The phone woke us up. It was sometime around 11:00 at night. Mark stumbled out to the kitchen to answer.
"Hello? Oh...okay...I'll be right over!"
"What in the world?" I asked as he made his way back to the bedroom.
"It's Grandma. She wants me to come over. Grandpa is having some kind of spell," he said pulling on his jeans and grabbing his shirt.
"Is it serious?" I asked.
"I'm not sure. Grandma has called the ambulance. I'll let you know more when I get home." With that he was gone.
I lay there in that empty bed wondering what was happening over at Grandpa's house. I tiptoed to the open window and stood there. After a little while I could hear it. The sirens. My heart hurt. Nothing could be happening to Grandpa. He was suppose to always be here! He and Grandma were just part of our life.
It wasn't long when I heard Mark's car turn back into the drive way. I ran to the back door to meet him.
"What was it?"
"I guess it was a heart ache. They took him to the hospital to check him out."
"I heard the ambulance. Oh Mark, Not Grandpa!"
"I know,"Mark said to me taking me by the hand and leading me back to bed. "It's late and I need to get up early and load the pigs and get them to the truck at 10."
The next morning, Kate and I ate our breakfast alone, as Mark was already out loading the twenty five fats.
"Dad had to go to Grandpa's last night. Sounds like he was having a little heart ache or something. Grandma called the ambulance and he is in the hospital."
"Is it serious?' Kate asked jumping up from the table and carrying her dish to the sink.
"Don't know yet. I'm sure we will hear something today. Are you ready to go? I just have to grab my purse."
"Dad has went up there a lot of times lately. Guess Grandma feels more relaxed having him beside her. Yes, I'm ready. Just give me a sec."
As we drove out the drive way, we could hear the squealing of the pigs and see Mark pushing and shoving on them.
It was a short two miles to the school parking lot. "Have a great day," I said to Kate as we hopped out of the car, Kate going her way and me walking to my little first grade class.
Around noon, I went out to the car and checked my Motorola bag phone for messages. That phone was not little or fancy, but it was the beginning of the conveniences of modern day cell phones. And, sure enough, there was a message. I dialed into it and heard Mark's beautiful voice at the other end of the line. "Hi honey. I'm home." It was our agreement. He would always call and leave me a message when he got home from taking fats to the truck. I was always so relieved when I heard his voice. My whole day turned to sunshine!
It was Monday and I had an idea. I walked up to the two teachers that I was working with. They were wonderful ladies and I felt so at home around them. "I was wondering if you would mind if I tried something new with both classes?" I asked.
"Well, let's hear what you have to say," they both said excitedly.
"Well, you know how some of the kiddos never seem to be able to get all of their spelling words right. So, I was wondering if it would be okay to tell the kids that if every one of them in both classes got all of their spelling words right on their spelling test on Friday, that Mr. Beck would bring a baby pig to school and I would "kiss the pig"?"
They just looked at me for a minute and then laughed! "Well if you really want to, that would be fun! Guess we would see if they all could really do it."
"The only thing I worry about is if some of the ones who aren't so good at spelling didn't get a 100%, would they feel bad? You know like my Tommy?"
"You may be surprised how they could do with a little motivation!"
"Okay then... I'll announce it when they get in from recess."
You should have heard the excitement when I told them that Mr. Beck would bring a baby pig to school! They were all going to try so hard!
"That's good! I'm sure that you all will make me do this won't you?"
"You bet Mrs. Beck. We will make you do it! You just wait and see!"
"Well, I made a bet with the first graders today," I informed Kate and Mark at the supper table.
"Oh really! What now," Kate asked petting Skitz on the head as he passed by her chair.
"I promised to kiss a pig if everyone of them gets a perfect spelling paper Friday."
"And how are you going to get the pig to the school may I ask?" That was Mark..
"Well I have a really sweet hubby that is very willing to help me, right?"
"Figures," was his answer as he suggested a bike ride down the road with Kate before bed.
On Wed evening the phone rang. "Hello," I answered throwing the dish towel over my shoulder.
"Mom...are you sitting down?" It was Bret on the other end.
"What happened Bret?" I said walking to the kitchen table weak kneed and sitting down, my heart beating a mile a minute.
"I'm okay, but I wrecked my motorcycle."
"Oh Bret are you okay?" I asked out of breath.
"I just told you that I'm okay."
"What happened? Did you go to the doctor?"
"No, I'm not hurt. Just don't have the bike is all."
"Well thank goodness! What happened?"
"I was driving down the street and this guy didn't see me and pulled out in front of me to turn left. I couldn't get stopped in time to avoid hitting his left rear finder. I kind of flew off of my bike and ended up in the ditch. The police thought it was funny that both of my shoes were knocked off of my feet."
"Oh dear. Are you sure you're okay? I just knew that bike was trouble! All I can say is that I'm so thankful you are not hurt! I'll let dad and Kate know. Are you coming home this week end?"
"Planning to. See you then."
It took a whole evening to calm my heart down. That was just too close for comfort! I just did not like those motorcycles! Not one little bit. But Bret was a man now, so I had to learn to zip my lips and just pray I guess.
You could hear a pin drop in both classrooms around 10:00 on Friday morning as each teacher stood in front of the class calling out the spelling words. Little heads bent over their papers, Once in awhile, somebody would look up and scratch his head and return quick to the paper and write down the word. You could hear my own heart pounding as I sat quiet in the back, hoping beyond all hope that I would get to "kiss the pig!"
I held my breath as Mrs. Johnson and I graded those spelling papers. One by one we wrote on top "100 A+" Then I came to Tommy's! I made my way slowly down each word. I didn't know I could be so nervous over one little spelling paper. There in his own hand writing was every word. Perfectly spelled.
"You're crying!" Mrs. Johnson said to me. "Why?"
As I placed the very first 100 A+ on Tommy's spelling paper, I said, "I can't help it. Tommy got every word correct!"
"Well, it looks like you will be kissing the pig in this class."
"Mine too, Mrs James said from the doorway."
"When do you want this to happen? I need to call Mark," I said so excited that I couldn't hardly stand it.
"How about 2:30, because I'm sure that there will be no more serious school after the pig arrives."
"Mark, guess what? You get to bring up a baby pig around 2:30. They all got every spelling word right! Can you believe it? I get to kiss the pig!" I said into the phone.
"Oh good grief. You and your ideas! Well, I'll try and get one up there at 2:30. Where do I come?"
"Just in the west door. It comes directly into the first grade room. I'll be there to meet you. Can you stay for the occasion? Then you can take it home."
"I'll see you then."
"Well kids, guess what?" the teachers both said after lunch. "Mrs. Beck will be kissing the pig!"
"Oh, when! When!" the rooms roared with cheers and shouts of excitement.
"Around 2:30 Mr. Beck will bring it here."
It was a bit hard for the little boys and girls to settle down. It was a little hard for Mrs. Beck to settle down! I was so proud of them! Everyone of those little stinkers got every word right. That was 39 100 A+ papers!
At 2:30 sharp, Mark walked in the side door. He was carrying an old cardboard box that had grunting and scuffling noises coming from it. That was the end of school for that day!.
"Okay children. You all need to sit down and give Mrs. Beck your attention. I need to get my camera." Mrs. James hurried to her coat closet.
"Okay, boys and girls. I first have to tell you how very proud I am to get to "kiss the pig"! This means that each one of you studied so hard and aced your tests! You can always do it if you just set your mind to it! So I will gladly "kiss the pig" for my hard working boys and girls!"
At that, Mark handed me a little white pig. I cuddled it in my arms and lifted it to my lips. I planted the biggest kiss a pig has ever got right on top of that little white head. I kisses it twice and three times. Then all the kids had to hold the little fellow before Mark placed it back in the box and carried it back to its mommy. What would it say to all its brothers and sisters if it could have talked that warm May afternoon?
That night we were happy when Grandma called telling us that Grandpa had got home. He was sleeping, but at least he was home and hopefully soon he would be back to normal. He had a heart pain for sure, but the doctor thought he would be fine.
Bret came home too. He didn't just ride home with Adam, he drove home on his new Suzuki motorcycle! It sure doesn't take a boy long to replace something he is in love with! It was pretty, but... and he goes 70 mph with that thing on the highway. It just made me shutter!
"Mom I want to take you for a ride on my bike," Bret announced after supper.
"Its dark! That would be foolish! And besides I'm not interested!"
"Oh come on! The moon is full and just coming up. I know you like to look at the full moon and that will keep your mind busy so you can just relax and enjoy. I'll just take you a couple miles."
"Go on Mom," Kate sided with her brother. "You may really like them. You know that wind in your hair and all that romantic stuff you are always talking about!"
