The Friendship Quilt

This is a deceptively simple fictional rendering of a story in my family history. It’s meant to be coupled with the “The Littlest Nurse,” and then for further perspectives, you can learn far more at my page on Sadie Bushman. You might wish to read the actual primary sources, as well. It’s worthwhile to thinkContinue reading “The Friendship Quilt”

The Littlest Nurse of Gettysburg

This is a deceptively simple fictional rendering of a story in my family history. It’s meant to be coupled with the “The Friendship Quilt,” and then for further perspectives, you can learn far more at my page on Sadie Bushman. You might wish to read the actual primary sources, as well. The Rebels came throughContinue reading “The Littlest Nurse of Gettysburg”

Today the Pandemic Begins to End

The day was partly cloudy, barely in the forties, and the man had parked on the backside of Gillette Stadium where they usually parked for Revolution games. He followed the signs directing him toward the Putnam Club entrance and thought, Today the pandemic begins to end for me. Other people were coming from the glassContinue reading “Today the Pandemic Begins to End”

Origin Story of a Super Hero

They were in their room changing out of regular clothes into pajamas. “The Jensens asked us to watch their dog,” said Lauren, stepping into the closet. “Obviously, you said no,” the man said. “Actually, I didn’t.” “Come on. Seriously?” “She’s hypoallergenic. Maltipoo or something.” “Great, but it’s not like you like dogs.” “I know. ButContinue reading “Origin Story of a Super Hero”

The Wormwood and the Gall

M: Does anyone actually know someone, anyone, who had COVID and got really sick or died? *** G: Hey, B! P told me your brother is in tough shape.B: Yeah. Just went on ECMO. This might be it for him.G: OMG. I’m so sorry. He can’t be very old.B: Early fifties. Like me. *** LJ:Continue reading “The Wormwood and the Gall”

Stop Snitching

Their cheeks were pink from the cold air, but they were both sweating from their run. “Lindsay was being a jerk, Dad,” said Grant. “Oh my gosh!” Lindsay exclaimed. She looked at the man. “He was soooo slow.” “It’s not my fault. I haven’t worked out in, like, six weeks.” “So the Missionary Training CenterContinue reading “Stop Snitching”

I’m a Sailor Peg

They have just passed a parking lot on the Spotsylvania Battlefield history trail. There is a clear trail to the right just on the other side of the placards at this stop, so they follow it. It goes for a quarter mile and ends at a busy road. “This isn’t right,” says the man. “WeContinue reading “I’m a Sailor Peg”

You Got Skunked!

Lucia is almost four and Lindsay is eighteen months. All winter, the scent of skunk has lingered around their yard, and they can’t make out where it is coming from. It is a warm spring day. The girls are in the backyard while Grant is at a summer school activity. Lucia bolts inside and cries,Continue reading “You Got Skunked!”

I Want You to Be Honest about Something

The man has three distinct scenes in mind before this conversation with Lucia. At age eight, she hit her five-year mark with the local dance company, which meant that she was to receive a five-year award at the spring dance recital. They issued these awards partway through the recital. Each kid’s name was called, andContinue reading “I Want You to Be Honest about Something”