Doesn't he look so...so...much older in this pic? What's next, he's off to college?!? Oh my heart can't take it! How did this happen. I need to write a letter to my congressman or my pastor or the president to stop it.
(Sprout and I, 1 day old, taken just before leaving the hospital)
Time. How did time get away from me? It seems like just yesterday he was being whisked away from me to the NICU after being born.
And now this.
Oh my heart can’t take it. Anyone have a Kleenex?
I was the new kid with big glasses and dorky clothes. I wanted someone, anyone to like me. First day, alone at the cafeteria table, a skinny girl with short brown hair named Shenell sat next to me. She was like me. New kid, not popular, absentee working class parents and Kmart special shoes. We quickly became friends.
While she blended in, for some reason, I stood out to the bullies. After one nasty run in with Kim, a heavy set Asian girl who knocked the wind out of me, Shenell gave me a friendship pin. I almost cried.
Every day at recess, we watched the other girls as they played Chinese Jump Rope. We memorized their moves and after school, practiced in Shenell’s dining room. We wrapped rubber band ropes around the legs of the chairs. Inevitably, one of us would cause the chairs to come crashing down on us, sending us both into uncontrollable fits of laughter.
Tryouts for Pom Poms came and went. I made it on the squad, Shenell didn’t. So the next year when tryouts loomed, I went over every routine with her. And she made it. Together, we got to jump and kick and shake our pom poms to Abracadabra, 867-5309/Jenny, and Angel in the Centerfold, performing for senior citizens and school assemblies.
Softball season started and I dragged Shenell to my practices. My coach, never to let someone sit by on the sidelines, threw her a glove and made her take the outfield. Thank goodness hardly anything was ever hit to her, she couldn’t catch worth a darn.
That summer after forth grade, I moved up north to go live with my mom and step-dad. For some reason, I never got a chance to say good-bye to her. I don’t know what ever happened to Shenell, but I still have her friendship pin.
* * * * *
This post is linked to the writing prompt: “Write a story about a childhood fad” on Ginny’s blog, Lemon Drop Pie.
I’m so excited to show off my new blog look, thanks to Danielle at The Design Girl. I couldn’t believe I won her giveaway for a blog makeover.
She has been patient with me and got it all done within a week! Best of all…she has offered a $10 discount to YOU! Just tell her I sent you and get your deposit in by the end of the week.
I took this shot while we were on our little getaway last fall. I love the contrasts and colors, even though it is just rocks. By the way, do you see the agates?
Have a blessed Sunday!
Last week, we were sent on a 911 hang-up.
We couldn’t find the address for nothing, cross streets didn’t make sense.
Finally, in the back of an industrial area where no one lives…
They lived.
Low income housing, crammed together units.
Over unshoveled sidewalks, past a discarded couch.
Knock, knock, stand to side, waiting.
An unknown tongue heard from inside.
No answer at the door.
Knock, knock, rap on window, stand to side, waiting impatiently.
Unknown tongue.
“Police, open the door!”
Click, door opens.
There stands a frail, almost emaciated dark skinned elderly male with no shirt, floral wrap around his waist.
And a curious four year old peaking from behind his leg.
“Anyone call 911?” My partner asks.
“No, no 911,” the man states in heavy accent.
I ask the boy, “Did you call 911?”
“No, no 911” the elderly male answers. “Come, come,” he motions us in.
We slowly make our way into the unit. Dingy walls, no furniture, and an elderly dark skinned woman sitting on a mat in the postage stamp living room. The four year old bounces around, happy to see visitors. I’m guessing they are the grandparents, watching the child.
The smell of a spice foreign to me hangs heavy in the air of the tiny kitchen. I peak in the bedroom to make sure no one is hiding on us and everything is okay. All I see is a small twin mattress for a bed. No dresser, no pictures, no nothing. And it occurs to me…
I forgot.
It’s been ten years since I last worked patrol, and I forgot…
This is how people live.
My partner gives a gentle warning to the little boy not to play with the phone, then we are off.
And that call stays on my mind for the rest of my shift.
