Ike could work, too, and that would help.

A knock on the back truck-cab window drew his attention. When he turned, he saw Bill’s face. His faint voice forced itself through the glass.

“Paw, can we stop? Tom’s gotta’ pee, me, too.”

He hated to pull over, being as close as they were, but he had to admit he needed to stretch and Janie probably did, too. He motioned for Bill to sit down, then pulled to the side of the road. The roadside did little to protect them from being seen while relieving themselves, but there wasn’t another car for miles around.

It was quiet without the road noise and wind blowing around them. When he turned off the engine, the silence of the prairie surrounded them. The boy’s quickly jumped out of the truck.

“You boys be careful of them rattle snakes. There’s plenty of ‘em out here,” he warned, joining them.

Tom studied the ground. “I ain’t never seen a rattler, Paw.”

“Well, I’m sure you’ll see one soon enough in this country, T. H.”

“How much further is it to Dickens, Paw?” Red asked.

“Only another hour or so.”

“Good,” Ike said, “I’m tuckered. I just wanna lay down someplace and sleep.”

“Let’s get back in the truck and be on our way,” Lon instructed, “The longer we stay here the longer it’ll take us to get there. Janie, you ready?” He approached his wife and daughter.

“I’m ready, Lon.”

He was worried about her. She seemed so tired and weak. Doc has said the trip might be hard on her. Maybe after a few days rest she’d be better. “You okay, Hon?”

“I’ll be fine. I just lost my breakfast, that’s all. Must be all this riding that’s making my stomach do flip flops.”

He opened the door for her and lifted Mary into the cab. “When we get there, I want you to go straight to bed. You hear me?” He made his way to the driver’s side, started the truck and pulled onto the highway.

Janie brushed fine tendrils of hair off of Mary’s face. “I don’t know that I’ll feel right going to bed this early in the day. In a stranger’s house no less!”

“Now, Ossie McCoy said they had plenty of room for us. They have an upstairs to their house and said we could stay up there ‘till we find us a place. Don’t you worry about nothin’. You just get well.”

She inhaled a deep breath. “It sure is nice to be able to breathe. I noticed earlier this mornin’ that the weight on my chest is lighter.”

At that moment Lon decided that no matter what happened, if Janie would be well again, the decision to move was the right one.

* * *

Janie pulled the chain on the toilet. Pleased they found a house in only three weeks, and one with the luxury of an inside bathroom and electricity, something they’d never had before. The landlord promised to let Lon and the boys work off the rent until real jobs could be found. The folks in Texas seemed real nice.

However, all of their kindness couldn’t hide the fact that she’d just lost her breakfast again. She recognized the signs and had to break the news to Lon.

Rounding the corner then entering the kitchen where the family was finishing their biscuits and gravy, she took her place at the table. “Lon?”

“Um-hmm.”

“You know that crib we left behind. The one we didn’t think we’d need again?”

“Yep,” he answered, still unaware.

“Can you build another one?”

“Sure, who nee-“

The look on his face told her he understood. “That’s one reason the trip was so hard on me. I’m going to have another baby.”

Mary clapped her hands. “Baby! Baby! Momma have baby!”

Lon put his last bite in his mouth, chewed then swallowed. “Janie, I cain’t say this is great news, but we’ll just have to make the best of it. When do you think it’ll come?”

“I’d say early spring. Maybe even February.”

He glanced around the wooden kitchen table at their six children. “Guess I’ll have to build a highchair, too,” he claimed with a smile.

* * *

Spring 1922

Tommy was excited for the new baby to come. It was fun playing with Mary, but he hoped he’d get a little brother. He was tired of being the youngest boy and getting made fun of all the time. Why did his stupid ole eyeball have to be funny, anyway?

All he wanted to do was play music like his brothers. His daddy didn’t have time during the winter to teach him how to play the guitar, and soon the baby would come, then it would be time for them all to leave on the new medicine show. He was going on seven years old now, so he guessed he’d just have to learn by himself.

“Thomas Henry! What you thinkin’ about, boy? I’ve been callin’ you.”

The deep voice startled him. “Sorry, Paw.”

“Go tell Ike to fetch the midwife. You’re mamma’s gonna have the baby.”

Tommy couldn’t seem to move his feet. The baby was coming!

“Move, boy!”

With a little prod from his paw, he scurried through the house, out the front door, jumped off the porch and ran toward his oldest brother. “Ike, Ike!”

Ike was bent over under the hood of an old car he’d just bought. He rose up and wiped his hands on a cloth. “What is it, Tom?”

He fought to steady his breathing. “It…it’s maw! She’s havin’ the baby. Paw said for you to go get the midwife.”

Putting the hood down, Ike said, “I hope this old jalopy will make it over there and back.”

“Take Paw’s truck, Ike. Just hurry!”

