Table of Contents

Mar-Great and the Kite

Mary – A Beginning for Women

Little Eddie and the Purple Robe of Forgiveness

My Brother Mine

Elaine and Her Stuffed Elephant

Just Between Us

Crazy Janet and Her Bag of Tricks

My Hearts Desire

The Long Journey to Ann’s House

My Family

Joan and the Pocketful of Paransfullitas

My Pet Paransfullitas

Jimmy and His Best Buddy

Are You

Note from the Authoress: In the month of January 1999, I sat down and wrote the titles of each story. In the month of February, I sat down, said a prayer before I wrote each story, and then created. After each story in this book is my special poem for each of my brothers and sisters.

Many years ago, Eddie told me an experience in his life that changed his whole outlook on everything. When I heard his story, I knew I wanted to write about it as a happening in a book for children. I put this information in the back of my mind and gave it to the LORD God for him to bring it out in His Time. Little did I know I would write about my other siblings and make a complete book on our family stories.

I personally have no desire to publish this book for children as of now but I am leaving it in the capable Hands of Our Lord Jesus Christ for in His Time only. Que sera sera. Update: (I have gifted the children’s book to our local library and The Counsel of God)

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MY FAMILY STORIES

Mar-great and The Kite

“I am great! I am great! I am Mar-great!” said Margaret to Elaine. “Big deal and so what!” retorted Elaine. “Your just jealous of me because no matter what I’m the greatest!” said Margaret who was also known as Peggy by her brothers and sisters. “I don’t care!” muttered Elaine to herself as she slumped down on her bed grabbing her Seventeen Magazine away from her sister Peggy. ‘Honestly,’ Elaine thought. ‘I can’t win with her; she is always putting me down!’ “Hey!” Peggy shouted, “Give me back my spoolies and stop using my Dippety-doo and Aqua Net!” “You’re always taking my stuff without asking and I’m tired of it!” Elaine rolled her eyes and stuck out her tongue at her sister. “Well,” Elaine huffed, “You dye your hair, steal my 45’s and cut out those ugly guys out of my magazines and you paste them in your scrapbook that Mom told you to throw away.” “Shhh…” whispered Peggy. “Mom might hear you…” Before Peggy knew it Mom was at the door frowning at both of them. Mom knew what was going on but decided to let them both work it out on their own. “Well,” Mom said, “Get outside you two and find something to do. Last week's snow is gone and it is a beautiful day. It’s pretty windy out there though, so button-up.” Elaine and Peg did as they were told but instead of going directly outside, they went out to the garage. “There is nothing to do,” complained Peg. “Yeah, I know.” Added Elaine. Frustrated Elaine pushed the garbage can away with her foot because of its bad smell. Behind the garbage can there was their brother Eddie’s broken kite laying on the floor in a tangled heap. “Wow” and “Alright” said Peg and Elaine. Together they looked the kite over. “What a mess.” Said Peg. “And look at that rip in the middle of the paper.” Elaine shook her head and added, “But the cloth tail is long enough and is still attached securely – all we will need is a lot of Scotch tape for the tear and to untangle the kite string.” Peggy agreed and said to Elaine, “Your real good at undoing tangles so you do that alright? And I’ll run and get the tape and piece the kite back together.” “O.K.” Elaine said excitedly. Peg took off for the house and came back in ten minutes. “You pulled an Aunt Mae!” accused Elaine. “I couldn’t find the tape at first but then I remembered I saw some in your bottom drawer yesterday while I was looking for your magazines.” Recalled Peg. Elaine was intent on what she was doing and at first didn’t notice what Peg said. After a moment Elaine realized what Peg had said and her look darkened at her sister. Peg smiled at Elaine and shrugged her shoulders and puckered her lips and bugged her eyes out. Elaine laughed and finished untangling the kite string and in no time, Peggy had the paper kite taped up.

