The first time I remember anyone speaking with me about my sister, Sharron’s, age was when I was about five. My parents had visitors at our house and one of the ladies asked who the oldest child was. Sharron was already in bed so there was no visual comparison to make. I spoke up …
Category: Family
Expectations
My three children, their spouses, and now my two grandchildren, have chosen to take part in a myriad of activities. They’re athletes, musicians, singers, dancers, thespians, and orators. I’ve attended many events, and while there have been numerous others participating, I focused on the members of my family. I wanted them to do their best …
MRNA
MRNA turned 73 yesterday. MRNA is Ruth’s self proclaimed nickname. It stands for Mom, Ruth, Nana, Altogether. This is my favorite time of the year because for 48 days, four dozen days if you prefer, she’s a year older than me. For the statisticians out there, that computes to … 4,147,200 seconds 69,120 minutes 1,152 …
Three Toasts
I’ve had the opportunity to offer up several “toasts” at a dinner. My first took place when I was eighteen. I was the best man at my cousin, Gene’s, wedding. Another followed when I was about to turn twenty-two and served as best man for my friend, Mitch. I was in my late forties …
Dear Eva,
I never believed in love at first sight until your dad was born. The moment I saw him, I loved him. I felt the same way when your Aunt BZ and Uncle Mike were born. The fourth time I was overwhelmed like that was with Brady’s birth. The last time was the moment I …
Dear Brady,
Your dad told Nana and me that you went out for a slushy after the game several weeks ago with a girl from your school. She drove, so I know she’s at least sixteen. Good for you. I hope you had a good time. We both know that you’ve been interested in girls for some …
The Tooth Fairy
The Tooth Fairy is a fantasy figure of early childhood in Western and Western-influenced cultures. The folklore states that when children lose one of their baby teeth, they should place it underneath their pillow or on their bedside table, and the Tooth Fairy will visit while they sleep, replacing the lost tooth with a small …
Our First Date
Friday, February 14th, marks the 50th anniversary of the first time that Ruth and I went on an official date. We’d known each other since the prior August, rode in a car pool with another first year teacher, flirted with each other on several occasions, discussed and met other people we were dating, but never …
Danny Lee and Me
My parents almost named me Danny Lee. I’m glad they didn’t. It’s a perfectly good name, and if that’s yours, good for you. No offense, but it’s just not for me. My mom said Danny Lee was really the only name that my father and she discussed. They also decided there would be no …
Sergeant Stephen Storm
I was never in the military. Had I been drafted, I would have served. I never considered volunteering. My prime service years coincided with the war in Vietnam. I signed up for the selective service as required when I turned eighteen. Shortly after that I started college and received a student deferment while I continued …