“Tom, you need to calm down,” Ike commented as he got into the car. “Maw’s had plenty of babies, she’ll be fine.”

“Yeah, but I ain’t never had a little brother before.”

Ike smiled. “Odds are it’s another girl, Tom,” he said and started the engine. “I wouldn’t get my hopes up if I were you.”

Tommy’s stomach filled with butterflies. What if it was a girl? Then he’d still be the runt boy. No, it was a boy he just knew it. “Shut up, Ike. I’m havin’ a little brother!” He turned and ran back to the house.

Tommy sat impatiently and waited for the baby to be born. What was taking so long? Whatever it was, it didn’t seem to bother Bill and Jack. They were making music like nothing else was going on. Red was playing a silly game with Mary, and Ike was off with some girl.

Tom looked up. What was that noise? He scooted closer to the edge of the couch and listened. Was it? It was! “Hey, the baby’s cryin’. Listen, he’s here!”

Silence filled the living room when Bill and Jack put down their instruments. Sure enough, Tom heard the baby’s cry again. “See, I told ya,” he boasted to his siblings and hopped off the couch. “I’m gonna go see if it’s a boy!”

Jack put his hand on Tom’s shoulder. “You’d better stay outta’ there till they’re done. Paw’ll have your hide.”

At that moment, Tommy heard the bedroom door open and out stepped his paw with a bundle of blankets in his arms.

“Is that the baby, Paw?”

“Sure is, Tom.”

“What is it, Paw, a boy or a girl?”

“You got your wish, son, it’s a boy. His name is T. J.”

Tommy jumped up and down. He knew it, he just knew it. “I have a little brother! Yippee.”

* * *

Fall 1923

Tom lay quietly, but wide awake, next to his brothers in the small bed. He couldn’t stop shivering. His Maw had said it was colder than usual for November, but his quaking was because of the commotion going on in his Maw and Paw’s room.

Once again, he and his siblings were waiting for a new brother or sister. This time it had decided to come in the middle of the night.

T.J. was almost one and a half years old now, and he was already talking good. Tom loved his baby brother, but he was kind of jealous because everyone always talked about how smart T.J. was.

All of Tom’s brothers were smart. He was too, but nobody would give him the chance to prove it. According to everyone but his Maw, even Mary was smarter than him.

His Maw had confidence in him and that had always helped him get past the ribbing. When his Paw and brothers were gone on the medicine show that summer, his Maw would sometimes play the organ and let him try to strum along on the guitar. He knew a couple of cords already, but someday he’d know them all… someday.

The baby’s cry rang out. Tommy squirmed with excitement and wanted to jump out of bed to go find out if it was a girl or boy, but he knew he’d have to wait until morning.

Sleeping was impossible and as soon as the sun rose over the horizon, Tommy was up. He always had to sleep between Red and Jack. Ike and Bill had their own bed, and Mary got to sleep in their folks’ room. He crawled real easy over Red and tiptoed out to the living room.

The smell of coffee in the kitchen told him a grown up was there. He peeked around the corner and saw the midwife standing with her cup in hand. Squaring his shoulders, he entered the room. “Mornin’ ma’am.”

“Mornin’”

“How’s my Maw?”

“Oh, She’ll be down for a few days ‘cause, forty-four years is a little old to be haven’ babies, but she’ll be fine” she smiled and glanced down at him. “You sure are up early.”

“Couldn’t sleep. Too excited to know if I have a little brother or little sister, ma’am.”

She smiled and placed her cup on the counter. Her eyes were kind when she bent down and met his gaze.

“You have a little sister, and her name is Margie. Margie Faye. She’s cute as a button.”

“A girl! I cain’t wait to tell Mary. She’ll be so excited she ain’t gonna be the only girl anymore. Now me and T.J. won’t have to play dolls with her.”

“Well, isn’t that a nice gift to get for the holidays? Why, Thanksgiving is almost here and then Christmas is soon to follow.”

“I never thought of it that way. A little sister for Christmas.” He furrowed his brow. “Ummm…I’d rather have a guitar.”

* * *

Music filled the room. It was Christmas day. The Kizziah’s had never had a Christmas tree, and that year was no different. Tommy knew they’d be lucky if his folks could even afford a new pair of shoes for each of them.

His baby sister lay on the floor on a pallet made of quilts and Mary was goo-gooing over her, as always. The baby hadn’t been feeling too good lately, she was kind of a weakly little thing, but today she was acting okay.

Aromas of fresh baked pumpkin pie drifted through the house. Even if he never got gifts, his Maw always had a big Christmas dinner. It was the feast of the year at their house and his favorite.

He tapped his foot to the beat and sang along under his breath. Mary was already singing with the family, and she was only six. But that was okay. He just loved being around music. How could Margie sleep through the noise? He guessed that’s what babies did best. Sleep.