They biked to the dead-end street and took turns running up and down trying to get the kite up. Exhausted and together they finally sat down on the curb for a rest. “Let’s try one more time to get that darn kite up.” Said Peg. “Aw, you said darn! I’m telling Mom!” exclaimed Elaine. “Darn is not a swear word!” chided Peg. Once again, they sat looking at the kite. In unison they bowed their heads and said a quick prayer. Which ended in a speedy sign of the cross. Jumping up they tried a few more times and finally that darn kite decided to soar into the sky. It went so high it was almost out of sight. Eddie showed up and leaned against his bike while watching the kite. Finally, he said, “Where did ya get the kite you guys?” Peg smiled and said, “In the garage behind the garbage can.” Eddie shook his head. “That’s my kite? I couldn’t fly it yesterday because it ripped and you guys were able to fly it?” “Can I have a turn at it?” asked Eddie eagerly. “Sure, go ahead we’re done anyway.” Elaine said. Together Peg and Elaine left their brother with his kite and biked home quite pleased and happy with themselves.

Mary

A Beginning For Women

We may glorify you in prayer,

Or call out to you for direction,

For your guidance is there,

Even tho’ your light in life had only shined and stayed within,

Your path to God was yours alone,

Others tried but were turned away,

And God chose you,

Above all the others,

For your pureness was a joy,

And the love between you as one,

And this love was felt by all,

As when you received The Holy Spirit,

For since then God has had you in all decisions,

And women have been redeemed in God’s Choosing,

So within the passage of time you have joined your love,

Filling this world with your memory,

Now for all eternity you are still God’s,

And none may ever take your place,

For you are the blessed,

You alone are the woman of God.

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Little Eddie and the Purple Robe of Forgiveness

“Hey, Mom, would you please explain this Holy Card for me?” Little Eddie asked his mother one morning. Eddie’s mom looked at The Holy Card and saw Jesus humbly looking down with a plait of thorns on His Head. Christ was also wearing a purple robe and His Hands were tied in front of him with a reed in the midst of His tied Hands. “Let me see, now.” Said Mom. “Eddie, this Holy Card may have many meanings to different people. What does it mean to you? Can you tell me?” “Well, I think it might mean the suffering Jesus went through was for everyone and no matter what, He will forgive us our sins – great or small.” Mom looked at Eddie and smiled at her young son and was quite pleased with his answer. Just as quickly Eddie’s thoughts turned to his Birthday the next day. “Oh, Mom, don’t forget what I want for my Birthday tomorrow. I hope I get my B.B. gun this year. The one in the Sears Catalogue. You know the one – the black and gold one.” Mom agreed with him as to the one he was talking about but reminded him again of the responsibility that goes with it. All the precautions necessary that go with owning a gun. Eddie attentively listened and at once agreed never to point it at anyone and never to aim it in the direction of people.

Before Eddie knew it – his Birthday was here and his B.B. gun was one of his presents. How thrilled he was to get that! Instantly he went outside and filled it with B.B.’s and shot at cans and busted bottles up. It was so much fun! But one day there were some birds pecking on the ground and Eddie shot around the birds. To Eddie’s horror a little Sparrow dropped over on its side. Running over to the bird he picked up the dead creature. Tears spilled over his face as he realized what had happened. What he did. “No! No! it can’t be!” he sobbed. “I didn’t mean for this to happen. Please forgive me little bird.” Sadly, Eddie put the little Sparrow in a matchbox container and buried it.

Eddie felt so very bad for days. Crying tearfully one night – he thought of the Holy Card and how Jesus forgives – great and small sins. The next morning, he asked Mom to take him to church to pray for the little bird. On entering the church, he saw Christ on the Cross and he walked over and stopped at the steps leading to Our Lord. Standing there humbly he looked up and said slowly, “I am so sorry…I am so very sorry.” Turning around Ed walked out of the church. Feeling at peace within himself for the first time in days.

My Brother Mine

Because of you I know Baseball,

Hockey, Football and how to Skate,

My crib was no obstacle,

For you showed me my freedom,

You were my father image of life,

The one I looked to for guidance,

Even tho’ a child you were yourself,

But a friend who cared and taught me many things,

And those late-night spooky movies were fun,

With salty buttery popcorn and ice water in the sun-room,

Scary stories you told us and watching Steve Allen on T.V., (smok,smok)

Along with the time you found my glass lens in the snow,

With our plays and the lip-syncing with the 45’s,

Hiking thru the woods and our train around the Christmas Tree,

Charades and when you left to go camping and said you were never coming back,

And ‘The Matches Song’ I learned from you and taught my children how to sing,

With all of this I wish my childhood was less painful,

For I still remember the parents who did not stay together,

With some of the unhappy times that tore at my soul,

And I guess, that made me strong for this world,

For with the help from My Brother Mine,

I am confident within the Love and Faith in God,

Fearless now of the monsters in the basement,

Aggressive in every task I take on from life,

And confirmed that happiness must be from within to be content.

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Elaine and Her Stuffed Elephant

“Happy Birthday Elaine!” everyone cheered. It was Elaine’s 8^th Birthday. What a special time it was for her. Elaine opened her Birthday cards. One was from Nana, To a Special Granddaughter, it read. One was from Aunt Mae; To a Special Niece, this one read also. After those two cards, the rest were a blur. Those first two cards had pictures of elephants on them. “Open your present from your sister.” Mom said. Elaine opened the box and inside was a stuffed elephant with big ears. Elaine went completely numb. The hurt inside was unbearable and she was completely crushed emotionally. After cake and ice cream were over, everyone went and watched television. Mom was cleaning the kitchen when Elaine came to her and began to cry. “What’s wrong Elaine?” Mom said. “Why does everyone send me elephant cards for my Birthday?” sobbed Elaine. Mom dried her hands and put her arms around her troubled daughter. “It’s my big ears, isn’t it?” Elaine tearfully accused. “My ears stick out and everyone notices it and everyone is making fun of me!” Mom tried to explain that it was just a coincidence with everything but Elaine could not be comforted. Mom began to realize that this was something that had to be taken care of and done soon. Operations like this one was very expensive and a luxury not easily afforded. “Well,” Mom said, “I’ll check with your dad’s insurance and see what they say. Then we will get that operation done.” Elaine was overjoyed and excited and hugged Mom with all her strength. No more will the kids at school make fun of her and no more will she get elephant Birthday cards and elephant presents. Elaine’s prayers were finally answered!

It took Mom quite some time with the insurance company. They said it was a frivolous operation and wouldn’t cover it. Mom was constantly calling them, every day in fact, until they gave in and agreed to do it. Within a short time, the operation was completed on Elaine’s ears. The bandages covered her head like a football helmet and Elaine had to go to her Grandmother’s funeral like that. it was extremely uncomfortable for her. Especially with all the relatives gawking and asking questions. That day took forever to be over. Finally, the bandages were taken off and the stitches taken out and Elaine’s ears were completely healed!

A final thought; Many a time we derive our strength from episodes out of our lives. This makes us determined to continue through and reach our goals with confidence and with the reality of Hope. This Divine Hope is still definitely found in our world today. “Amen!”

Just Between Us

This therapist gives such good advice,

‘Go buy a blouse –

Be with other housewives –

To ease your mind.’

But the joke is ours,

Men do not understand,

At times,

When women like us,

Need a caring alliance,

And a good ear,

Thanks to God,

We search,

Until we find a soul,

We can talk to,

Then we find each other,

So, Sister Dear,

Have a Happy Birthday,

And this is just between us,

He can go KEEP his blouse.