"Oh ok, but just two miles," I agreed. "Can I use your helmet Kate?"
"Sure. Its hanging on the nail just inside the garage door."
Bret, Mark, and Kate all came outside for the big occasion! Bret was actually getting me on a motorcycle! Wow!
We put on the helmets and he hopped on first kick starting it. The motor purred just like a kitten. I hopped on behind him and felt kind of important sitting there on my son's motorcycle, my arms around his waist.
"Okay. Now you have to just go with the bike. I mean when we turn east out of the drive, just lean to the left. If we turn right, lean to the right. Got it?"
"Yeah, but just don't go very fast! OK?"
"I'll take it easy and you tell me if I'm going to fast. Just relax and look at the beautiful moon and leave the driving to me."
Bret gave it some gas and off we went to the, "Wow, mom's riding the bike!" from Kate and Mark.
I squeezed Bret's waist so hard. I couldn't help it. I felt out of control on those two tires going,,,I don't know 50 or 60 mph.
"Slow down Bret! We are going too fast! Slow down! Aaaaahhhhhhh!" I screamed.
"Mom, I'm only going 15 mph! I have to go that to keep it upright!"
"Don't flip it!" I hollered. "Please! Maybe we better turn around! I really don't like this!"
"Just look at the moon Mom! Trust me, okay?"
I took a deep breath and tried to enjoy the feel of the wind in my hair, but for some reason it just wouldn't come. After a mile, poor Bret had given up. He more than likely couldn't stand my screaming in his ears any longer!
"Okay, we will turn around and head home."
I don't think Mark and Kate were very surprised to see us come into the driveway so soon. Bret pulled up beside them and stopped. He looked so handsome there in his helmet and holding the bike up with one leg resting on the ground. He looked so grown up.
"Well, we made it one whole mile! Now I'm really proud of mom! The only thing is you better brush your teeth tonight Mom cause they no doubt have bugs all over them. Seriously, she was telling me to slow down all the way! I think I got up to 20 mph once!" Bret said, giving me a hug for trying.
It wasn't long before Kate had the helmet on and off they went, out the drive way and down the road. Mark and I just sat there in the moonlight, listening to the frogs down by the pond.
"This is what I call romance," I said, scooting closer to Mark and laying my head on his shoulder.
"Hello? Oh...okay...I'll be right over!"
"What in the world?" I asked as he made his way back to the bedroom.
"It's Grandma. She wants me to come over. Grandpa is having some kind of spell," he said pulling on his jeans and grabbing his shirt.
"Is it serious?" I asked.
"I'm not sure. Grandma has called the ambulance. I'll let you know more when I get home." With that he was gone.
I lay there in that empty bed wondering what was happening over at Grandpa's house. I tiptoed to the open window and stood there. After a little while I could hear it. The sirens. My heart hurt. Nothing could be happening to Grandpa. He was suppose to always be here! He and Grandma were just part of our life.
It wasn't long when I heard Mark's car turn back into the drive way. I ran to the back door to meet him.
"What was it?"
"I guess it was a heart ache. They took him to the hospital to check him out."
"I heard the ambulance. Oh Mark, Not Grandpa!"
"I know,"Mark said to me taking me by the hand and leading me back to bed. "It's late and I need to get up early and load the pigs and get them to the truck at 10."
The next morning, Kate and I ate our breakfast alone, as Mark was already out loading the twenty five fats.
"Dad had to go to Grandpa's last night. Sounds like he was having a little heart ache or something. Grandma called the ambulance and he is in the hospital."
"Is it serious?' Kate asked jumping up from the table and carrying her dish to the sink.
"Don't know yet. I'm sure we will hear something today. Are you ready to go? I just have to grab my purse."
"Dad has went up there a lot of times lately. Guess Grandma feels more relaxed having him beside her. Yes, I'm ready. Just give me a sec."
As we drove out the drive way, we could hear the squealing of the pigs and see Mark pushing and shoving on them.
It was a short two miles to the school parking lot. "Have a great day," I said to Kate as we hopped out of the car, Kate going her way and me walking to my little first grade class.
Around noon, I went out to the car and checked my Motorola bag phone for messages. That phone was not little or fancy, but it was the beginning of the conveniences of modern day cell phones. And, sure enough, there was a message. I dialed into it and heard Mark's beautiful voice at the other end of the line. "Hi honey. I'm home." It was our agreement. He would always call and leave me a message when he got home from taking fats to the truck. I was always so relieved when I heard his voice. My whole day turned to sunshine!