Between songs, Tommy’s mother came from the kitchen pushing up the hair that had fallen from the bun atop her head. “Lon, the meal’s almost ready.”

“Okay, Hon. Think we got time for one more song?”

“One more, and that’s it.”

“Tom, come ‘er, boy.”

It took a few seconds to realize his Paw was talking to him. He glanced over at the tall man holding the banjo. “Huh? What? Me, Paw?”

“Ain’t your name Tom?”

“Yes, sir, yes sir it is.”

“Well, get over here.”

He didn’t understand why he was in trouble, but he slowly joined his father and brothers in the corner where they always played.

“T. H., your Maw told me you’ve been tryin’ to sing a little. Play a little guitar, too. Is that right?”

What? He was in trouble for trying to play and sing? He looked up at his Paw.

“Well? Speak up, boy. Is it right?”

“Y-yes, sir,” he answered and swallowed hard when his Paw took off his banjo. He just knew he was gonna get a thrashin’.

His heart pounded and he fought the urge to run and hide. He’d only had one spanking from his Paw, but that was enough, he didn’t want any more. Especially one he didn’t do nothing wrong to get!

Stretching to reach way back behind the other instruments, his Paw picked up a guitar Tom had never seen before. He glanced over at his Maw who was smiling. What was going on? He looked back at his Paw.

“It’s not brand new, Tom,” Lon said. “But it ain’t banged up or nothin’.”

He couldn’t believe his ears. Was his Paw going to give him a guitar? He forced himself to breathe as he listened to the older man strum the strings and make sure they were in tune.

“I got it at the pawn shop in town. The man gave it to me for three dollars.” He held the freshly tuned guitar out to his son. “It’s all yours, T. H.”

Tommy blinked back the tears in his eyes. His brothers would make fun of him if they saw him cry. “Mine, Paw? All mine?” He took the instrument and hoped the smile on his face told his folks how happy he was. His mother’s hand was warm on his shoulder.

“You’ve been wanting that for a long time, T. H. Now you can learn all the songs you want,” Janie said.

“That’s right,” Lon added in a happy, booming voice. He lifted a big box wrapped in plain brown paper. “We got us, right here in this box, a brand new Victrola Phonograph player, y’all. Made by the Victor Talking Machine Company. He pulled the paper off the box and opened it. “This is a gift for the whole family and there will be no fussin’ over it. First time I hear arguin’, y’all won’t be able to use it anymore. Understand?”

Voices of all pitches, from around the room answered in unison, including Tom’s.

“Yes, Paw.”

How exciting! He made his way to the couch, careful not to bump his new guitar on anything. The others weren’t paying any attention to him. They all wanted to watch their Paw hook up the new phonograph. He, on the other hand, only wanted to play his guitar.

Relaxing back on the cushion he traced the shiny wood with his hand. His Paw really had bought him his own guitar for Christmas. This time he didn’t blink back the tears. He allowed them to silently roll down his face and find a resting place on his hand-me-down shirt. His very own guitar.

* * *

Tommy sat up in bed, startled awake by his mother’s worried cries.

“Lon! Lon! There’s something wrong with Margie!

His father’s quick, heavy footsteps pounding down the hall matched his own heart’s beating! The night’s darkness closed in on him and he was more scared than he’d ever been. He’d never heard his Maw’s voice sound that way before. What was going on?

“Lon, she’s rattling in her chest and can’t breathe very good. I think we need to get her to the hospital!”

“Okay, you get ‘er ready to go and I’ll get the car.”

The light switch clicked and Tommy squinted against the brightness but could still see his father standing in the doorway. He looked ten feet tall.

“Ike! Ike!”

Ike sat up and rubbed his eyes. “Yes, Sir?”

“The baby’s sick and we’re gonna take her to the hospital. You help your Maw if she needs ya. I’ll meet y’all in front of the house.”

Ike got out of bed and slipped on his pants. “Yes, Sir.”

Tom couldn’t help but ask, “Is Margie going to be okay, Paw?”

“I don’t know, T.H.. I just don’t know.” Lon turned and left the room.

Soon Tommy heard the slamming of the screen door and his mother’s instructions for his twenty-year-old brother. He truly hoped Margie would be alright. She was such a sweet baby, but this wasn’t the first time she’d been sick, and he knew his folks always worried about her.

He got up, walked up to the doorway and peeked out into the hall. He saw his maw go out the front door with his sister bundled in her arms. There was nothing he could do, so he turned out the light and went back to bed, even though he knew he wouldn’t be able to sleep.

Ike came back into the room, took his pants off and lay back down. He was a grown man, but still lived at home and helped take care of the family.

“Ike, I’m scared.”

“Don’t worry, Tom, they’ll take good care of Margie at the hospital. It’ll be daylight soon, that’ll make ya feel better. Then you can get up, but just lay still and wait for mornin.”

