Heard Around the Homestead
“Daddy, when I’m 18…” {pause}
“Daddy, when I’m 18…” {longer pause}
{Interruption from younger sister} “Can I get my own gun?”
“When I’m 18 I’m gonna just, up and go away, and find my Owen. Because I love him very much.” (Dos, reminiscing about her best buddy before the move.)
“Mama! I sawed a rat!”
“What?! Where?! How?!… What did it look like?”
“I was this long,” {hands spread to about 14 inches} “and it had a short skinny tail.”
“Are you sure it wasn’t a squirrel? Squirrels are about that size. Rats are usually much smaller.”
“Nope, it was fully growed. I am absolutely certain.”
Loud scream. The child is holding her mouth. “Did you bite your tongue?” I ask. “Yes! With my teeth!”
“Where are your ‘please’ & ‘thank you’?”{short pause while wearing grumpy face} “They’re gone on a date!”
“Dear Jesus, thank you for all you do for us. We love you & we’ll see you when we die. Amen. “