It was Monday and I had an idea. I walked up to the two teachers that I was working with. They were wonderful ladies and I felt so at home around them. "I was wondering if you would mind if I tried something new with both classes?" I asked.
"Well, let's hear what you have to say," they both said excitedly.
"Well, you know how some of the kiddos never seem to be able to get all of their spelling words right. So, I was wondering if it would be okay to tell the kids that if every one of them in both classes got all of their spelling words right on their spelling test on Friday, that Mr. Beck would bring a baby pig to school and I would "kiss the pig"?"
They just looked at me for a minute and then laughed! "Well if you really want to, that would be fun! Guess we would see if they all could really do it."
"The only thing I worry about is if some of the ones who aren't so good at spelling didn't get a 100%, would they feel bad? You know like my Tommy?"
"You may be surprised how they could do with a little motivation!"
"Okay then... I'll announce it when they get in from recess."
You should have heard the excitement when I told them that Mr. Beck would bring a baby pig to school! They were all going to try so hard!
"That's good! I'm sure that you all will make me do this won't you?"
"You bet Mrs. Beck. We will make you do it! You just wait and see!"
"Well, I made a bet with the first graders today," I informed Kate and Mark at the supper table.
"Oh really! What now," Kate asked petting Skitz on the head as he passed by her chair.
"I promised to kiss a pig if everyone of them gets a perfect spelling paper Friday."
"And how are you going to get the pig to the school may I ask?" That was Mark..
"Well I have a really sweet hubby that is very willing to help me, right?"
"Figures," was his answer as he suggested a bike ride down the road with Kate before bed.
On Wed evening the phone rang. "Hello," I answered throwing the dish towel over my shoulder.
"Mom...are you sitting down?" It was Bret on the other end.
"What happened Bret?" I said walking to the kitchen table weak kneed and sitting down, my heart beating a mile a minute.
"I'm okay, but I wrecked my motorcycle."
"Oh Bret are you okay?" I asked out of breath.
"I just told you that I'm okay."
"What happened? Did you go to the doctor?"
"No, I'm not hurt. Just don't have the bike is all."
"Well thank goodness! What happened?"
"I was driving down the street and this guy didn't see me and pulled out in front of me to turn left. I couldn't get stopped in time to avoid hitting his left rear finder. I kind of flew off of my bike and ended up in the ditch. The police thought it was funny that both of my shoes were knocked off of my feet."
"Oh dear. Are you sure you're okay? I just knew that bike was trouble! All I can say is that I'm so thankful you are not hurt! I'll let dad and Kate know. Are you coming home this week end?"
"Planning to. See you then."
It took a whole evening to calm my heart down. That was just too close for comfort! I just did not like those motorcycles! Not one little bit. But Bret was a man now, so I had to learn to zip my lips and just pray I guess.
You could hear a pin drop in both classrooms around 10:00 on Friday morning as each teacher stood in front of the class calling out the spelling words. Little heads bent over their papers, Once in awhile, somebody would look up and scratch his head and return quick to the paper and write down the word. You could hear my own heart pounding as I sat quiet in the back, hoping beyond all hope that I would get to "kiss the pig!"
I held my breath as Mrs. Johnson and I graded those spelling papers. One by one we wrote on top "100 A+" Then I came to Tommy's! I made my way slowly down each word. I didn't know I could be so nervous over one little spelling paper. There in his own hand writing was every word. Perfectly spelled.
"You're crying!" Mrs. Johnson said to me. "Why?"
As I placed the very first 100 A+ on Tommy's spelling paper, I said, "I can't help it. Tommy got every word correct!"
"Well, it looks like you will be kissing the pig in this class."
"Mine too, Mrs James said from the doorway."
"When do you want this to happen? I need to call Mark," I said so excited that I couldn't hardly stand it.
"How about 2:30, because I'm sure that there will be no more serious school after the pig arrives."
"Mark, guess what? You get to bring up a baby pig around 2:30. They all got every spelling word right! Can you believe it? I get to kiss the pig!" I said into the phone.
"Oh good grief. You and your ideas! Well, I'll try and get one up there at 2:30. Where do I come?"
"Just in the west door. It comes directly into the first grade room. I'll be there to meet you. Can you stay for the occasion? Then you can take it home."
"I'll see you then."
"Well kids, guess what?" the teachers both said after lunch. "Mrs. Beck will be kissing the pig!"
