Once upon a time, there was a family of Skunks, Papa, Mama, and two kits. While Papa worked, Mama stayed home with the kids. In and Out, like many children tended to be rambunctious. One day because they were particularly underfoot, Mama told them to go outside and play so she could finish the housework. With the children away, Mama cleaned the nest and started lunch. When it was ready, she called for her children to eat. In a few…..
“Thump-a-thump, thump-a-thump, thump-a-thump.” As regular as a clock, it echoed through the early morning darkness. “Thump-a-thump, thump-a-thump, thump-a-thump.” Soft and low, like a beating heart, it bounced off the walls of the small house. “Thump-a-thump, thump-a-thump, thump-a-thump.” The boy woke with a start. Shivering on the cold summer porch, he pulled the quilt tighter around his neck. Alarmed, he lay in bed, afraid to move, listening to the dark house. “Thump-a-thump, thump-a-thump, thump-a-thump.” Except for the mysterious thumping, the house…..
The old man paused a moment to watch his grandson sleep. It had been a long day, and both were tired. In fact, the baby had just fallen asleep. One-year-old Elias lived up to his nickname, Big Baby. Not that he was chubby or overweight, he was just big and solid. Of course, being the fourth child, he had to grow fast, just to keep up. Reluctantly, the old man stooped to pick him up. “Ow, my back hurts,” he…..
The old man sat on a park bench. Slowly he ate his hot dog, oblivious to the whirl of festivities, music blaring, children playing, and parents struggling to keep track of their offspring. “Yep another July 4th,” he laughed, sipping his drink. A boy quietly approached his seat. “Grandpa!” he yelled. The old man grinned, “Why hello, how are you?” Scooting to one side, he made room on his bench. “Fine, what ya doing?” the boy asked. “Oh, I’m just…..