Making Lemonade

  “What’re ya doing, Grandpa?” four-year-old Denise asked, skipping happily into her grandparents’ kitchen. “Making my special lemonade for our company,” Alan replied, turning from the counter to greet his tiny granddaughter. “They’ll be here soon. Wanna help, sweetheart?” “Yes!” Denise said. She pulled a kitchen chair over to the counter and scrambled up, ready … More Making Lemonade

A Snake in the Sack

  Ray was terrified of snakes. One day, his fear inspired a group of fellow army recruits to pull a stunt each has regretted ever since. It happened while on a wilderness survival training exercise. Their platoon sergeant, Owen Mendez, had taken them to a distant part of an enormous army base.  It was called … More A Snake in the Sack

The Bully

Today’s post supports the anti-bullying campaign.  The story below, called The Bully,  first appeared here in September, 2012. It was inspired by a true story. — Eddie Vargas was a bully. It surprised those who met him, since Eddie looked like an average kid.  It was his vicious temper and eagerness to fight that intimidated … More The Bully

The Snow Caves

“Hey, come with us at recess,” an older kid said one winter morning in school.  “There’s a big snow drift in the valley.” Our schoolyard was bordered on one side by a deep ravine.  In winter, heavy snow and strong winds formed large snowdrifts along one bank.  Those 20-foot drifts of hard packed snow were … More The Snow Caves

The Hurricane

I’m not sure what I expected to see that day, driving along I-10 through Louisiana.  Devastation was everywhere.  Six months had passed since Hurricane Katrina.  Minutes ahead lay an in-your-face encounter.  It would be sad, and gratifying. The exit from I-10 leading to the state’s New Orleans information center was lined on both sides with … More The Hurricane