When I was 12 years old, Herman’s Hermits were coming to Oklahoma City on tour. “Mrs. Brown you’ve got a lovely daughter” was my favorite Herman’s Hermits song. If no one was around, I always sang the song as if it were about me so I changed the lyrics by adding my mother’s name – “Mrs. Cathey you’ve got a lovely daughter.” LOL! I don’t believe I’ve ever told anyone that.
Oh, how I desperately wanted to go but it 
was a “want” and not a “need” so I didn’t think to ask my parents. Besides none of my girlfriends could go. We were too young for a boy band concert!
My mother and her favorite cousin, Bob, were very close and loved each other very much. Both of their parents were deaf so Bob was one of the few family members who knew sign language and could communicate with my mother. She always thought of Bob as her younger brother.
Bob and his wife, Ann, have four children. When we would visit, my younger brothers would play with their younger children and I was entertained by their oldest daughter, Beverly. I looked up to Bev and loved spending time with her. She was a few years older, so grown up and incredibly smart!
My mother and Bob worked together at NuWay laundry in Oklahoma City, and he asked her if I would be interested in seeing Herman’s Hermits. He had a ticket for me and would pick me up to spend the night with his daughter, Bev, and her girlfriends. I couldn’t believe it! What a gift! Not only was I going to see Herman’s Hermits, I was going with girls who were older than me and already teenagers! Continue Reading
I found a voice teacher at a local university who gave private lessons. She was surprised when I told her my request. 
