THE SIXTH CALLER
“The sixth caller will get the chance to win today’s special prize!” The voice crackled through the cheap speakers on my brother’s radio. I’d listen before school every day to that pathetic radio station. Sure it’s easy to call it pathetic at this perspective, but all those years ago, nobody was more pathetic than me as I raced to the telephone.
I’d tried so many times before to get on the radio, I really knew it was an exercise in futility, but I still bucked the odds. This contest was a little different; whoever the particular “winner” was had to show off some kind if talent in order to win the prize.
It had been a year or two since the band teacher gave me the ultimatum, “Band or sports – you can’t do both!” I quickly retired the old hand me down horn that my older brother had played. It was cracked and tarnished… a washed out horn. I always suspected that’s why it never got me above second chair…
“You’re the sixth caller! – What’s your name?!” The voice boomed in my the phone and over the speakers. I was aghast! I couldn’t believe I’d won! Or was on my way to… After the local disc jockey learned my info and special “talent,” he told me to hold the line while they went on advertisement break.
The DJ told me as soon as he introduced me after the break to begin playing my trumpet. While I was on hold I began to get nervous… I mean really nervous. I still played the trumpet alright, but when my older brother, who is one of those people who just seems to be great at everything, volunteered to play for me, my mind raced.
Split second dilemma… Play myself or let my brother bail me out and make me look like a hero. I quickly handed the trumpet to my brother as I held the phone. “Okay, are you ready?!” Came the overly exuberant voice. “Yes,” I timidly spoke up. “Okay! – Heeeeeeere goes! – Hit it!!!!”
My brother took a deep breath, pressed his lips to the mouth piece and began as I stood holding the phone. I was a little nervous because it had been so long since he’d played, but this was my brother we were talking about. He was just barely too heavy to walk on water!
My brother blew hard… Too hard… His fingers began to dance quickly on the three valves. Before it could register what was happening it was over… My brother had done some type of elephant impression… The DJ laughed at me and quickly hung up the phone.
I didn’t say a word to my brother who was begrudgingly dropping me off at school. My brother, the one who barely slowed down and refused to stop for traffic as he slowed his old truck that I’d learned to position myself on the running board in order to jump off into a dead sprint to keep from face planting… What was I thinking…?
I wanted so badly to look or sound good to win, that I forfeited my character… Not so different from the majority of our society today. It often takes some time to come up with enough wisdom to grasp that winning isn’t worth trading our character for and that a winner is measured over a lifetime… not for being in the right place at the right time.
I never knew how many kids listened to the radio in the mornings before school…
Until that day…
Jean
Sunday, February 10, 2013 @ 5:19 pm
Great story and I can so relate. I remember the radio shows like that, but that is not what I am speaking of..it’s that you are 100% correct about society today…sad.
Floyd
Sunday, February 10, 2013 @ 5:40 pm
It is sad, Jean. But for those of us that remember and still cherish the truly great things in life, it’s up to us to spread the word by our actions. I know you’re doing your part. I’m trying to hold up my end of the log as well! Thanks, Jean. It’s great to hear from you!
Hazel Moon
Sunday, February 10, 2013 @ 6:51 pm
Sorry about your brother embarrassing you. That was funny being caught red handed, or red faced by your class-mates. Those things we think no one knows about do come back to haunt us at times.
I loved those after school radio programs when I was growing up, always continued tomorrow and we kept coming back for more. Thanks for This story that will appear in “Tell Me a Story.”
Floyd
Sunday, February 10, 2013 @ 7:10 pm
I’m actually blessed by the old stories now. Back then it was rough, but I learned a lesson. If you want something there are no short cuts or cheating in our honor system. Looking back they’re funny too! I’m so honored to have my writing shared with the others at your blossoming site, “Tell Me A Story!” Thank you, my friend.
Lynn Morrissey
Sunday, February 10, 2013 @ 10:58 pm
That’s a neat story, Floyd, with a great moral. Oh the angst you must have felt! I’ve been the third caller, or first, or fourth or whatever it was (this has happened to me several times), and once it meant winning a Family Life romance weekend for my husband and me. But I can’t imagine having to play an instrument to win it. (Don’t ask me about those cornet lessons in college–nearly blew my brains out! π But it sounds like, in the end, this story finishes on a happy note, because you learned a lesson you will never forget, and now you are sharing it w/ us! I’d say, from where I sit and from reading the true life-changing stories of yours that I read, that you have plenty of character! Keep writing, and keep living with character. What you do counts!
