The Death House by Paul James Moore Based on a Tragic and true story of a man and a house in a street of terraced houses facing the... [820 words]
I Get Arrested by Sunny The title says it all. [812 words]
War by Albert Davis A short story. [4,483 words]
December 25th At Pam's Restaurant (Where Else ?) by Howard Freedman A story about a father and son who go to Pam's Restaurant ever... [1,329 words]
A Bird In The Hand by Elio P Evangelista Just on of those stories I felt like writing. [1,557 words]
Life In A Small Town by Elio P Evangelista A day in the life of a small town resident. [700 words]
Woodside! by Elio P Evangelista The true story of one of the most grueling experiences of my entire life. It's also pretty funny when... [1,797 words]
Those Summer Nights by Elio P Evangelista A very short stream of conciousness story that's meant to evoke the emotions of the summers... [480 words]
Cashen's Curse by Elio P Evangelista A short story about a jinxed baseball player that is in the process of developing into a much la... [2,584 words]
Only In America by Edith Talmason An accounting of the life and times of a young immigrant girl to this country during the early ... [4,963 words]
Frutti Di Mare by Hamish J Keith Frutti Di Mare is an exotic dish set on the island of Samui in Thailand. A failing Italian stumb... [3,621 words]
A Non Special Day by Sunny Just a saturday morning. [515 words]
Tainted But Trying by Sunny On level five and slipping lower into Dante's Inferno... [811 words]
Whacker Than Whack by Sunny This kinda amuses me... but, I don't know if it's the stupidity or genius of it. [778 words]
Think by Sunny Philosophically I hit it on the nail... but the last paragraph still displeases me. [1,427 words]
I Love Phoebe Gloeckner by Sunny Imagine emailing your favorite artist/celeb. and getting a reply back... Phoebe Gloeckn... [873 words]
An Easter Story by Clifton L. Martin A young girl struggles with life and an abusive father during a special time of year when her p... [6,228 words]
Left Alone by Lisa James A young alcoholic mother leaves her infant son alone to buy a bottle of wine. [2,882 words]
The End (2) by Maria Antonia Gonzalez It is a very short story that briefly describes an old lady's end. [104 words]
Kidnapped by Alejandro Dubois Arrese It's a short story about a girl that got kidnapped and dissapeared without a trace [476 words]
An Unfair Destiny by Enrique Copete [1,131 words]
The Guy, His Horse And His Dog by Marcela Garcia A short story. [561 words]
My Wonderland by Patricia Garcia It is about a girl who leaves her father, because her parents are divorced. It talks about all t... [446 words]
A Mysterious Dream by Laura Méndez This is the story of a girl who once had a dream that made her doubt about her life, because... [828 words]
A Day Without School by Carolina Arango A short story. [868 words]
Reckless Nights by Laura Méndez This is a story about Lisa, a 18 years old girl, who had a terrible accident with her friend af... [922 words]
Capture Suicide by Iveth Jaramillo The story of a teenager who came upon suicide. [523 words]
My Life by Ana Torres A short story. [737 words]
Devil Me, Angel One Day On by Ana Lucia Mora A short story. [883 words]
Death Experience by Santiago Molina A short story. [680 words]
The Plane Of The Sleeping Beauty by Sebastian Ramirez IS ABOUT A GUY THAT MEETS A BEAUTIFUL WOMEN IN A AIRPORT. IT SAYS HIS FEELINGS... [311 words]
A Time To Die by Michelle Haya Haya - [617 words]
The Girl That Never Went To Heaven by Enrique Copete A short story. [2,240 words]
Forever Love by Sebastian Ayalde - [1,622 words]
The Way I Died by Juanita Grillo Diez This is a first person story about a girl with a drug problem. [1,536 words]
I Closed My Eyes by Eduardo Lastra It is about a lawyer that has a lot of bad luck, he crashes his car, loses a case etc... [561 words]
You Never Know by Juanita Caicedo - [637 words]
A Horrible Dream by Juanita Grillo Diez It's a dream were I die about drugs. [1,536 words]
My Horrible Trip To The U.S.A by Andres Lastra This is a story about a 7 year old kid who lives through a horrible trip in a pla... [642 words]
The Meaning Of Friendship by Maria Mercedes Restrepo This is a story that will teach the real meaning of friendship. It tells about a prin... [819 words]
Anorexia by Maria Mercedes Restrepo This is a story of a girl who with out knowing gets the terrible, and mortal sickness of Anorexia, she... [912 words]