He hated waiting, but that’s what he did all morning was wait for his folks to come home. Then he heard the car drive up. Rushing to the door, he stopped at the screen and watched his folks get out. Margie wasn’t with them.

Slowly, he pushed the door open. By the look on his Maw’s face and the redness of her eyes, he knew the news wasn’t good. “How’s the baby, Paw?”

His Maw sobbed and his Paw just looked at him with a tear in his eye and shook his head. Tom knew their family had lost one of its members.

* * *

Summer 1924

Tommy placed his fingers on the guitar strings and strummed a chord. He was proud that the first thing he’d done was learn to tune the instrument. His father and brothers now gone on the medicine show left him more time to practice. His goal was to learn enough to be able to go on the show with them next year. He’d be almost ten years old by then and Jack started when he was eight.

The phonograph record sounded like it sizzled when he placed the needle on it, but soon the music would start and he intended to learn every word of the song. Yesterday, he'd learned how to play the tune, bein's he couldn't write, he'd have to play the record over and over again today to learn the words.

The act came naturally to him and he was surprised that he only had to listen to the words three times before he remembered them all. He played and sang the song all the way through one more time to make sure he had it right. When he was finished, he yelled into the kitchen, “Hey, Maw, can you come here a minute? I have something to show ya.”

His mother ambled into the room wiping her hands on her apron. “What is it Tom? I’m makin’ biscuits for supper and I don’t want the dough to sit too long.”

“Listen, Maw.” He strummed the guitar and began to sing words still fresh in him memory. He watched his mother quietly take a seat on the couch. A grin lifted the corners of her mouth while she listened to his music. He pushed the air out of his lungs and held the last note then made the last strum across the strings. He liked having an audience.

“Oh, T.H.” She covered her mouth and coughed then continued, “That was beautiful!”

He put his guitar down and felt his cheeks get hot as he looked at the ground. “Thanks, Maw. I just learned it. I’m gonna learn a lot more, Maw. Then I’m going on the medicine show with Paw, if he’ll let me.” He looked up into his mother’s eyes. His heart fell to his belly. She didn’t think he was good at all, she thought his performance was terrible. “Maw, why you cryin’?”

She pulled him to her. “I’m just so proud of you, Tom. You’ve worked so hard and I’m telling you right now, you can sing the best I ever heard. You’re gonna be a star some day, I just know it.”

He leaned into his mother’s embrace; she always made him feel loved. He could only dream of being a star.

Chapter 3

Fall 1924

Tommy blinked back tears as he’d done so many times in the past. Why? Why was he always the one left out? “Mary’s gonna get to be on and I’m not? Why, Maw? I sing as good as she does, and I’m older?”

“T.H., I know you want to be on your daddy’s new radio show, and I don’t blame you for being upset, but we’ve got to get to Lubbock. The first show starts today.”

“I ain’t goin’, Maw. There’s no need. I’ll stay home and listen to the show from here.” She put her hand under his chin and forced him to look at her. He couldn’t stop the tears any longer.

“Now, Tom, your day will come. I know it will. It just won’t be today. You know I think you’re the best, but this is your Paw’s show, and he says who’s on.” She took her hand away and placed it to her mouth to cover it through her coughing spell. When she caught her breath she continued. “Come go with us, it’ll be fun, you’ll see.”

It was true, it would be fun going into a radio station, and he’d never been to Lubbock. Maybe if he went, his Paw would change his mind and let him on the show. He took a deep breath and made up his mind. “Okay, Maw, I’ll go.”

“Good. Now let’s get. Everyone’s in the car but us.”

The ride to Lubbock was uneventful. Every one practiced their singing parts for the radio show, but Tommy just sat there and listened. He knew he could add to the sound, by harmonizing, but he didn’t even try. When he’d asked his Paw one last time if he could join them on the show, he’d flatly said no.

Tommy didn’t want to push it. His feelings had already been hurt enough and he wasn’t going to give anyone a chance to do it more. Bill was seventeen years old now, and didn’t rib him too much, but Jack was fourteen, Red was eleven and they both liked to give him heck.

Finely they reached a tall building. “This is it, y’all,” Lon said. “You boys get the instruments out of the trunk then I’ll park the car.”

They all piled out. Tom missed the truck, at least they could ride in the back and he didn’t feel like he was squashed in a can of sardines, but it broke down, and this was what his Paw bought.

“Hey, Jack, let me get paw’s guitar, okay?”

“Sure, Tom, here.” Jack handed him the case. “Just wait right inside the door there.”

His pulse thumped. A real, live radio station, man, he couldn’t believe it. And he was about to see it. “Okay, Jack.” He smiled and carried the guitar case inside the tall building. As he glanced around, he didn’t see anything that looked like a radio station to him. Maybe they were in the wrong place.

