Story Library

Pen Pal

Backstory

Handwritten notes? In the day of briefest possible communication like tweets, texting and Instagram? Here’s the story of how that came about.

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Pen Pal – #331

“Do you think Grandma would like to be my pen pal, ” my 10-year old grandchild asked her mom. We live several hundred miles away from each other and I don’t have a chance to engage in grandmotherly things like attending her ballet classes or watching her play softball. And now, she had come up with the idea of writing to each other.

Well, we’re both on Facebook, we both have computers, we both email each other, but here she was wanting to do something more personal and to me something very precious. I agreed in a moment and we began a stream of communications that kept the postman hopping.

I bought her return labels for her envelopes with her name and address on them and the greeting, Hi Grandma! She sent me messages of one or two sentences or whole pages worth of observations and questions and endearments full of sweet 10-year old innocence.

Yes, some wound up on the refrigerator where I secretly hoped that visitors would read her charming text. Others were packed lovingly in a box to be returned to her in 10 or 20 years to reacquaint her with the young girl she once was. Perhaps by then to have a daughter of her own with whom to share.

I am so pleased to be the pen pal of this special little person.

P.S.

Well, she IS now 10 years older. No daughter to share this with yet, so I’m keeping the ribbon tied box for when that event comes along. Once scrolled to paper, her words are mine forever.

[Show #331]

Smile

Backstory

Mom used to encourage me to smile. She wisely taught that you can get away with a lot if you present things with a big smile. I got a lot of traction with that advice, so I thought I’d pass it on.

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Smile – #305

The other day, we did a show about losing weight and the struggle it can be. It was meant to make you smile. I hope it did. We know that a healthy body is important enough to work on it. But it can also have ironies that are humorous to say the least.

I like to smile, don’t you? I heard once how many facial muscles it takes to smile and a lot, lot more to frown. So, the decision to smile a lot is a good one, an easy one. One that brings rewards such as smiles returned and a feeling that perhaps you are lifting the day for someone who has not had many smiles that day.

What makes you smile? The face of a child, a kiss on the cheek, an email from a friend, an unexpected compliment? Maybe a youngster adorably struggling to learn a new skill? Well, I hope there are many things that bring a lift to your lips.

Smiles taste good and look good too! They’re like an instant facelift. They’ll do more for your sex appeal than stilettos or a hairpiece.

Are you smiling yet? Take a look in the mirror, next time you do. See how appealing you look wearing your favorite smile.

Here’s hoping you have cause to smile often today and every day.

P.S.

And if you have a bad day and can find absolutely no reason to raise the corners of your lips, may you come in contact with people who are smiling. Borrow one of theirs. You can always give it back.

[Show #305]

More Need Help

Backstory

When the pandemic and lock-down surged forward, many proud Americans found themselves in a compromising position. Their situation called for behavior and emotions unknown to them.

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More Need Help – #294

Recent years have brought new struggles to families here. People who never before needed help, suddenly cannot be as independent as before. They may reach out to relatives to share living quarters. They may not be able to make ends meet. They may need the help of food stamps or food banks, or even shelters.

When you’re too proud to show you need help, things may only continue to get worse. You can find yourself reeling from the effects on you and your family. It takes a tremendous amount of strength and will to pull through times like this.

Perhaps the most courage of all is being willing to ask for help. When you’re not used to needing help, it’s not easy to speak up.

If you are in this position, I urge you to work up the courage. Reach out and let someone know what you need. It may not be a lot but with some help you may be able to make it through with a lot less pain.

There are people who can help you get through the official system. There are people who will help you privately, quietly, with compassion. From churches, community groups, neighbors, sponsors, you may be surprised to find out how many ways people can and will help.

But it can only happen if they know you need help. It’s okay. When you’re back on your feet you can help others again. For all the caring you’ve done in the past, let someone help you now.

P.S.

Seniors found generous new help. Those sheltering in place at home were concerned about exposure to the virus by grocery shopping or fast food pick up. Dozens of sources sprung up to provide food delivery to the front porch. All they had to know was who needed it.

