Autumn

Autumn

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Bits & Pieces

It's been a very hectic and busy last few days for me. We had a great Easter. I hope yours was the same.

My friend, Duke, came in this morning and we had coffee and chewed the fat about guns, shotgun loads, and life in general. He never fails to leave a smile on my face. Take a moment this morning and click the link and check out his blog. You will find his latest piece titled, 'Survival Tips.' Good read.

Yesterday my alarm went off at 0600, as usual. I rose, showered, and drove over to my son's house. He came to the door with Little Bit; her all dressed for school in her uniform. When she stepped outside she gave me one strange look. Her father mumbled and closed the door. Little Bit just stood as if waiting for me to say something, and I gave her a good morning. She just shook her head and walked away and climbed into my truck without so much as a bye your leave....

To say I was in the dark would have been an understatement. I joined her. She had her seatbelt buckled. I smiled and put the truck in reverse and drove down the highway with our world warmed by Spring and the birds in full chorus. She took my right hand and held it in hers but she still had that funny expression on her face. So, I bit.

"What is it, Honey?"

She always, and I mean, always begins any and all sentences with, "Papa?"

"Yes."

"Papa why did you come get me? Am I staying with you today, and why did daddy make me dress in my uniform?"

I glanced over at her and thought, 'Oh no.'

Her face is full of questions. "What do you mean, Honey, after all today is Monday and it's a school day."

"No it isn't. I tried to tell daddy but he wouldn't listen to me and yelled and told me to get dressed cause he didn't want you to wait and be late and he yelled again, Papa, and he said I was being stupid and all and I tried to tell mommy but she was still asleep and now I feel stupid, Papa." She then took a deep breath and her eyes were moist and then I felt stupid too.

I said, "Honey, we'll be at McDonald's soon. Get your blue folder out for Papa and let me check your school calendar." She did as I requested. Later, parked at the restaurant, her calendar proved her correct. Teacher Planning Day.

"I'm sorry, Sweetheart. Papa didn't know either."



"It's okay, Papa, but why didn't daddy listen to me?" So, I told her the truth....I said, "Honey, your dad isn't the sharpest nail in the box." Blank stare in return. I tried again. "Dad was just half asleep, Honey. He's not old, like Papa. People Papa's age rise early and we're always fully awake when the sun peeks over the horizon.. Besides, daddy is just silly in the mornings."

She laughed. Then, "Papa?"

I stand outside the truck and reach inside, my arms extended for her. She climbs into my arms and I set her down and answer, "What, Honey?"

She takes my hand and we walk towards the front door for breakfast. "Do I get to stay with you all day and can I please change my clothes, and can we have fun and play games and cook dinner together?"

I said, "Yes."  She sang, over and over, on our stroll towards the door, "Me and Papa, Me and Papa, Me and Papa."

I had a happy little girl on my hands in spite of it all....


Tomorrow I tell you about Little Bit and her take on taxes and her new found love of a certain seafood dish.

Have a great day.

Stephen

21 comments:

  1. Cute, thanks for bringing a smile to this end of the keyboard.

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    1. Thank you, Max, and you are very welcome. My pleasure.

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  2. Love the stories about Little Bit. She is indeed--the Sharpest nail in the box. I haven't laugh this hard in awhile. Thanks. She is so sweet and I love the demanding part. Girls have to stick together. Sometimes you have to be that way with them boys. She is a very persistent young lady. Good for you, Little Bit! (If you ever want to know anything about the days off, let them tell you!) They know and her primed by the teachers as well! Have a wonderful day!

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    1. I'm glad you like the stories...I write them (or should say, record) for her. Thanks.

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  3. She's a little cutie... and definitely sharp! :-) Thanks for brightening the day with your morning adventure.

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  4. dear sweet one - ugh. i feel just terrible for the confusion she must feel when she tries to tell her father/parents something and they don't listen - this isn't the first time that you have picked her up when she had no school. maybe you or Sweet Wife can check her blue book monthly or something. this really p*sses me off to no end because what if they were just dropping her off at school and then leaving?!?!?!? thank Goodness that she has you, Stephen!

    but she is so dang cute and smart! i can't wait to hear her take on taxes and also for her new favourite seafood dish - i hope that a recipe is coming with it!

    your friend,
    kymber

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    1. Sad part is, they never listen. In fact we do have a schedule attached inside one of our cabinet doors..thing is, I'm bad about not checking it. It's as much my fault as her father. Nope, no recipe. She...well, I'll tell you tomorrow...stand by. Thanks, sweet one.

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  5. If you'd checked the schedule, you might not have had the day with that sweet girl - so I'm glad you didn't. Sounds like she is, too.

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    1. They would have eventually called me to sit her. I was lucky and jumped the gun, so to speak, and we were both happy. It was a long day for the two of us. I'll write the second part tomorrow. Thanks, my friend.

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  6. God bless you Stephen. That kid warms my heart too. You are soooooooooo blessed.

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    1. Only by the Grace of God. Thank you, Warlock.

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  7. This will make up for you being in the hospital. Enjoy.

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  8. HEH so do you think she will mention that her dad isn't a very sharp nail? :)

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    1. She might, and he'd better not take it out on her...

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  9. Hey Stephen, Papa...., Stories about Little Bit touch the hearts of many. She is a cutie and smart as a whistle. Give Little Bit a hug from an Oklahoma friend.

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    1. I shall, Sweet Sandy. She'd like it too. Thank you.

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  10. No one knows the school schedule like the student! lol! What a great and unexpected blessing for you and her! I am sure you took full advantage of it! Someone knew you both needed it.

    :) peace!

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    1. She had a very busy day following Papa...I'll write about it soon, as time permits. Thanks, Kellie..you're a nice friend.

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