“Your daddy preached a good sermon this morning,” my mom confided, concern heavy in her voice. “But all afternoon he’s been resting in his recliner and he’s gone to bed early. I think he must have the flu.” We had planned to take the four grandchildren to see their great grandparents on Monday and my …
The Lie That Keeps Deceiving
“That’s what you want. Are you sure?” I asked before ordering Amelia’s ice cream. “Because I’m having this one with chocolate, peanut butter, banana, and almonds,” I added, pointing to the picture on the menu. “Ezra is sharing with me. You could share with us,” I offered one last time. “I don’t like chocolate,” she …
Working Together
Friday’s early morning scheduled garbage pick up means our trash must be gathered on Thursday evenings and placed at the roadside. No matter who carries out the bags, the grandkids always want to help. Maybe it’s simply a ploy to go outside again but Poppy invites their help. He balanced them on one arm in …
For the Beauty of the Earth
A sea of green waves triumphantly where for more than two years red clay painted the torn landscape in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. What was washed and rutted, a daily reminder of the storm’s devastation, is gradually becoming a perfectly situated oasis. Construction is expected to begin in the next few weeks on our …
Worth Imitating
Ezra and I were sharing a yogurt with some granola at the island in the kitchen. Amelia wandered in from the back porch where she had been playing with clay. She climbed up on the kids’ bench at the end of the island and asked to try a bite. She tasted the spoonful I offered …
Not Far
“Don’t you fall asleep in Lolly’s bus!” I teased, knowing my attempts at keeping Ezra awake during our short drive after lunch were largely pointless. I had already tried narrating the trip, pointing out familiar sights and counting the turns left to our destination. His mom smiled from the passengers seat. “It’s fine,” she said. …
Make Believe
My four grandchildren squeezed into the two foot by two foot by three foot cubby near the floor meant to hold audio video equipment for a home theater in our room above the garage. The shelves and door were never installed. A hand-painted blue and green tree lined canvas rests against the back wall secreting …
Left-Handed
Two year old Timothy’s Cheerios sat untouched in front of him. He had been restless during the night and had only been awake for about ten minutes. His mom had listed his options for breakfast before pouring his cereal and placing it in front of him. Thinking he was still half asleep, I spooned up …
Me, Myself & I
The house is quiet today but I am not alone. Ever faithful Jake, our Velcro Dane, haunts my steps, following me from room to room, even to the bathroom. He lumbers to the garage door as I fold laundry, pacing, hoping in vain for an early dinner. I take him out and he chases a …
Eager To Please
“Who wants to…?” Before I got any further, Thomas and Amelia dropped what they had been doing and raced for the kitchen. “I want to do it, Yolly!” Amelia’s words were interrupted by Thomas’s. “You did it last time. It’s my turn.” “No I didn’t.” Whether it’s carrying a piece of cardboard to the recycling …
A Fitting Reply 