* * * * *
Author’s note: I wish I could do something, anything for people living in poverty. I am currently assigned to public housing patrol and I myself lived in public housing for a time as a child. I guess I try to remember that at least they aren’t homeless, they have shelter.
Linked to:
Guess what I spotted yesterday???
Grass!
It's been about three months since we've actually seen grass in these parts. No, it's not green yet...but soon! It was so warm and awesome yesterday. After I got home from work, I let the boys go outside and…
just
be
boys!
By the way, anyone know what these orange sticks are that Cubbie is playing with? Anyone??? Anyone???
Don’t worry my little spirea, you’ll be free soon enough!
Happy Valentine’s Day!
And of all days…
Today, the state university is going to pick who gets to be interviewed for their Masters in Nursing Program.
And my husband is on that list of applicants.
He’s been nervously awaiting this day.
By next Tuesday, he should know if he was one of the ones selected for an interview.
Yes, he also put in for their Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing program, as well as applying for the ADN program at the local community college.
But his hopes are set on the 16 month intensive Masters program.
So a little prayer would be much appreciated.
He and I thank you!
* * * * * *
Oh, and by the way, many of you guessed right on my last post…they were magnets! Sprout had brought them home in a “snuggle pack” from preschool.
What
are
my boys
playing with?
Any guesses???
*****
I love these guys. Have I said that lately? Probably. As I post this, I’m about to go out the door to work and they are still sleeping. No hugs or kisses good-bye. But that makes coming home even sweeter! Have a good Wednesday!
(If you would like to read “Leap of Faith” original post, click here.)
Yesterday was my DH’s last day at his Chiropractic clinic. He turned over the keys of a clinic it took him 10 years to build to his replacement, and walked away. It was hard on him. Some patients, he told me, even cried. But he knows in his heart it’s time for a change.
He wants to be an RN. He has his applications in for the fall for the AS, BSN, and MSN programs that are offered at the community college and the state university.
And guess what? Today was his FIRST day at a new job! He was hired by an assisted living facility not too far from home.
No, he didn’t get the ER Tech job he wanted, but at least he can gain some experience and make an income.
The drawback…it’s evenings and weekends. But considering that’s how I started out my first five years with the police department, I’m not surprised.
I’m proud of him. It takes a lot of courage to simply walk away from your profession, take a pay cut, and go from being the owner of your own business to being the newest employee with the least seniority. As I sit here and type this, it’s 7:32 PM and I can’t help but wonder how it’s going for him.
So I say a little prayer and hope that in the end, this will all be worth it and the doors will open for him to become a Registered Nurse.
* * * * *
PS. Thank YOU for all your kind comments and emails. My tooth is much better now. Not totally pain free yet, but getting there!
Sorry, I normally try to be positive here on my blog but…
I’m in pain.
My root canal is killing me. I got antibiotics yesterday and I’m taking ibuprofen every 4 hours. But that only takes the edge off.
No, it doesn’t compare to the two natural child births I’ve had, but there’s just something about non-stop tooth pain that just makes you crazy.
And to be honest, there’s more to the story…
As a kid, my parents didn’t make me brush my teeth. My mom was usually passed out or drunk, and when I stayed with my dad, he was at work a lot, leaving my stepmother in charge.
I don’t even remember having a toothbrush until I was in high school, when I finally realized I didn’t want to have bad breath. At nineteen, I started flossing for the first time. At twenty four, after having my first root canal and three cavities filled, I vowed to do my best to take care of my teeth. The problem is, the damage was already done. I had a mouth full of cavities.
Now, years later, I am paying for it. Some of those old fillings are starting to fail. The tooth that I had the root canal in this past Thursday already had two fillings in it.
The worst part is…I have to go back to work today.
But the best part is…I have to go back to work today. I need the distraction to keep my mind off the pain.
The above picture: Cubbie crawled up on my lap while I was sitting in the rocking chair, feeling miserable and sorry for myself. As their mom, I will not let my boys down. I will be the parent I never had. Even if they throw a fit and hate brushing their teeth. Whatever it takes so they don’t have to be in pain.