The door opened and the rest of his family entered. “Hey, Paw, I don’t see no radio station.”

“That’s because it’s on the third floor, T.H. We have to take the elevator.”

“Wow, I ain’t never been on an elevator before.”

It felt like they zoomed up and Tommy almost lost his stomach. A bell dinged and he looked up at the numbers. He knew his numbers pretty good, so he could read the number 3 that was lit up.

“This is it.” Lon said as the door opened.

Everyone stepped out, but when Tommy got out, his paw stopped him.

“T.H., you stay on the elevator.”

“But why, Paw?”

“Lon, what are you doing?” Janie asked.

“Hon, we cain’t have Tom going in the radio station.”

“And why not?”

“I know it sounds awful, but people will be starin’ at him because of his eye.”

“You can’t be serious.”

“I’m sorry, but I am. Now let’s go.” He took Janie’s arm. “Tom, the show is only fifteen minutes long and it is going to start soon, so we won’t be long. You just stay here and be good.”

Tommy didn’t fight the tears this time, he couldn’t. He’d never felt this way before. It was something in his chest, kind of the same thing that happened to him when Margie died.

“But, Paw…”

“No buts T.H. you mind me.”

Janie jerked her arm away from her husband’s grasp. “If Tom doesn’t go, I don’t either.” She turned on her heals and got back on the elevator. “We’ll be in the car.”

“Suit yourself,” Lon said, and walked away.

The door slid shut and Janie handed Tommy her handkerchief. “I’m so sorry T.H. I didn’t know your paw was going to do that or I wouldn’t have talked you into coming along.”

“It’s not your fault, Maw. It’s mine for being so ugly. Paw’s never liked me because of my eye.”

She bent down and took him by the shoulders. “Now don’t you say your Paw don’t like you. Why, he loves you, Tom. He just don’t know how to handle things sometimes. I love you, too. And you’re not ugly. Your are the best looking boy I’ve got. We’re gonna get you some eye glasses one of these days, and you’ll see, when that eye is straightened up, you’ll be handsome as all get out.”

The door slid open and daylight streamed through the windows of the front of the building. “Let’s get out of this musty ole’ place and get us some fresh air. My lungs are begging for it.”

She tried to stifle the cough that fought to get out, but it made its way to the surface just as they left the building.

“Maw, your coughin’s gettin’ worse again.”

“I know it, son, but don’t you worry about it, I’ll be fine.”

He hoped so. She was the only one who believed in him.

Wiping the last of the tears from his face, he promised himself he’d never cry again from getting his feelings hurt. That was for babies and he was a big boy.

Big enough that he knew he was gonna be the best of them all. He’d learn every song he could and he’d have his own radio show someday. They could just watch and see.

* * *

Spring 1928

“I’m sorry you’re sick, Maw, but do we really have to move to Oklahoma?” Tommy again noticed how gaunt his mother’s face looked and knew he’d asked a dumb question.

“El Reno is close to the town that the TB sanitarium’s in, T.H. You’ll like it there, too.” A deep cough racked her lungs.

“Yeah, I guess. Maw, what exactly is Tuberculosis anyway?”

“It’s a lung disease. I guess I’ve had it for a good while, T.H. We just didn’t know what it was. I’ll get to that sanitarium and maybe I’ll get well, but right now, you need to help me pack these things up, or we’ll never get there.

Tommy glanced at his guitar sitting in the corner. He longed to go and play it, but knew he had to help his mother.

“Maw, I bought me a new phonograph record the other day with the money I made helpin’ Mr. Tummons. I like it a lot and I’ve almost got it learned already.”

“I’ve never seen anybody as good at learning things by ear, Tom. You are so smart.”

“Thanks, Maw, it just kinda happens. A guy named Jimmy Rogers is singin’ it and it’s called Sleep, Baby, Sleep. The one on the other side’s called The Soldier’s Sweetheart. I’m gonna learn that, too. Soon as we get moved and all.”

“We’ll be moved in less then a week. I’m gonna miss Ike, he’s decided to go on to Oklahoma City to live. My babies are gonna be leaving me soon. Everybody growin’ up and all. We’ll miss Ike’s income, too, but Jack will be helping out and you’re paw’s already got a carpenter job in El Reno through his friend, Hank. So, you’ll have plenty of time to learn your songs.”

“I really like Jimmy Rogers’ singin’. I’ve never heard anybody that good. Cept me.” He looked at his maw and began to laugh at his own funny. She started to laugh too, but began to cough. It was a bad one and Tommy couldn’t do anything for her, no matter how much he wanted to. Through her labored breathing she struggled to speak.

“Say, why don’t you take a break and sing the new tune for me.”

“Really, Maw?”

