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| << May04, 2006 - Hearts and Humor - Two Mothers |
May12, 2006 - Hearts and Humor - Listen To Your Kids >> |
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Happy Sunday! It's a beautiful day here today. I think I'll jump on my bicycle and take a ride. I love my bike. There is nothing like the feeling of the wind blowing through what's left of my hair, as I pedal along. There's a bike trail that goes the whole length of Manhattan. I can bike across the George Washington Bridge, get on that trail and see Manhattan in a way most people never will. Today I want to talk about a special dog. Chopper always new the best way. I received a lot of great comments on my last two stories. Thank you so much. I've included them after the story. Mike Word count: 469 Chopper The old pick-up truck, packed with kids, rattled past our house. From the cab, Gussy, one of my school friends, waved to me. A few moments later, I heard the clicking of claws striking pavement. I looked up and saw a huge brown- and-black dog run by. His ears flopped up-and-down, and his thick, pink tongue trailed from the side of his mouth. "That's Chopper, Gussy's dog," I thought to myself. Chopper flew by me, eyes focused on the retreating truck. The truck rounded the corner and disappeared from view, with Chopper in hot pursuit. An hour or so later, Chopper returned, plodding slowly home. He'd lost the race, but the game wasn't over. We lived in a small fishing village. The only road wound around the harbor. In half a mile, it made four 90-degree turns. Not many people walked those turns, instead, well-worn paths, which meandered close to the shoreline, shortened their walk. Chopper learned those paths. Once again, I watched the truck make the first turn and disappear from view. Chopper, running madly, appeared soon after. With his tail stuck out behind him, ears slapping the side of his head, and that dangling tongue dripping drool, Chopper passed our house. Instead of following the road, Chopper cut to the right and disappeared into the tall grass. He reappeared around the bend, just as the truck got there. The truck gained ground, took the second turn, and once again fell from view. Chopper, not to be outdone, took another shortcut, and caught up. At that point, they both disappeared over a hill. Eventually, the truck pulled away for good. It would be a long time before Chopper returned. The chase had been long and hard. I patted his head as he passed. "Good boy, Chopper. You did well." He turned his big brown eyes to me, licked my hand, and continued his journey home. The next day would bring another chase. Years later, an older Chopper chased that truck. He couldn't keep up, but he didn't admit defeat. The truck would be around the second turn before Chopper came into view and took the shortcut. By the time he burst out of the grass, the truck would be around the second turn and gone. Chopper continued on for a while, knowing the way, but soon returned home. One day, the truck went by, but Chopper didn't. He'd passed away in his sleep the night before. I picture him running in heaven, never tiring, ears flopping and tongue dangling. In life, Chopper had a goal. He went straight for it. He didn't waste time meandering. If he had to jump off the main road, he did. The road everyone else takes is not always the best. It took a determined dog to teach me. Chopper always knew the best way. Now for comments on my last few stories. If you wish to send my a few words, please send them to mtsmith@qwestonline.com. If you have friends who wish to receive my stories, please direct them to http://subs.zinester.com/86758/ In response to my story "Two Mothers" Oh, Michael, what a tear-jerker! I just love the way you write with such poignancy and such love shining through for the mothers in your life. Thanks for giving us readers a glimpse into your heart. Sincerely, Sandi. ******************* Michael You are just fantastic .... You reach places in people's hearts .... You have a natural gift ..... Thany you so much!! Lynne Wright - Banbury, England ******************* I lost my second Mom last November - and this brought back pleasant memories of 'my' two Moms - my own and my acquired one. I loved them both deeply, but differently, and miss them dearly. Thank You for a wonderful story - to stir memories. Viv ********************* From a woman who became a mom to me: What a sentimental man your are, Mike, and that is a good thing! I know there are many men who have the same feelings but do not have the ability to express themselves. Your gift is certainly a gift from God, as your writing touches so many people in so many different ways. Liz **************** These are from my contest entry - Just One Sneeze ***************** Wow great story Mike and congratulations on winning the winter contest. Ginny sounds like a wonderful lady , I'm so glad you found each other Take care Hugs Alice Thank you, Alice, but I ddn't win the contest. I did win a prize, but it was just a grab bag thing. I got to chose one of their ebooks for free. I picked one on marketing non-fiction writing. ******************** This one comes from a great friend. We were neighbours when I lived in Nova Scotia. Chilling Mike...really chilling....well done. Anne ***************** Dear Michael, you have to know the hair on the back of my neck is standing up, the words you have written are very intense, the topic very fresh and so full of realities. I love it. ....with forever love Rosemary ******************** WOW! That is some story. Scarey, yet gripping. As usual, EXCELLENT! Congratulations on winning the contest, you deserve it. Patricia Stover ******************** Michael T. Smith |
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| << May04, 2006 - Hearts and Humor - Two Mothers |
May12, 2006 - Hearts and Humor - Listen To Your Kids >> |
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