[Show #294]

The Strength of Women

Backstory

Recent months have made such extra demands on women. New virtues of courage and resilience were called into focus by busy moms, lonely grandmothers and those sequestered alone,

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Women’s Strength – #267

Women have strengths that amaze. We bear hardships and carry burdens, but we hold happiness, love and joy. We smile when we want to scream, cry when we’re happy and laugh when we’re nervous.

We fight for what we believe in and stand up to injustice. We don’t take no for an answer when we believe there is a better solution. We go without so our family can have. We cry when our children excel and cheer when our friends get awards. We nurture and juggle responsibilities effectively. We keep everyone on schedule and get them there on time.

Our responsibilities as a mother never end. We are always there when needed and everyone depends on that. We are the glue that holds everything together. We are strong when it seems there is no strength left. We know that a hug and a kiss can heal a broken heart.

Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors. They drive, fly, walk, run or email you to show how much they care about you. The heart of a woman is what makes the world keep turning.

We women have one flaw, however. We forget our worth. Never forget your worth.

You are amazing.

P.S.

The joy you get when you hear a teenager agreeing with one of your long-preached truisms. The pride in her voice when your daughter tells of something you did right They don’t go around singing your praises, so you have to watch for the rare opportunities when you catch a glimpse at how much you are appreciated by those you love. As I said, you are amazing!

[Show #267]

I Had to Sell My House

Backstory

Why would I sell this perfect homestead? That question rolled around in my mind for months as I tried to decide what to do. The truth was, events were such that it was necessary and beneficial for me to move on. And yet . . .

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I Had to Sell my House – #530

I had to sell my house. I loved that house. It’s on the river with views of the mountains and a wonderful community where people care about each other, and help each other. I lived there for more than a decade and had set down roots. But things changed, and it was time to live elsewhere. I moved everything out and looked at the bare walls. They looked good, and had fared well.

One year I had decided to turn the restroom into a stunning oasis. I’d built in lighted glass shelves to spotlight treasures that I could change every month or so. Wallpaper set the theme, enhanced by crown molding and pewter side lamps. I had a beautiful antique mirror. The floor was laid with marble tiles and a furniture quality vanity was installed with granite top. It all blended beautifully. I so enjoyed the feeling of the small lovely space. Sliding doors to the deck were replaced with romantic French doors. Shelves were added for displaying my teapot collection.

I could see myself in every nook and cranny of the house. I had made it my own.

And now, it was passing to new hands. How would it be treated? Would the next family know joy and happiness here? Would they replace my version of beauty with things of their own?

Of course, they will. And I am so happy for them.

P.S.
Left behind brick and mortar, but not the memories. Photos, comments and late-night reminiscing all bring back visions of that lovely home and all the happy moments enjoyed there. They are mine forever.

[Show #530]

Dad Teaching By Example

Backstory

Celebrating Father’s Day with a vignette from real life. Dads can talk the talk. This one walked the walk, with his young son at his side.

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Dad Teaching by Example – #525

The 7 year old went up to his dad, worried and concerned. “Daddy, this is a lot of money, isn’t it?” he asked. He handed his dad a hundred dollar bill that he had just found on the street. He was worried that someone planned to use that “big dollar” to buy food and would now go hungry.

Dad advised him not to tell anyone about the find. He had a plan. He and his son went back to the cul-de-sac where the money was found, knocked on doors and asked if anyone was missing money. The child was advised not to mention how much money. His dad explained that knowing the amount of the money lost would help them identify the real owner.

At the third house, a rather frazzled woman came to the door, surrounded by four very young children. The little boy asked if she had lost any money.

“I hope you mean a hundred dollar bill,” she exclaimed. “I have been frantic looking for it. That was suppose to buy this week’s groceries.”

The money was returned and the boy even received a small reward for his honesty and his efforts to return the money.

But his biggest reward was the knowledge that his dad knew he had done what was right. He got a first-hand lesson in honor and integrity. He had already been taught what was right, and when the universe put him in a position to make a choice, he held tight to his principles.

Job well done – by both father and son.

P.S.

Kids were asking hard questions while sheltered in place. Dads had a rare opportunity to give encouragement, hope and laughter. Here’s to the dads who created moments of heroism and love for their kids in this unique spring of 2020.

[#525]

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