“Sure. Matter of fact, I’m going to take a break to and sit right there on the couch and listen.”

Happy to let her rest, he picked up the guitar, made sure it was in tune then began his performance to his favorite audience. His mother. She was really the only audience he’d ever had, besides his little brothers and sister, but they didn’t really care. His Maw was his biggest fan and he loved her.

“And now, ladies and gentleman, from the stage at the Kizziah house I’d like to sing for ya, Sleep, Baby, Sleep by Jimmy Rogers.” He liked puttin’ on a little show, and his maw always seemed to enjoy it.

He took a deep breath and began the song. Janie tapped her foot to the tune. It had been a long time since she’d gotten to sing and he wondered if she missed it as much as he knew he would if he didn’t get to do it.

His mother’s applause always pleased him. “Thank ya, folks. Thank ya very much. Would ya like to hear another one?”

“I would, but I guess we’d better get back to work.”

“Okay, Maw.” He put the guitar back and began to wonder about something. “Maw, what is Paw gonna do with the little ones when you’re in the sanitarium?”

“Nig is going to stay with the Wamacks in Lubbock. But it’s for temporary, just till we get settled, then we’ll bring him to Oklahoma.”

“I’ve always wondered why you call T.J. Nig.”

She smiled. “I don’t know, it just a nickname. He’s my little Nig, that’s all.”

She didn’t want to leave her baby behind, he could tell. Heck, he was twelve years old now, he knew a lot of things. One thing he knew for sure was that he’d miss his mother something terrible while she was in the sanitarium.

They’d be living in a new town, a new house and she wouldn’t be there. He hoped she’d get to come home soon. Mary was a hard worker and would do a good job, but it still wouldn’t be like having his Maw there.

* * *

It seemed strangely quiet in the new house without Ike, Bill, Mary and T.J. there. He knew T.J. was seven now, and would be better off with the McKinnon’s in Rosebud, Texas. Maybe that way he’d be lucky and get some schoolin’. Mary was a ten and would probably get some education, too, be’ins she was going to live with the James’ in Chandler, Oklahoma. He’d been surprised when Bill announced he’d be movin’ to Mineral Wells, Texas. He had a friend there and this seemed like a good time to get on with his life. Heck, Bill was twenty years old.

His brother’s were growin’ up, his family was falling apart and there wasn’t anything he could do about it.

Tommy missed his Maw already and she’d only left for the sanitarium in Clinton, Oklahoma that morning. She wasn’t doin’ too good and that worried him, but he had his music as a comfort.

He’d worked hard at learning songs and it had paid off. His Paw told him that he could go with them on the medicine show. That is if his Paw could find a local show that needed them.

Tommy knew it was because in the last few months his cocked eye seemed to be getting better. It still wasn’t down all the way, and he couldn’t see good out of it, but it looked better anyway.

It could be, too, that he had to go because his mother wouldn’t be there to watch him and Red, but they were big enough now, they didn’t need anybody to look after them. He didn’t care, at least he would be performing for people and that was his dream. He only hoped a show in the area needed them.

Red ran through the door in a furry. “Hey, Tom, guess what?”

He’d never seen his freckled faced brother so excited. “What?”

“I get to go on the medicine show, too. Paw said I could.”

“But, Red, you don’t sing or nothin’.”

“I know, but I’m gonna take care of the instruments and stuff like that. Won’t it be fun, Tom?”

His fifteen-year-old brother was more excited than he’d ever seen. He thought about standing in front of all those people and for a moment his stomach had butterflies. Could he do it? He nodded his head. “Yeah, it’ll be real fun.”

Jack’s voice rang through the screen door. “Tom, come out here.”

Red ran ahead of him and jumped off the porch, happy in his own little world. “Yeah, what is it, Jack?” Tom asked.

“Paw said you had to mow the yard today. He bought a new mower just for you.”

“Oh, just what I’ve always wanted.” He hoped the flat tone of his voice told his brother he wasn’t thrilled. “A lawn mower. Does it have a motor on it?”

“Nope, just a push mower with blades on it.”

“How’d I know that?”

“Oh, stop snivelin’ and start mowin’. It looks like it might be comin’ up a storm and Paw wants it done today.”

“Okay, okay.” He started to walk away and felt Jack’s hand on his shoulder.

“T.H.”

What now? “Huh?”

“Paw found a medicine show for us.”

His heart jumped to his throat and he looked into his older brother’s eyes. No wonder Red was so excited. He knew about it already. “Really?”

“Yep. It only travels around here close, so we can come home often, and go see maw. We leave next week, that’s why Paw wants to get this place into shape before we go.”

“Yiiiiippppppeeeee. I really get to go on a show.” He wrapped his arms around Jack and gave him the biggest hug he could muster. “Thanks, Jack.”

“Welcome. Now go get started on this lawn.”

“Yes, Sir!”

