“Pastor, I am Ruth Holt,” I said, in the clear voice I used for twenty eight years to quiet a room of five year olds. “I am standing in your …

The Sympathy Cards Read More

“Yes, young man, I am the wife of the owner,” I said, and I stood up in the third row of the bleachers, slowly, with Hank at my elbow. “Marlene …

The Turquoise Bel Air Read More

“Ronnie, this is what it says,” I said, and I folded my hands on the arm of my wheelchair. “The power of attorney you used was a medical power. It …

The Sold Sign Read More

“I can read it for you, Melissa,” I said, as gently as I could. “The first twelve pages are in the handwriting of your mother in law. The last page …

The Waiter Vest Read More

“It is a nineteen forty three copper cent, Mrs. Hall,” Mr. Abbott said, and his voice shook, so softly that I had to lean in to hear. “In that year, …

The Penny Jar Read More

“Good morning, Grant,” I said. “Yes. I am the hot dog guy.” I walked down the length of the conference table in my old Army jacket, the one with the …

The Hot Dog Grill Read More

I did not sleep that night. I sat at my kitchen table until the window turned gray with the banjo open in front of me like a patient, and I …

The Banjo Latch Read More

“Kelsey, sweetheart, you can pick up your sunglasses,” I said. They lay on the marble floor where they had fallen, one lens cracked, gleaming in the sunlight that poured through …

The Lobby Chair Read More

“Reverend, I have been asking myself that same question for three weeks,” I said, loudly enough for the folding chairs in the back. I walked down the center aisle in …

The Memorial Page Read More

“Because it is mine, Gary,” I said, and I held the little wooden box against my chest with my good hand. “I paid for the cedar myself in 1962. Your …

The Jewelry Box Read More