"Oh, when! When!" the rooms roared with cheers and shouts of excitement.
"Around 2:30 Mr. Beck will bring it here."
It was a bit hard for the little boys and girls to settle down. It was a little hard for Mrs. Beck to settle down! I was so proud of them! Everyone of those little stinkers got every word right. That was 39 100 A+ papers!
At 2:30 sharp, Mark walked in the side door. He was carrying an old cardboard box that had grunting and scuffling noises coming from it. That was the end of school for that day!.
"Okay children. You all need to sit down and give Mrs. Beck your attention. I need to get my camera." Mrs. James hurried to her coat closet.
"Okay, boys and girls. I first have to tell you how very proud I am to get to "kiss the pig"! This means that each one of you studied so hard and aced your tests! You can always do it if you just set your mind to it! So I will gladly "kiss the pig" for my hard working boys and girls!"
At that, Mark handed me a little white pig. I cuddled it in my arms and lifted it to my lips. I planted the biggest kiss a pig has ever got right on top of that little white head. I kisses it twice and three times. Then all the kids had to hold the little fellow before Mark placed it back in the box and carried it back to its mommy. What would it say to all its brothers and sisters if it could have talked that warm May afternoon?
That night we were happy when Grandma called telling us that Grandpa had got home. He was sleeping, but at least he was home and hopefully soon he would be back to normal. He had a heart pain for sure, but the doctor thought he would be fine.
Bret came home too. He didn't just ride home with Adam, he drove home on his new Suzuki motorcycle! It sure doesn't take a boy long to replace something he is in love with! It was pretty, but... and he goes 70 mph with that thing on the highway. It just made me shutter!
"Mom I want to take you for a ride on my bike," Bret announced after supper.
"Its dark! That would be foolish! And besides I'm not interested!"
"Oh come on! The moon is full and just coming up. I know you like to look at the full moon and that will keep your mind busy so you can just relax and enjoy. I'll just take you a couple miles."
"Go on Mom," Kate sided with her brother. "You may really like them. You know that wind in your hair and all that romantic stuff you are always talking about!"
"Oh ok, but just two miles," I agreed. "Can I use your helmet Kate?"
"Sure. Its hanging on the nail just inside the garage door."
Bret, Mark, and Kate all came outside for the big occasion! Bret was actually getting me on a motorcycle! Wow!
We put on the helmets and he hopped on first kick starting it. The motor purred just like a kitten. I hopped on behind him and felt kind of important sitting there on my son's motorcycle, my arms around his waist.
"Okay. Now you have to just go with the bike. I mean when we turn east out of the drive, just lean to the left. If we turn right, lean to the right. Got it?"
"Yeah, but just don't go very fast! OK?"
"I'll take it easy and you tell me if I'm going to fast. Just relax and look at the beautiful moon and leave the driving to me."
Bret gave it some gas and off we went to the, "Wow, mom's riding the bike!" from Kate and Mark.
I squeezed Bret's waist so hard. I couldn't help it. I felt out of control on those two tires going,,,I don't know 50 or 60 mph.
"Slow down Bret! We are going too fast! Slow down! Aaaaahhhhhhh!" I screamed.
"Mom, I'm only going 15 mph! I have to go that to keep it upright!"
"Don't flip it!" I hollered. "Please! Maybe we better turn around! I really don't like this!"
"Just look at the moon Mom! Trust me, okay?"
I took a deep breath and tried to enjoy the feel of the wind in my hair, but for some reason it just wouldn't come. After a mile, poor Bret had given up. He more than likely couldn't stand my screaming in his ears any longer!
"Okay, we will turn around and head home."
I don't think Mark and Kate were very surprised to see us come into the driveway so soon. Bret pulled up beside them and stopped. He looked so handsome there in his helmet and holding the bike up with one leg resting on the ground. He looked so grown up.
"Well, we made it one whole mile! Now I'm really proud of mom! The only thing is you better brush your teeth tonight Mom cause they no doubt have bugs all over them. Seriously, she was telling me to slow down all the way! I think I got up to 20 mph once!" Bret said, giving me a hug for trying.
It wasn't long before Kate had the helmet on and off they went, out the drive way and down the road. Mark and I just sat there in the moonlight, listening to the frogs down by the pond.
"This is what I call romance," I said, scooting closer to Mark and laying my head on his shoulder.
thanks dear cousin, another <3 warming story <3
ReplyDelete