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Crazy Janet and Her Bag of Tricks

“Felix the Cat is on now” called Mom from the kitchen. Janet rushed through brushing her teeth and ran to the T.V. and turned it on. There was Bozo the Clown talking and laughing with some kids and waving ‘Good-bye’ to everyone. Janet waved good-bye and sat down cross-legged, in the sunroom, and watched the commercials with no expression on her face. Suddenly there was Felix the Cat, walking and smiling on the black and white T.V., with his ‘Bag of Tricks’ in his hand! Felix was always getting into trouble with ‘The Professor, Rock Bottom and The Master Cylinder.’ But Felix and Poindexter always were getting out of that trouble with Felix’s Bag of Tricks. This bag could turn into anything – a submarine, a car and even moving stairs that could go up and down. It sure was neat.

After Felix was over, Janet went up to Mom and asked, “Mom could you get me a bag of tricks just like Felix the Cat has?” Mom thought about it for a second and disappeared into her bedroom and came out with a black faux alligator purse. ‘Wow!’ Just like Felix’s Bag of Tricks Janet thought. Taking the Bag of Tricks and thanking her mother Janet rushed in the front room and set the bag down. Nothing happened. Janet tried reshaping the bag but it stayed stiff and unmoving. Realizing the bag wouldn’t budge into anything, Janet knew if she left the room, it would turn into any shape she thought about by itself. Leaving the room, she figured it would turn into stairs. Coming back into the room a few seconds later, there was the bag just as before – the same shape. ‘I know what’s going on.’ Janet thought. ‘The bag turns into shape when I leave and then turns back to what it used to look like right before I get into the room.’ So, Janet ran and got her dolly and put her dolly in the bag of tricks. That way, when the bag turned into things, her dolly could have all the fun. Then Janet picked out some other toys and put them into the bag also. Going around to her brothers and sisters, Janet asked, “What do you want my bag of tricks to turn into?” Eddie said, “Fifty dollars.” So, Janet gave him a toy block. Peggy said, “A Monopoly board game.” So, Janet gave her a toy soldier. Joan said, “Some tennis shoes.” So, Janet gave her a toy comb. Passing Jimmy, she picked up his teether and gave it to him. Jimmy was too young to play with. Finally, Janet went up to her sister Elaine and asked her, “Elaine, what do you want my bag of tricks to turn into?” “A Barbie Doll.” Said Elaine not looking away from the T.V. set. Janet reached into her bag of tricks and put her dolly in her sister’s lap. “Thanks.” Said Elaine still watching T.V. Janet started to turn away and then stopped. “Elaine?” she asked. “What?” was Elaine’s reply. “Do you think I’m crazy? Like Dad?” “No, I don’t.” said Elaine. That made Janet very happy. Quietly she put her bag of tricks down behind her sister’s back and silently tip-toed out of the room.

My Hearts Desire

My hearts desire is for God,

Within all I accomplish,

For without this knowledge I am unable to succeed in my life,

My hearts desire is for my children,

God has blessed me,

For without them I am unable to understand my feelings,

My hearts desire is for my family,

So they may unite and be together in harmony,

For without them I am unable to cope,

My hearts desire is for my true friends,

Because they will stand beside me and protect me from harm,

For without them I am unable to realize my expressions,

My hearts desire is for my parents,

Their paths had once crossed in love,

For without them I am unable to cry with pain,

My hearts desire is for my enemies,

For their jealousy is a powerful force,

And without them I am unable to be strong in my faith,

The hearts desire for suicide,

Brings on the comfort for death,

To reach out and touch our beliefs,

We are to remember what makes up our lives,

And turn away to find Jesus reaching out to us,

For to believe is what keeps us going,

To strive and find a true friend,

Is like holding Hands with God.

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The Long Journey to Ann’s House

“More breadlets please Mom.” Said Jimmy as he popped the last one in his mouth. Tomato soup, oysterettes and breadlets. We were rich because we had everything and never needed for anything. If we bothered Mom long enough, we would eventually get it. Our life was secure and very comfortable until our parents separated.

