Author: Mark Myers

I am a husband of one, father of four daughters, a dreamer, a builder, a believer, and most enjoyably a writer. In 2015, I became a reluctant Childhood Cancer Advocate as we lost our youngest daughter Kylie to the disease. Kylie taught me to steal joy from even the worst of circumstances and I will always be on the lookout for happiness among the thorns of life. Join me for a generous helping of laughter and tears.

A Smiley for Mommy

.Reading time 3 minutes.

I am so proud of Kylie. She was determined to write this and spent a good deal of time honoring her selfless, Godly mother.

 

Dear Mommy,

 

I love you very much, but I haven’t been able to show it because I’ve been feeling so bad. But in between my naps and moods I have watched you strive to make me happy. And when I feel terrible you’re by my side with some sort of medicine to make it better. But when I thought deeper I realized that those recollections were just from this week, so I thought back further. I realized that you haven’t left my side since before I knew this was cancer because one day we went to get a MRI, and then that weekend you told me we had to spend a few days in the hospital and I was terrified. But you were there for me, even when the “few days” turned into a month. Guess who didn’t leave the hospital once: you. And who went back to the hospital with me every stinkin’ time I had to go back. Now I am starting to feel like a terrible daughter to think that you went through this for me, but I know you would do it again a million times because you are filled with my favorite quality: love. And this story definitely proves that. So this Mother’s Day I could talk about how much I love you, which is an amount that you can’t even imagine, but I realized this mother’s day how much you love me, which I’m starting to think is an amount even the great Walt Disney couldn’t imagine. So along with loving on you a bunch for your special day, I’m going to thank you for loving me MUCH more than I deserve. I love you Mom, and I hope this letter didn’t make you cry, and I’m sorry if it did. Thank you for everything you do plus a special thanks for what you’ve done these past few months. I know I haven’t been the most fun kid to work with, so thanks for putting up with me, too. You’re the best mom in the world, and you mean the world to me. Happy Mother’s Day!

With Loads of Love,

Kylie

The Lost Art of Listening

.Reading time 5 minutes.

“Come, Henry,” Colonel Birdwhistle called as he shouldered his cane pole. “We should be on our way. The day is ending and your mother will be spreading supper soon.”

“But we didn’t catch nuthin’” replied the glum boy.Fishing_Drawing

“We didn’t catch ‘anything’, you mean. And catching fish is but a small portion of our purpose here. We are here primarily to enjoy each other and the beauty of creation. If a fish should happen to find our bait attractive, that, my boy, is simply a bonus.”

Unconvinced, Henry pulled at his pole hoping for a nibble that would keep them a little longer. Receiving nothing for his trouble, he reluctantly stood and followed the Colonel toward home.

The two had not gone far when they heard the sound of an approaching horse. Soon it came into view as it galloped their way. Noting its speed, they moved well off of the path. When horse and rider came alongside the pair, the man on top pulled back on the reigns bringing the chestnut to a stop in a cloud of dust.

“Hello there,” called the rider from atop his mount. “Is this the way to Warbler’s Ridge?”

“I believe it used to be…” began the Colonel.

“I’m in an awful hurry,” interrupted the man. “I have urgent business at the paper mill there. This must be the right way, it was given me by the sheriff. I believe Whitaker was his name.”

“Yes, Hub Whitaker is the local sheriff. But as I was saying, this road…”

“Big fella, your sheriff. I’d guess you don’t have to worry much about crime here with a huge man like that minding the wall.”

“No sir,” answered Henry. “Things are pretty quiet round here. But…”

“That’s good, son. Real good,” cut in the stranger. “Well, I ain’t got time to sit around here talking. Like I said, I’ve got important business in Warbler’s Ridge. So if you’ll excuse me, I’ll be on my way.”

With a click of his tongue and flick of the reigns, he urged his horse forward while Henry held up an arm in protest.

“Mister, wait!” called Henry in futility, for the horse was gone. Turning to his companion, he asked, “Why wouldn’t he listen?”

“Henry, you have just learned an important lesson,” returned the Colonel. “Some people don’t understand that having a conversation means listening as well as talking. If he had taken a moment to close his mouth and open his ears, what would he have learned?”

“That the bridge he’s headed toward fell into the river a long time ago,” answered the boy slowly.

“I believe he should figure that out for himself any time now.”

As if on cue, a loud splash could be heard from the direction of the river. The old man and his young friend ambled quickly to the river and past the horse to help the fallen rider out of the water.

“You okay, mister?” asked Henry.

“Why didn’t you warn me, son?” inquired the dripping stranger.

“We tried, but couldn’t get a single word past all of yours,” returned the Colonel. “You missed a turn a ways back and need to follow the river a mile north to get to the nearest working bridge.”

Once more on his horse, the humbled rider continued on his way with every intent of listening for an answer the next time he asked a question. Henry and the Colonel headed home for supper, laughing the entire way. They may not have caught a fish, but they netted a good story to tell.

 

Photo credit:  Ward, Lock, & Tyler of London [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons