Photo by Ted Strutz Marla sifted through the photos, hoping to find one of her beloved older sister, Catherine. They had been inseparable as children, and Catherine was her hero, fearless as any of the boys in the neighborhood. Her bravery had caused her a lot of problems with Mama, but Marla had loved cheering... Continue Reading →
Hiding in the closet, a book in her hands, Janie mentally escaped from the fighting and screaming of her parents. As a precocious five year old, she could disappear into far-away places when reading books, safe in their pages. The years passed, and she married and became the parent. Life was mildly sardonic, seemingly filled... Continue Reading →
Photo Credit: Sandra Crook Walking across the old bridge, knowing it could fall at any time, I contemplated the choices and chances that alone are mine.To wait for the pain and suffering of today to surely pass,Or to say I have had enough, and this day will be my last.As I enjoyed the perpetual movement... Continue Reading →
George wanted one piece of Anya's delectable apple pie. His wife, Julia, the "diabetes police," kept a tight lid on what he ate. She had good intentions, but sometimes a man gotta have what he wants! George hid the bike in the bushes, with Midnight, sitting placidly on the seat. He walked over to Anya's... Continue Reading →
Marie knew that her friend was going to complain about the artificial roses. Sure enough, Bernice said, "Marie, why don't you throw those old flowers away! Put some fresh roses on the table!" Marie responded, "Bernice, those were the roses that Stan gave me on our first wedding anniversary. He told me that someday he... Continue Reading →
Photo Credit: J. Hardy Carroll Surrounded by stunned nurses and doctors, Cassie looked up at the beehive, fascinated with its beauty. For nearly ten years, no amount of cajoling could convince Cassie to leave the safe space of the inside of the hospital. The windows were her eyes to the world. She had spent hours... Continue Reading →
Shana watched the others make s'mores. As the only black person present, she was feeling out of place. Gerry walked over, took a marshmallow and placed it on Shana's hanger. He showed her how to hold it over the fire. When the marshmallow was ready, he took it and placed it between the chocolate and... Continue Reading →
I looked at the old car in the weeds, Remembering the sweet moments we shared. Kisses stolen as we sat by the lake in it, That was as far back then as we dared. You told me one late August night That someday you and I would be wed. I thought that you were kidding... Continue Reading →
I looked at that duct-taped door. It nearly brought tears to my eyes, When I remembered the happy times We shared before and after children arrived. I remembered the moment after our "I do's," You wanted to carry me across the threshold. Unfortunately, I weighed a little too much, But I still saw you as... Continue Reading →
My wife, Virginia, said that she just could not find the strength to leave our home. But, I finally succeeded in talking her into taking a walk. I was starting to feel depressed just walking beside her, when suddenly, I felt a change in her. She had went over and stood reading the epitaph on... Continue Reading →
Help from Heaven 