October 28, 2002
CYBERCOLUMN:
Married to fame
___By Brett Younger
___Carol and I recently went to the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in Belton for the dedication of the Parker Academic Building and Carol's first hardback book, "The Parker Years: A Bridge to the Future." This is from the book jacket of the official history of the presidency of Bobby Parker: "Carol Davis Younger lives in Fort Worth, Texas, with her husband, Brett."
___The minute we got out of the car, a woman with an official looking nametag was there to greet us. Carol said, "I'm Carol Younger."
___"Oh, you're the famous writer."
Brett Younger
___"Yes I am" isn't the kind of response Carol feels comfortable offering so she answered humbly, "I get a lot of that."
___I waved weakly, but the official was already whisking Carol away to introduce her to the chauffer who would take her the chapel— almost a block away. I was able to sneak into the vehicle just before the driver slammed the door.
___Official No. 2 spotted Carol as we walked into the chapel. (Apparently no throne bearers were available to carry her in). She called for the corsage girl to pin a Mary Hardin-Baylor purple and gold carnation on Carol. She then summoned an escort and said, "Please seat the famous writer Carol Younger in the second row just in front of the president's wife." She then noticed that Mr. Younger wasn't sure where he was supposed to sit. She had a well-I-guess-you-can-sit-with-her-if-you-must look on her face. The president's wife was delighted to see Carol and may have had some subconscious recognition of my presence.
___The convocation was pomp, circumstance, robes, funny hats, choirs and a brass ensemble. The president wore a big gold necklace with a medal about the size of the Grand Slam breakfast plate at Denny's. We did lots of marching, standing up and sitting down. We endured lots of introductions and recognitions. We even shared a couple of standing ovations started by faculty members who want to stay on the administration's good side.
___ At the luncheon, Carol and her guest had a reserved seat at the table with the big shots. Carol was the first one introduced. They did mention that her husband was the pastor of the historic Broadway Baptist Church. "Historic" always sounds the paint is peeling off the walls.
___Carol's book signing was the highlight. I stood four steps back and to the left. I only approached the table to set out more books or ask, "Would you like for me to get you some more water?"
___The fun part was hearing Carol respond to the people in line. One woman said, "Make it out to Ouida Mae." Carol replied, "You're Dr. Parker's third cousin from Little Rock" and they hugged. One of the strangest compliments came from a woman who said, "My granddaughter will be the first one to read this. She'll read anything."
___A man who had thought about it more carefully said, "I will have this read before you get home."
___ I love being married to a celebrity. I'm only sorry Carol will never know how much fun it is.
___Brett Younger is pastor of the historic Broadway Baptist Church in Fort Worth and husband of historian/author Carol Younger.
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