Be Sure Of Your Acts by Catalina Chavarro A short and descriptive story. [939 words]
Summer Of My German Soldier (Chapter 22) by Kristen Antia I read a book called "Summer of my German Soldier" and for a project I... [1,270 words]
Temping In TV Land by Howard Freedman This is a story about a fellow who takes a temp (temporary) job in a company that is involve... [2,015 words]
Greatkiskadee@Hotmail.Com, Kenny And Me by Howard Freedman This is a story about a fellow I met at a public library. We developed ... [1,475 words]
The Male Qualities Of New York Love by Tyurina E Allen This is an experiment. [1,090 words]
Learning To Be Normal by David Valencia [642 words]
Life In A Nightmare by Santiago Molina - [855 words]
The End by Ana Torres - [1,106 words]
I Am Lost by Ana Torres - [777 words]
My Mom by Ana Torres - [651 words]
My Last Days by Ana Torres I have only eight more months to live. [554 words]
Outside The Principal's Office by The Workshop All of us have experienced that feeling of utter doom while sitting on the bench... [685 words]
Good Or Evil by Alejandra Herrera I wrote this story because pregnancy of young girls is very common and I really don't agree with t... [1,668 words]
Forcing Relations by Alejandra Herrera This is a story about a girl who is in love with a senior and wants him to noticed her. This ... [1,755 words]
One Step Can Change Your Life by Melody This short story is about a teenage girl, 16 years old, who sadly gets pregnant. ... [2,495 words]
December 31 by Carolina Arango - [1,140 words]
My First Kiss by Nugget - [718 words]
Lake Wakatipu by Juliana Carrillo It is a myth about New Zealand. It is not real, I invented it! [715 words]
Comfort For None by Adagio This story is inspired by the sadness of abuse in the family and the effect on those concerned... [326 words]
Our Creation by Catalina Chavarro It's a short story about human creation. It has magic realism and at the same time is very detaile... [801 words]
Quiznos by Nugget - [239 words]
Flight Of Angels by Paul V. Fornatar Maybe it's something about airports, maybe it's flying and maybe it's something else. Check it... [1,038 words]
Addio, Mama Mia by Paul V. Fornatar A Priest visits his aged Mother. [1,495 words]
A Dish Of Yogurt by Paul V. Fornatar Sometimes we assume too much, and sometimes we don't assume enough. [1,158 words]
A Family That Stays Together by Paul V. Fornatar The old bromide about the family that prays together stays together is carried to ... [895 words]
Anita Hill At The Roller Derby by Richard Grayson A shy former law professor becomes the rollicking queen of the roller derby. [1,530 words]
Riding The Line by Steven R. Kravsow Rosie McClusky loved to ride the bus, losing herself in the tapestry of the city. She loved the... [918 words]
An Interruption by Carly Heath The tale of Marie Maxine Clarke, an orange-haired girl, Randy, and Mr. Bay as they encounter li... [2,672 words]
"Se Meis Kylla Ossa" by Pauli Tikkanen "A green hand on the helm is often with the best course." [679 words]
Murder Seen by Jody Collier One of a series of stories/adventures of a Latino-American forensic scientist narrated by his long ... [2,178 words]
Lullaby by R. D. Partee A scifi story in several acts. [2,815 words]
Love For An Hour by Adagio This is a very short, sad story of modern love and how easy it is to "love without loving" [146 words]
The Left Arm Of The Law by Steven R. Kravsow Charlie Underwood was a good cop. But sometimes even the best laid plans and a lifetime... [5,317 words]
What Can I Say? by Sunny Hmmm... did I make this up or lift this shit? you decide. [676 words]
An American Tale by Shaun Hurley Poverty is everywhere and it affects people differently. This tale goes through the lives of f... [4,131 words]
Homeboy by R W Morris A young man seizes an opportunity to escape the violence and poverty of the 'hood. [4,277 words]
Stunned To Silence by Silents This is written for a beautiful young lady that has captured my heart. When she entered my l... [105 words]
Madelaine by Richard Koss An eerie tale set in the modern day Pacific Northwest about a family's nightmarish encounter with a c... [8,451 words]
The Fringe Effect by K. F. Symbolic commentary on personal introspection. [1,401 words]
Friday Evening by Sunny Is the hero a scumbag? An ordinary friday night turns into a sexual orgy. [1,947 words]
The Hauberk Trilogy by J A Melody A collation of human sentiments derived from the inevitable despondency of conflict - It H... [902 words]
