My Sister Called Me “Just a Guest” at Our Mother’s Award Dinner — Then the Director Read Dad’s Note

My sister told the banquet hall I was “just a guest,” and I was holding the award. My name is Paula Reed. My mother was being honored by the town library after forty years of volunteer work, and my sister Dana had planned a dinner afterward. When the hostess placed my name card at the table, it read PAULA – GUEST. Mom had a card. Dana and her husband had cards. Even Dana’s neighbor had one with a title. I asked whether it was a mistake. Dana leaned over and said, “I didn’t know what else to put. You didn’t really help with the event.” I had spent six weeks scanning family photographs, writing Mom’s speech, and driving her to planning meetings. Dana had ordered centerpieces. Then the library director stepped to the