He made his way to the shed and got out the shiny new mower. How could something that made you do so much work, be so pretty. It wouldn’t take long for it to get dirty after he got through with his job today.

Surprised at how easy it was to push in the tall grass, Tom let his mind wander. He realized that his father didn’t have to take him on the medicine show. Red was old enough to watch after him at home. He lifted the corners of his mouth into a wide grin and spoke to a butterfly that flew by, “He doesn’t have to take me, he wants me to go.”

* * *

“Tom, we need to get to practicin’ now, so come on in here.”

“I’m comin’, Paw.” Tommy grabbed his guitar and hurried from the bathroom into the living room to join his family band. He was all fluttery inside and had to pee. He guessed he was just too excited.

Lon pointed to an empty space between him and Jack. “Stand right there, son, and we’ll get started.”
He took his place and listened for further instructions.

“I’ll be playin’ banjo now since Bill’s gone, Jack’ll still play fiddle and the guitar parts will be all yours. You already know all the songs we do, don’t ya, T.H.?”

“Yes, Sir.”

“Then I guess we’ll be learnin’ the ones you know, so you’re in charge of this practice session.”

Tommy swallowed hard. He’d never been in charge of nothin’ in his life. His mind was blank, where would he start? Silence filtered through the room as his brother and paw waited for his instructions.

“Tom, you in there, boy? We’re waitin’.”

“Oh, yeah, a-ah sure, Paw.” He stood up tall and inhaled a deep breath. It was now or never. He cleared his throat and the words seemed to boom out, “This one’s in the key of C, it’s the newest Jimmy Rogers song called Blue Yodel - T-for Texas and it goes like this.”

He thumped out the first three notes on his guitar leading into the song… “T for Texas, T for Tennessee… T for Texas, T for Tennessee… T for Thelma, gal sure made a wreck outta’ me…”

The others picked right up on the chord progression of all the songs he did, and Tommy was rather disappointed when his Paw said they could quit for the evening. He felt as if he could go on all night long. “Paw, that was fun. How’d I do?”

“You did real good, T.H. Better than I expected. Just like your Maw said, you’re a natural.” He ruffled Tom’s black wavy hair. “I’m proud of ya. You took over like a professional. You’re gonna add a lot, T.H. I’m sorry I didn’t let you go before now, when Bill was still with us.”

Was his dad trying to apologize to him? “Ah, that’s okay, Paw, I understand.”

“Well, it was wrong of me to leave you out all them years, but you’re part of us now, and I’m glad.”

Oh, no, he couldn’t cry! Pride welled up in his heart and he turned away so his Paw wouldn’t see it if he did tear up. “I’m glad, too, Paw.”

That was probably the closest his father would ever come to telling him he loved him, but that was just fine with him. At least he knew it deep down inside, and could carry it with him the rest of his life.

* * *

“Pack ‘er up real good there, Red. We don’t want any of those tonic bottles to get broke.”

“Okay, Paw. I’m doin’ it good, just like ya told me to.”

Tom walked to the old, small, trailer Red was helping to load. He set his guitar down. They didn’t have that much stuff, but it was more than would fit in the trunk of the car. “Hey, Red, see the new case Paw got for my guitar? Well, it’s not really new, he bought it at the pawn shop, but it will protect it anyway.”

“Yeah, Tom, that’s real nice. Hand it here, I got just the place for it.”

He picked it up. “Now you be careful with it.” He handed it to his brother.

“I will Tom, I will. If I let somethin’ happen to this stuff, Paw would skin me alive! And I kinda like my ole’ freckled skin.”

Tom joined in Red’s laughter. He couldn’t remember ever being this happy and excited. He only wished his Maw could be there to share it with him. He’d got to go visit her last week and she looked bad. Really bad.

He’d never talked to God much, but his Maw asked him to, so he was sure to talk to Him every day about making her better.

“Well, that’s it boys. We’re all loaded up and ready to go,” Lon said.

Red looked down in his own little shy way. “Did I do good, Paw?”

Lon inspected the work. “I’d say you did a fine job, Red. Fine indeed.”

The redhead shot Tommy a sideways glance and a grin.

“Now, let’s get to it. Our first show’s tonight and we got a few miles to go. I hope the place will be okay while were gone. We’ll be home in about two weeks.”

Jack got to sit in the front seat while Tom and Red sat in the back. Tommy looked out the back glass as they pulled away from the house. He watched the old wooden trailer sway back and forth as it followed.

Usually all the folks on the show traveled together, but this time, his Paw had explained, they were all gonna meet up at the first show stop, then go on together from there. He couldn’t wait to meet the other folks on the show. He liked to laugh at the slapstick comedians and watch all the stuff the other performers did, but fellow musicians were going to be his favorite. Why, no tellin’ what he could learn from them.