So, for now, Jim and I were content in our world. There were fights though…bad fights. Hair pulling, kicking, biting, my glasses always being knocked off. But I had a friend that I loved dearly. Someone to share the good times that we created when the bad times were going on. Which happened much later in our lives.

“I like oysterettes better in my soup!” I exclaimed. “Breadlets are better, because Mom made them!” shouted Jimmy. “Yeah, your right!” I shouted back. “Janet, Jimmy shush now, your dad is still sleeping.” Whispered Mom. “Go on outside both of you and find something to do.” Jim and I jumped out of our chairs and gave Mom a kiss and ran outside. We both saw Joan and Peggy singing and laughing over a song they were both hearing over their new Transistor Radio. The song was called ‘The Name Game.’ After the song was over, we all started singing this song using everyone’s name in our family. When we finished with our sister Ann’s name – Jimmy wanted to know where Ann was. “Is she in Heaven?” asked Jimmy. “She’s married now and doesn’t live with us anymore.” I said. “I don’t remember her too much now.” Said Jim. “That’s because you were little when she left.” I said. “I know where she use to live.” Included Joan. “Where? Where?” Jimmy and I both excitedly said. “It’s a long journey from here. It’s somewhere in the woods.” Said Joan. “Let’s go, show us Joan, yeah let’s go.” Jimmy and I each took turns in saying. So, we left with Peggy and Joan through the woods which were directly in the back of our house. (All of the woods that were behind us belonged to our family. God gave it to us to play in. No one could tell us differently) So we all followed Joan through the woods. We went past small trees and huge big trees. We walked past Shwaubbins Park which only came alive each October. This Park had a dark vastness which made it look very spooky sometimes. But this time we were too excited to notice. We had to jump over puddles being careful not to get soakers. We even went past the huge pond where we caught pollywogs. (We weren’t suppose to go there, though, Mom said so.) As we walked, Jim and I talked about going to Ann’s house, while Peg and Joan talked about other stuff that didn’t interest us at all. Eventually, Jimmy and I started to complain on how tired we were. “A couple of more minutes and we’ll be there.” Said Joan. “I want to go home!” Jimmy complained. All of a sudden Joan stopped and pointed to three huge mounds surrounded by water on three sides. “We have to go around them where it Is dry.” Said Joan. As we went around them, we realized they were three slabs of flat cement real close to each other. Joan opened a pretend door and stepped on the first slab of cement. “Ann!” she yelled. “Ann! Are you here?” she yelled again. “Ann is not home.” Answered Jimmy. “She’ll be home again soon.” I said. “So, let’s clean her house up nice and neat for when she does.” We then watched Peg and Joan leave down a path. Jim and I followed them and within minutes we were back at our house. We got rakes and brooms to clean Ann’s house with for when she came back to stay. In the meantime, her house was ours to play in and have as much fun as we possibly could.

My Family

At times I have wondered,

How I have fit into my family,

With all the indifference,

Mistrust and love lost,

I have had to pull myself away,

For it is unhealthy to dwell,

With all of it.

But I really know you now,

A climbing tendril,

Which began from love,

Diversified within many directions,

Of different genetic tendencies,

So now we have accepted each other,

Thru the loss of a parent,

And within the love of our compliance,

We have learned the way of Jesus,

And it is time to reach out,

For we are a family,

This should never be forgotten.

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Joan and the Pocketful of Paransfullitas

Coloring on our stomachs, close to the big picture window, Elaine and I quietly colored our Easter pictures. Mom had bought a big Easter coloring book and tore out some pictures for us…so we wouldn’t fight over them. Jimmy, up from his nap, toddled over and grabbed my hair and glasses. I ducked expertly while he laughed impishly. “Mom!” I yelled, “Jimmy’s bothering me!” Jimmy then grabbed some of our crayons out of the old cookie tin and ran to the couch. He looked like he planned the whole thing because he started stuffing those crayons in his mouth while he laughed at us. “Mom! Jimmy’s eating crayons!” Elaine yelled. I didn’t say anything. I was completely fascinated by someone eating crayons. I never thought of that before. ‘I’ll have to try that someday.’ I concluded. Mom showed up with a Zwieback cookie and a half-baby bottle of milk which she gave Jimmy in exchange for the crayons. I myself would have cried over that trade. Those cookies were disgusting. Yech – Blooey!

