"Naming My Daughter," after Patricia Fargnoli
The one almost born on the ferry
The one who was really late, and then came really fast
Born while her dad ran out for a hamburger
Only child of an only child
Karin named for no one
Jeaninne named for mom's best friend
One who knew the names of all her medicines at a young age
She who made monthly trips to the ER
Story lover and early reader
"Pobody's Nerfect" softball team player
Token archaeology kid
Flute player and flag dancer
Merit award recipient
Affordable housing advocate
Passionate standard bearer for inclusivity
Calligrapher and costumer
Loving daughter, wife and mother
House fixer
Problem solver
Much loved by husband and children
Where did she come from, this daughter? What magic
came together to produce such a joy?
Better than a combination of the genes who made her
Pride of her mother's heart
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
The School Bus
From writing class, a photograph of two small children--a girl and a boy. The word I drew was "bus." This is a slightly fictionalized version of an actual experience.
I put them on the school bus--my two babies. Their first day of school. Actually, they're my two grandchildren, and they're not babies any more. But they'll always be my babies, at least to me.
They're going to a good school, and I know they'll do well. But when my daughter asked me to put them on the bus that first day, my heart froze.
"But they're not old enough to ride the bus! What if something happens to them?"
"Now, Mom, we're in a good neighborhood, and they're going to a good school. Their friends ride the same bus. They'll be fine. Don't worry so much."
So I did as she asked. They left the house with their bookbags and their lunchboxes, wearing their new school clothes and their new school shoes. They ran out to the bus stop in front of the house. The school bus pulled up and stopped, and I heard that distinctive sound of the bus door opening. I waved to them, and they waved back. They climbed aboard and found their seats.
As the bus drove away, I wiped away a tear. They're growing up too fast, I thought. When did this happen? They're not babies any more.
I put them on the school bus--my two babies. Their first day of school. Actually, they're my two grandchildren, and they're not babies any more. But they'll always be my babies, at least to me.
They're going to a good school, and I know they'll do well. But when my daughter asked me to put them on the bus that first day, my heart froze.
"But they're not old enough to ride the bus! What if something happens to them?"
"Now, Mom, we're in a good neighborhood, and they're going to a good school. Their friends ride the same bus. They'll be fine. Don't worry so much."
So I did as she asked. They left the house with their bookbags and their lunchboxes, wearing their new school clothes and their new school shoes. They ran out to the bus stop in front of the house. The school bus pulled up and stopped, and I heard that distinctive sound of the bus door opening. I waved to them, and they waved back. They climbed aboard and found their seats.
As the bus drove away, I wiped away a tear. They're growing up too fast, I thought. When did this happen? They're not babies any more.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Back Again
After quite a long absence (2 months), I return to the blog. It's been a long cold winter, and I just couldn't get my writing motivation going. In writing group we missed all of February, because of so many snow days. Now the sun has returned, and spring seems close at hand. (I hope!) So after group today, I promised myself I would get back to the blog, and try to do regular additions to it. And here I am, using the leash that was on the table as a prompt, and drawing the word "change," to use or not, as I saw fit.
TRIBUTE TO TOBY
The leash makes me think of my Toby, of course. He has his leash similar to this one, which we use every time he goes out for his potty break, or any other time. We live in an apartment complex, and the basic rule for pets here is "keep your dog on a leash at all times, and clean up after your pet."
Toby has brought an important change to my life. I've had dogs and cats before, when I had my own house, but when I sold my last house and moved back to Nashville, I decided to move into an apartment. The first apartment I had didn't allow pets of any kind, and I was still working full-time, and had no time for a dog anyway. But when I retired, and moved to another complex, I chose one which allowed pets. Thank goodness for that!
Toby is my pet, my companion, my friend. I can't imagine my life without him. I talk to him, I used to sleep with him, and he provides love and companionship in my mostly solitary lifestyle.
Everyone in the apartment complex knows Toby. He loves attention from people of all ages and sizes. When we go to the rental office, he goes from desk to desk getting talked to and petted. The mail lady gives him treats, and the maintenance men play with him.
The long winter is almost over, and it's about time to spend more time outside visiting with the neighbors. We've had a hard time this winter, and we're both glad it's almost over.
What a delightful companion he's been to me. A wonderful change he brought to my life.
TRIBUTE TO TOBY
The leash makes me think of my Toby, of course. He has his leash similar to this one, which we use every time he goes out for his potty break, or any other time. We live in an apartment complex, and the basic rule for pets here is "keep your dog on a leash at all times, and clean up after your pet."
Toby has brought an important change to my life. I've had dogs and cats before, when I had my own house, but when I sold my last house and moved back to Nashville, I decided to move into an apartment. The first apartment I had didn't allow pets of any kind, and I was still working full-time, and had no time for a dog anyway. But when I retired, and moved to another complex, I chose one which allowed pets. Thank goodness for that!
Toby is my pet, my companion, my friend. I can't imagine my life without him. I talk to him, I used to sleep with him, and he provides love and companionship in my mostly solitary lifestyle.
Everyone in the apartment complex knows Toby. He loves attention from people of all ages and sizes. When we go to the rental office, he goes from desk to desk getting talked to and petted. The mail lady gives him treats, and the maintenance men play with him.
The long winter is almost over, and it's about time to spend more time outside visiting with the neighbors. We've had a hard time this winter, and we're both glad it's almost over.
What a delightful companion he's been to me. A wonderful change he brought to my life.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
