My Uncle Frank
The figure at the bottom wasn’t a few thousand dollars. It was just over three hundred thousand. I honestly thought I was reading it wrong. I checked the number three …
My Uncle Frank Read MoreBlog
For 12 Years
I looked Tammy dead in the eye and said, “If you have a problem with me, say it to me. Don’t use my daughter as your audience.” You could have …
For 12 Years Read MoreMy Father-In-Law, Walter, Never Thought Much Of Me
She looked straight down the table at her father and said, “Actually, Dad, I did do better.” Nobody moved. Carol wasn’t loud. She wasn’t angry. That’s what made it hit …
My Father-In-Law, Walter, Never Thought Much Of Me Read MoreMy Stepfather Roy
I worked the stitches open with a butter knife and found a bundle of letters wrapped in one of my mother’s old scarves. For a minute I just stared at …
My Stepfather Roy Read MoreDuring My Divorce
Wedged down in the frame, where no part of a piano belonged, was a long envelope wrapped in yellowed sheet music. The tuner carefully pulled it free and handed it …
During My Divorce Read MoreMy Mother Joyce
The first two lines said, “If Kim tells you I’m confused, don’t believe that. I’m writing this because I’m afraid nobody is listening to me anymore.” I sat on the …
My Mother Joyce Read MoreWhen My Grandmother Rut
Behind the panel was a stack of fabric envelopes tied together with blue ribbon and a letter addressed to me. Not to one of my uncles. Not “To my family.” …
When My Grandmother Rut Read MoreMy Aunt Pauline Raised Me After My Parents Split, In A Little House Outside Knoxville, Tennessee
I pried the lid loose and found dozens of little paper packets, each carefully labeled in my aunt Pauline’s handwriting. At first I thought they were just seeds she’d saved …
My Aunt Pauline Raised Me After My Parents Split, In A Little House Outside Knoxville, Tennessee Read MoreEvery 4 of July
Aiden set the paper plate down on the counter, looked across the kitchen at his aunt, and said, “No, thank you. If there’s no room for me at the family …
Every 4 of July Read MoreAfter My Husband Raymond
Under the false floor was a small wooden cigar box and a letter taped to the lid. The letter started, “If you’re the one opening this, then I guess the …
After My Husband Raymond Read More