Near evening, the author has just finished and printed his first novel. It is about a white football coach in a black part of San Antonio. The author’s father is preparing for trial, so they are sharing the office. “Dad, can you read the trial scene for me? I want to make sure it isContinue reading “I Think It’s an Important Message”
Tag Archives: Family
Christmas Nightmare
On Christmas morning, the boy and his brother could stand it no longer. “You awake?” says the boy. “Yeah,” says Stephen. “Think we got hoppity horses for Christmas?” “Hope so.” “Wanna go check? “Think we’ll get in trouble?” “Not if we don’t get caught.” “What time is it?” “3:45.” “Mom will KILL us.” “No, we’llContinue reading “Christmas Nightmare”
This Will Be the Day That I Die
Until South Padre Island Drive ends. That’s how long you drive to get to Big Shell. You drive the island expressway across the bridge, pass Snoopy’s on the right, pass through Flour Bluff, watch it turn to a two-lane road, and then there are sand dunes and a sign that says, “Four-wheel drive vehicles onlyContinue reading “This Will Be the Day That I Die”
If One of Us Is Going to Die, It Should Be You
On this trip to Utah, he has gone to the temple for the first time and been baptized for three of his grandmother’s brothers. The boy has turned 12 and been ordained a deacon. Now, he is with his brother, sister, and father near the amphitheater at Aspen Grove. They have returned from the shortContinue reading “If One of Us Is Going to Die, It Should Be You”
Alone in Everett on a Hot Summer Day
Knowing how to receive revelation does not make it easy. He is home by himself in the third-floor, two-bedroom apartment on Union Street in Everett. A hospital is over the hill. There are no woods to flee to where he could find quiet. Lauren has taken Grant, age six weeks, to California to see herContinue reading “Alone in Everett on a Hot Summer Day”
Green Light
Near dusk, they knock a door halfway down the street. The woman says nothing but immediately waves them in. She motions to the couch and the young man and his companion sit. “Do you guys have any more videos you could leave me?” “Did missionaries give you some of our videos?” “Yeah, you guys did.”Continue reading “Green Light”
We’re All a Family and No One is Leaving
“I was just hoping to have a nice family day,” she says, as he moves the minivan onto the ramp to route 24. “What am I doing wrong?” says the man. “You’re just really grouchy. You could be nicer to us.” He rolls his eyes. “I don’t know when you’re going to get this. ThereContinue reading “We’re All a Family and No One is Leaving”
Olea, Shinehah, Kokaubeam, Kokob
Right after dinner and as it hits dark, Bill Ghormley organizes the young men into two teams, and they walk through a break in the small dunes and the dune weeds to the giant dune behind. That dune must a quarter mile long and wide. They have spent the day fishing in the waves andContinue reading “Olea, Shinehah, Kokaubeam, Kokob”
Beware of Tree Alligators
On summer nights, they are in bed by eight when the light is still out. They can hear the red-headed Scott Starr playing with friends and siblings in his driveway. Sometimes, their best friend next door, Kevin Luzius, is still out riding his bike. The boy and his brother hate it. This night, a gustyContinue reading “Beware of Tree Alligators”
Their God Would Be a Lion
Under the stars and the soft pier light they stand with poles in hand. The bass have been biting in a spot where the light shines brightest on the water. Stephen has snagged two already, while the young man has pulled in a catfish. Their dad has been skunked so far. “I never liked fishing,”Continue reading “Their God Would Be a Lion”
His Smile Lit Up a Room and Other Things to Say at My Funeral 