Everyone was home today – it being Easter vacation and all. So, when Peg, Ed, and Joan came in the room with their skates, Elaine and I jumped up to get ours. “Wait for us!” we called out. In five minutes, me and Elaine were ready. Leaving the house, we all headed for the woods. Jimmy started crying because he couldn’t go. “Your too young right now – when you get older.” Mom said to him. That didn’t matter – he kept crying. ‘He should go eat those crayons – that would make him happy.’ I thought. ‘He probably will too – we didn’t clean up our mess when we left.’ I thought again. ‘Oh, well, Mom will clean it.’ (And she did)

The five of us went through the woods. We walked past the fallen tree, where during the summer months, the old buck-tooth old lady hung around. She would pick the poison berries from around that tree and try to feed them to the neighborhood kids. It was also the place where Eddie taught us his ‘Matches Song’. While we were trying to strike, those darn matches he took, on that same tree. (He finally had to use a lighter to get them going) A little farther up was the ice pond. When we got there everyone put on their skates but me. My feet were like icicles. Joan said, “I had to skate or I couldn’t go home.” I sat there on this small hill thinking, ‘If I sit here long enough and didn’t say anything – she’ll forget what she said.’ (And I was right – this time)

I looked around me. There was snow splotches here and there. Nothing else but bare trees and birds calling out. But it was a truly beautiful spot. ‘God is here.’ I thought. Eventually, I looked down and started to play with my skate laces. (So Joan wouldn’t notice me) Seeing small rocks around my feet I began picking them up and looking at them. How pretty. They all sparkled like gold. I made a small pile of twenty or so – thinking I struck it rich, of course. Wow! I can buy a lot of Twinkies and boxes of Cracker Jacks with these. Then I called out to Joan, to tell her about my discovery. Within seconds she was with me looking over my shoulder. “Look!” I said. “Look what I found!” “Ahh.” Joan said. “You found some Paransfullitas!” “Yeah.” I said. “What’s that? Gold?” “It’s better than gold.” Joan said. “Wow!” I exclaimed. “I’m rich! Just wait until I show Mom!” Elaine came over and I showed her my find. “Look, Elaine, Paransfullitas!” Elaine looked and said, “Those are just rocks.” “Nu-uh. What are these Joan?” “Paransfullitas.” Joan told Elaine. Elaine looked and said believingly, “Oh, wow, I didn’t know.” Suddenly Peg yelled out. “C’mon let’s go home now. I’m cold.”

Stuffing my treasures in my pockets, I raced after everyone, yelling, “Wait for me!” Everyone laughed and called me Janet got rocks. Which I didn’t understand because I really had rocks and I really got them. So why tell me? Joan explained it was all just in fun and gave my hand she was holding a light squeeze. But before we reached the house everyone told me what they wanted for next Christmas. Eddie said I was going to go broke and go to the poor house after spending all my money. I was worried about that and was going to cry when I then looked up and saw our house that was just past the trees. It didn’t look poor to me so I knew I was alright. I was tired then and Joan picked me up and carried me the rest of the way home. Just me and my pocketful of Paransfullitas – I was doing good. Thanks, Joan!

My Pet Paransfullitas

I have many Paransfullitas,

That my children have given me,

They are my special pets,

For they do not run around,

Or beg for food,

They do not shed,

Or jump on my lap,

They do not bite my feet,

Or expect to be let out,

And they stay where I put them.

