Pounder was a watermelon. He was minding his own business when a man came to the counter with a knife aimed at him. Pounder was angry. He rolled off the counter and landed on the man’s foot. The man yelled and dropped his knife. It stuck right into Pounder. He groaned and then died. TheContinue reading “It’s Okay to Eat Fruit Cuz They Don’t Have Any Feelings”
Tag Archives: Fathers
It Was a Beautiful Eulogy
His father went to the old family farm in Columbiana, Ohio, for Uncle Ludwig’s funeral. Granny and all her sisters were there. He stayed for a week and loved visiting with all of them and their families. He comes home and tells the young man and the rest of the family his favorite moment. “WeContinue reading “It Was a Beautiful Eulogy”
It Is the Gloaming
Camille is not going to make it, no matter how hard she tries. Thunderstorms keep rolling through Houston, Southwest will not finish the final leg to Corpus Christi. She has called several times to explain, the last time in tears. She tells his mother, “I hope he is not waiting for me.” “Let’s do this.Continue reading “It Is the Gloaming”
The Vision of the Valley of Cancerous Bones
He is sitting on the upper deck of the lake house in Maine. His wife is in the kitchen with her sisters making dinner. Towels are drying on the rail in front of him. He opens the Bible to Ezekiel 37. Most Mormons like it for the stick of Joseph and the stick of Judah.Continue reading “The Vision of the Valley of Cancerous Bones”
Meet Mr. No
The man holds Grant’s hand and clenches tight. Grant is dressed in an Eeyore costume—really, it is a big stuffed donkey head and vest. Grant hates it. He has been trying to wiggle out of it while they take pictures and again while they grab the plastic jack-o-lantern to go. Now, they are crossing theContinue reading “Meet Mr. No”
I’m Sure It Wasn’t THAT Word
The first counselor in the Primary presidency is leading a group of children through the church hallway to a classroom. She has a large smile on her face. “Grant spent sharing time telling everyone that you called him the F word.” The man is standing next to his office after interviewing a youth. “I’m sureContinue reading “I’m Sure It Wasn’t THAT Word”
You Will Give the Blessing
The room is dark. Lauren is breathing deeply, almost snoring. His mind is filling with random, disconnected thoughts. And then, they change and become clear. “I call down the powers of heaven and the holy angels on your behalf and command you to be well. I rebuke your cancer and command your bones to heal.”Continue reading “You Will Give the Blessing”
You Will Understand When You Get Older
He is sitting in his grandmother’s front room. His father comes down the hall and settles into the easy chair next to the couch. “I don’t know what to do with her.” “What do you mean?” “She refuses to pack. I have her suitcases open, and she won’t put anything in them.” “She can’t stayContinue reading “You Will Understand When You Get Older”
I Think It’s an Important Message
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”
We Don’t Know What the Next World Will Be Like
It is early afternoon. The man sits on a kitchen chair next to his father. His father pushes a button, and the train begins to run around the long oval track. “I love trains. Your mother got this for me as a very early Christmas present so I could enjoy it longer.” It has beenContinue reading “We Don’t Know What the Next World Will Be Like”
His Smile Lit Up a Room and Other Things to Say at My Funeral 