Lynn
Floyd
Monday, February 11, 2013 @ 6:34 pm
Thanks, Lynn. The true life stories we share are the greatest! Life is stranger than fiction! We have great memories from childhood and were blessed despite and maybe even because all the things we didn’t have! Thanks for the encouragement, what we all do counts and probably all need a little reminder. You obviously know all about the red lips without having to wear any lipstick!
bill (cycleguy)
Monday, February 11, 2013 @ 3:03 am
Least you bucked the odds my friend. I would never call cuz I just knew I wouldn’t win. π Your last two lines cracked me up.
Floyd
Monday, February 11, 2013 @ 6:36 pm
In hindsight the whole thing still makes me laugh! Growing up in a small town, the radio was a big part of our boring lives! Thanks, Bill.
Jillie
Monday, February 11, 2013 @ 8:48 am
This is a funny story, Floyd. I can just see your brother taking deviant pleasure in embarrassing you and ruining your big chance to win that mystery prize. I have a brother like that. But again, YOU learned a valuable lesson. You are so right about this ole world…..so many people who trade integrity and character for ‘the prize’ of some stupid promotion at work, or to get the girl, or whatever the case may be. So much deception as people seek to climb the ladder of ‘success’. No…success IS truly measured by the content of the character of a man. At least, in the eyes of God. And His opinion is the only one that matters in the end. He sees all.
Floyd
Monday, February 11, 2013 @ 6:40 pm
Amen, Jillie! The content of our character say all about who we are. Some of the lessons are a little easier than others! That one was an easy one. God is gentle, isn’t He? My brother was a bit on the tough side, but he has a side that is pure gold. We had fun together. When we were older we got to work together for a time. I cherish that time. He taught me much, even if he did throw me under the bus that day! Thanks, Jillie.
tcavey
Monday, February 11, 2013 @ 10:37 am
Gotta love siblings!
Great lesson to learn. Character is what matters.
I’m working on a post about Margaret Thatcher. Here’s a quote from the movie “The Iron Lady” I really like: βWatch your thoughts for they become words. Watch your words for they become actions. Watch your actions for they become… habits. Watch your habits, for they become your character. And watch your character, for it becomes your destiny! What we think we become.β
Floyd
Monday, February 11, 2013 @ 6:42 pm
Whoa! That is a powerful statement! Full of wisdom. I gotta remember that one, TC. Character means everything. Money can’t buy it, and it has more value than riches. Wisdom and character… the traits of our Father. Thanks, TC.
Voni Harris
Monday, February 11, 2013 @ 11:24 am
If character is what you are when no one is looking, then it’s too bad so many friends were listening that day. Why are they always looking/listening when we make a mistake? lol.
Floyd
Monday, February 11, 2013 @ 6:44 pm
It just seems to work that way, Voni! But now it makes it even funnier! Great comment! It made me laugh again. I guess it’s good to be able to laugh at ourselves… I got a lot to laugh about! Thanks, Voni.
Loren Pinilis
Monday, February 11, 2013 @ 12:32 pm
I know that was a mean thing for your brother to do, but I must confess it seems pretty funny in retrospect.
But what a great reminder of the importance of character.
I remember winning something on the radio in elementary school for answering a riddle. It was like the greatest thing ever at that age.
Floyd
Monday, February 11, 2013 @ 6:46 pm
Oh yeah, the radio in our small town was a huge part of our life. And it is a funny story! The funniest part is how gullible and easy I was and how pathetic I was with zero integrity. My dad didn’t even care, I think he thought it was a good lesson for me too! Thanks, Loren. It’s good to laugh!
Betty Draper
Monday, February 11, 2013 @ 12:34 pm
Great post brother… good lesson on integrity. Proverbs 11:3 The integrity of the upright will guide them.
Floyd
Monday, February 11, 2013 @ 6:47 pm
Yeah, I didn’t have a lot in the way of character or honor at the time… It comes a little slower to the slower ones! Thanks, Betty.
Mike
Monday, February 11, 2013 @ 3:23 pm
So often people are willing to sacrifice character in order to receive gain and recognition. It sound like you learned a very valuable lesson that day.
Floyd
Monday, February 11, 2013 @ 6:51 pm
That I did, Mike! I even knew it at the time. That’s what I get for trying to take shortcuts! Wish I could say that that was the last one I had to learn… but I wouldn’t have near as many goofy stories to tell if I did! Thanks, Mike.
