Ode to the Parents

Ode to the Parents

2 parents walked slowly to the podium in the gym.

To talk about their 2 sons, gone before they would begin.

Mom and dad were still covered in sadness and grief

as they spoke of their dead children's hopes and dreams.

They fought back tears as they listed their talent,

the future so bright, and then gone with one hit.

Each kept it together as they gave the scholarships

to the friends that reminded them of what they will miss.

No way to show happiness, or force out a smile,

back to their seats to forget for a while.

Baxter?

BAXTER . . .

cute?

ugly?

good dog?

bad dog?

annoying?

lovable?

perfect in every way?

i admit that i ganged up against my husband and used his good nature and tendency towards guilt to get my way. we rescued this guy from the Animal Shelter 2 years ago. he still barks madly at anyone who comes near our house. he guards it with his life, sitting at the landing in the stairs to ensure our safety. drives us all a little mad sometimes.

but both my boys consider him their best friend and companion. and nothing can replace the way he greets you every time you come home. like you are the greatest person that ever lived! does anyone ever like you as much as your dog?

and guess who takes him to the dump every week, and let's him sleep in the bed when i am not around. who calls him to keep him company while he does the yard work. who feeds him from the table and spoils him rotten: dear old dad.

Mother's Day Picture

well, there we are, smiling and happy for Mother's Day. only a moment earlier they were frowning and complaining wishing they did not have to pose for a picture with dear old mom.

hard to believe they hugged me and cuddled with me so easily once. funny how much they loved to see me pick them out of their cribs every morning. now i am the nag, the investigator, the enemy.

they still need me though, right? they will never let on, but i need to believe that even though they are too cool to admit it, they still want to be tucked in at night, and made to hug me and smile for a picture every now and then. . .