He leaned back in the seat. Tonight was the night. He’d be in front of a live audience for the very first time. All of a sudden, he realized this is what he’d been dreaming of since he was a little boy. Now he was almost a teenager and it was really happening. His dream was coming true. He rested his head against the back of the seat, closed his eyes and his voice was just above a whisper, “Thank you, God.”

“We’re here!”

His Paw’s voice startled him and Tom realized he must have fallen asleep. Wow, that made the trip go by really fast. He’d have to do that every time, then they’d be there before he knew it.

“Let’s get this stuff out and all set up, boys. The show starts in just an hour.”

Tom wished he could have one of the sandwiches they’d brought, but there’d be plenty of time to eat when they were done settin’ up. He was hungry, but with all the flutterin’ his stomach was doin’ he wasn’t even sure he could get a sandwich down!

“Tom, put that right over there. Red, set that here.” His Paw’s voice vibrated with authority.

“I think that’s all of it, Paw.”

Lon glanced at the set up. “I guess that’ll do, then. Now when I start hawkin’ the tonic, you boys grab those bottles as fast as you can and push ‘em to the people. Be sure and get their money. That’s what we’re here for, to get these folks’ money. T.H.”

Tommy looked up to meet his father’s gaze. “Yes, Sir?”

“Think you know your numbers good enough to do this?”

“Yes, Sir. Jack’s been showin’ us what to do and how to make change. I think I can do it, Paw.”

“Good enough. We’re gonna start in just a little bit, so if y’all are hungry, now’s the time to grab a bite.”

A tall lanky young man approached them. “Hey, Lon, you got new helpers on this trip?”

Lon offered a handshake and smiled. “Greasy! Dad-gum-it, what are you doing in these parts? Are you on the show?”

“Sure ‘nuff. I got me a new partner.”

“He’s the straight man, ain’t he?”

Greasy cocked one eyebrow. “Course, you know nobody’s as funny as me.”

Lon shook his head. “Gotta be the truth, Grease. Hey, let me introduce ya to our newest member and our new, well I guess you’d call him our packer-upper. Tom, this is Greasy. He’s one of our slapstickers.”

He stuck out his hand and accepted the young man’s shake. “Nice to meat ya. Don’t think I’ve ever known nobody named Greasy before.”

“And probably never will again, Tom,” Greasy said.

“This here’s Red. He’s the only one of my kids that has freckles. Took after his Maw, I guess.”

“Howdy, Red.”

Red kicked at the ground and Tommy punched him. “Shake his hand, goofy.”

His brother raised his hand without raising his head. “Howdy.”

“Well, Greasy, it’s good to see ya, boy. I’m glad you’re on the show, but me and the boys better get us a bite before the show starts.”

“Okay, Lon, I’ll be seein’ ya. Nice to meet ya fella’s.” Greasy said as he walked away.

Tommy listened to his Paw’s words about food, and watched his brother’s head for the car, but he couldn’t. Hungry as he was, he was in awe watching the people gather. In a few minutes, he would be part of a full-fledged medicine show and would be playing music for them all. Would they like him? Would they clap for him the same as his Maw did?

His Maw. He wished she was there to calm him down. She always had a way of makin’ things easier, and he sure could use a big ole hug ‘bout right now. He shook his head and frowned. What the heck was he thinkin’? Hells bells, he was almost a teenager and wantin’ his maw. Man, if his brothers knew what he was thinkin’ they’d call him a sissy or somethin’. His Paw’s voice rang through his thoughts.

“Time to play!”

Tommy’s heart skipped a beat and he whispered, “Time to grow up.”

He grabbed his guitar and took his place on the small stage between his paw and Jack. He played a couple of chords, his paw plunked on his banjo, and Jack sawed a few notes on his fiddle. Sure they were in tune, his Paw stepped toward the people congregated in front.

“Howdy, folks! We’re the Kizziah’s and we’re here to make ya feel better. We’re gonna play some music for ya now. My boy Tom will be singin’ the first number. T for Texas. Tom?”

First! He was gonna be first? His feet were filled with lead and he couldn’t step to the front of the stage, but Jack gave him a little push and he moved past his Paw. Surely his heart was going to come through his chest it was beating so hard, and he had to pee, but he knew that wasn’t possible. His Paw’s voice came from behind.

“Okay, kick ‘er off Jack.”

He swallowed the lump in his throat and it was the first time in his life he was glad he couldn’t see that good. Not being able to see the people’s faces clear made it easier. When it was time, his mouth flew open and the words spilled out just like he knew what he was doing. “T for Texas… T for Tennessee.”

It felt great! And sounded good, too. When the song was over the crowd burst into applause louder than any he’d ever heard, and it was for him and his family. Pride welled up inside as he stepped back and took his place again. At that moment he knew, music would be his life.

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