God gives us positive energy thru many things,

Be it from a Holy Talisman to a crystal,

Then I would say my pet rocks,

From my little children are special too.

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Jimmy and His Best Buddy

Jimmy was laying on the couch. Eyes closed and his face was turned away from me. “Jimmy, Jimmy.” I whispered. “Jimmy.” I whispered again. Jimmy slowly turned his head my way “Let’s go play outside.” I said. Mom stood in the doorway drying dishes. When she saw me bothering my little brother, who just had an operation, she quietly put the dish down and softly said to me, “Jimmy’s not feeling well, Janet honey, leave him alone and tomorrow he should be feeling better.” Reluctantly I said, “O.K.” I put my hand on his arm and patted it. I walked in the kitchen and asked, “Mom? Why is Jimmy sleeping so much? And why can’t he play today?” “Jimmy went through an operation to get his tonsil and adenoids out. They were in the back of his throat – so his throat is really sore and he can’t talk too much. The doctor put him to sleep before he did this, and Jimmy is still a little sleepy.” Mom explained. “Can he play tomorrow?” I wanted to know. “I hope so. Say a prayer for him.” She said. I wasn’t listening. “Why is he hugging that brown Teddy Bear so much?” I asked. Mom thought about it for a few seconds and said, “Probably because it makes him feel better.” “Oh.” I said but I didn’t understand. Jimmy was my best buddy and I couldn’t think of why he would be hugging that bear so tightly. Mom had given that bear to Jimmy when he came home from the hospital. It was a gift from his Uncle Charlie.

I quietly sneaked back into the front room where Jimmy was. I wanted to see if he was just faking it. I expected to see him sitting up and laughing at me about the joke he had just pulled. Well, seeing him on the couch, laying there, so still, with his bear, I realized he was not feeling well.

I went back into the kitchen, “Mom? I would like to color some pictures for Jimmy. It would be to help him get better.” Mom smiled and reached above the refrigerator to get the big cookie tin of crayons and my coloring book. I saw my watercolors in there and decided to paint him pictures instead. Mom got me a glass of water for my projects. There I sat at the table until dinner time, saying prayers for him, and making my masterpieces for my brother. I painted them all red so he would know these pictures were from me and no one else. When I finished my dinner, I put all my pictures around Jimmy so he could see them.

I don’t remember too much after that. But it was a few days later when Jimmy could get off that couch and play again. I asked him if he had to get his tonsils out because of all those big black ants I use to put on his tongue. “I don’t think so.” He slowly said. “Where did you put your bear, Jimmy? And why were you hugging it so tightly?” I wanted to know. Jimmy looked at me and his eyes kinda got bigger. My bear is in my bottom drawer.” He said. “And when I hugged that bear – I felt better.” “Oh.” I said. But I didn’t know what he meant.

A week later I came down with a bad case of the flu. I felt so very sick and awful. During the second day on the couch, Jimmy came up to me and gave me his bear. I wrapped my arms tightly around it and then I understood. “Thank you.” I whispered and closed my eyes and fell asleep.

Are You

Are you the happy laughter I hear between friends,

Or are you the angry voice raised in protest during a dispute,

Are you the gentle rhythm upon my roof during a summer rain,

Or are you the storm swirling the seas in a wild tempest of emotion,

Are you the sweet smell of wild flowers given as a gift,

Or are you the taker for all selfish reasons,

Are you the gleam in the eyes of parents,

Or are you the harshness of cruel abuse,

Are you the life we hold onto so dearly to enjoy,

Or are you the mask of death waiting around the unsuspecting corner,

Are you the good within giving to everyone,

Or are you the tight-fisted oppressor of authority.

We make or break our world,

We guide our steps towards our destiny,

We build our towers to succeed in life,

We make many good ideas of the scriptures within our churches,

We extend our knowledge to improve our fate,

And we believe all roads lead to Rome.

For this is within Christ,

The Judgment of God,

And the ambivalence of one another.