Kristin
Monday, February 11, 2013 @ 5:42 pm
Stories are great when lessons are learned. . .even if embarrasement follows. That doesn’t last long but the character can last a lifetime. I can tell yours did.
Thanks for sharing another great story:)
Floyd
Monday, February 11, 2013 @ 6:52 pm
Thanks, Kristin. The tough lessons usually are the best ones. For a hard head like me there has been many! Good writing material I guess! Character carries with us over to the other side. May we all honor our Father.
Sylvia R
Monday, February 11, 2013 @ 6:43 pm
What a hoot! Loved this story! Still laughing.
Floyd
Tuesday, February 12, 2013 @ 6:59 am
There aren’t too many stories in life that are funnier than the ones from our childhood! I gotta get my brother to read this, I’m sure he’s long since forgot about it! Thanks, Sylvia.
Dan Black
Monday, February 11, 2013 @ 9:17 pm
Great story with an important message. A persons character and integrity are so important to have and maintain. Character is formed with the choices we make when no one is watching.
Floyd
Tuesday, February 12, 2013 @ 7:01 am
Yep, well said, Dan. Too bad for some of us that choice gets ground into the memory banks of humiliation! A good lesson to be sure. Thanks, Dan.
Dan Erickson
Tuesday, February 12, 2013 @ 6:47 am
In my speech classes I tell students to never act in a way they would normally act just to get attention. We often forget this rule as a society.
Floyd
Tuesday, February 12, 2013 @ 7:02 am
That’s the kind of things students need to be taught or reminded, Dan. I think so many children don’t have the advantage of adults who genuinely care about them. Those kids will remember you. When someone truly cares for you in this life you just don’t forget them. Nice job, Dan. Thanks for sharing the wisdom we as adults need to be reminded of as well.
Audra Krell
Tuesday, February 12, 2013 @ 9:30 am
This is so great Floyd, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Not you being embarrassed of course, but I love the way you tell a story. God has blessed me many times by winning radio contests. One time I even recorded myself winning on my jam box. LOL! In a shoe box in my closet, I have a cassette tape of me winning 3rd row tickets to George Strait. I keep saying “that’s great!” over and over to the point where I sound ridiculous. We all get so nervous on the radio. In a radio interview I did a few years ago, I suddenly developed some weird accent, but only for half of the 7 minute interview. I think it’s much easier to try to be something we’re not, when we perceive that others can’t see us. Society doesn’t realize that no matter what the medium, we can see right through inauthentic word and deed.
Floyd
Tuesday, February 12, 2013 @ 4:31 pm
Why am I not surprised that you too had a deep desire to win radio contests? That’s the best part of the stories; we all have one that we can relate to. But George Strait? You scored!!!
I agree, it’s pretty easy to see through the ones who aren’t truly being genuine in heart. Good call. Thanks, Audra.
I’m looking forward to hearing that accent!
Jason Stasyszen
Tuesday, February 12, 2013 @ 2:20 pm
Crazy how we’ll trade our character for the silliest of “prizes.” Believe me, I’m not judging because I have done too many of those trades to count! It’s hard to learn that it’s better to fall on your face doing the right thing than try to find the easy way, but it’s valuable. Great story. Loved the ending–made me wince and laugh at the same time. Thanks Floyd. π
Floyd
Tuesday, February 12, 2013 @ 4:33 pm
Thanks, Jason. Glad you got a kick out of it! It’s one of those lessons we all get to take a turn learning. The sad part is that there are adults out there who still haven’t opened their eyes to the truth of God and His laws. “Prizes” don’t count for anything if the soul isn’t pure.
Joanne Norton
Thursday, February 14, 2013 @ 8:04 pm
Yes, life is certainly much different today than it was then. Especially re: time aspects. NOW? Heavens. A multi-second texting breaks through to everything. And choices still cause similar issues for us. HOWEVER, one of my main mottoes is “Right Place, Right Time.” And that’s exactly what counts, in my way of thinking. And focusing on both of those aspects is very important; can’t mix ’em or mess ’em and think they’ll count.
Floyd
Friday, February 15, 2013 @ 4:44 pm
That mixin’ and messin’ comes to a humble end every time! You’d think I’d have had enough of that humble pie by now! Thanks, Joanne.