Nothing Is Just Black And White by Mitzy Spilman This short story tries to capture some facets of the social, political, and eco... [1,206 words]
The Unbinding Of Loki by Erik This is a story based loosely upon Norse mythology, in which I have a deep interest. It ... [1,258 words]
Quiet Seduction by Adagio A short tale of nocturnal seduction [137 words]
A Place To Stay by Steven R. Kravsow Arnie Westin was a con man-- a nickle and dimer always looking for the quick score. Arnie had a... [5,217 words]
Rhia by Francis Homestead A short story. [3,611 words]
A Place Of God In Modern, Feministic Views, Or Quotations From A Goddess To A God by Tyurina E Allen This is a story about a young... [1,536 words]
Hair - The Combing Out by Lillian Noura A mother remembers the first time she took her adopted Black daughter to the beauty parl... [2,890 words]
Granpa's Walk
The Governor by Arlene Mason This is the last of the series of Keith Richardson stories, that include Crystal Blue, and Spring ... [4,704 words]
The Beginning Of A Hero by Michael Hunter Well, it's in the fantasy genre. Hum. It's pretty much self-explanatory, it's the pro... [894 words]
Halloween In Vietnam by Gary Donnelly Non-fiction/fiction. [1,649 words]
Go to page: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 [49] 50
| |
TITLE (EDIT)
Granpa's Walk |
DESCRIPTION
A disastrous Christmas Eve when a new widow is forced to deal with the possiblity of her elderly fathers disappearance.
[1,362 words] |
AUTHOR
Lisa Diaz-Meyer |
ABOUT
THE AUTHOR
-
[October 2012] |
AUTHOR'S OTHER TITLES (4)
An Old Neighborhood (Essays) Written in 1982. I won an award for this in an Essay/Poetry Press contest. I invite all to read and leave a review. And please be kind as I was only 14 when I wrote this. [120 words] [Literary Fiction]
Drowning... (Poetry) Says it all... don't ya think? [31 words]
The Water Globe (Poetry) - [69 words]
Unending (Poetry) Just a poem. [55 words]
|
Granpa's Walk
Lisa Diaz-Meyer
"Granpa went for a walk," John-John said pouncing on me before I even got in the front door.
The news hadn't registered in my overtired brain. Getting free of my restraints...scarf, hat, peacoat, the oversized mittens I made myself...that seemed to be all that mattered. My day had been so harsh. Anxious customers, rattled employees. I even had a fight with an unmerciful utility operator. Not the kind of Christmas Eve I'd thought I'd have. Well, at least we have electricity until Friday. Pop's Social Security check will have come by then. The four of us could survive on that for a while.
Don't get me wrong, I've had worse Christmases than this. With that in mind last February, I opened up a Christmas account so the boys didn't suffer present-wise come December. Most of the gifts were practical, some frivolous but the holidays would be better this year. I had promised them that. I had promised myself that.
John-John was pulling at me.
"What?!"
"I said Granpa went for a walk," he looked at me with twelve year old eyes.
Not really a man, not really a child, but with the loss of his father last Thanksgiving they boy had seen much, felt it, lost and gained it. "IT" being all that comes with grief, not only for himself but for all of us. He had to watch us all come to the realization that Tom was dead and money from then on would be scarce. We moved in with Pop, who nearing seventy was not in the best health and I took a job downtown. A pathetic job but all I could get at the time and under the circumstances.
"And?" I went passed him dumping my outerwear on the couch. There'd be time to hang it up afterward. At this late hour I still had a chicken to stuff and bake.
"That was at four. It's seven now."
A three hour walk. I stopped in my exhausted tracks. "Are you sure he left at four?"
"Yeah."
"Why didn't you call me?"
"We did. When Granpa wasn't back by five we called but you were already gone. Tommy's out looking for him now."
For a moment I didn't know what to do or say. Pop was out wandering the streets in the cold, my oldest Tommy, the fifteen year old, his whereabouts also unknown. This was not the reception I'd hoped for after such a "lovely" day on this joyous Christmas Eve. By now I thought I was emotionally and physically exhausted.
I looked around me, the festive Christmas tree, the twinking lights, a sprinkling of Christmas cards reminding me of the dwindling down of friends and acquaintances since Tom's death. The small two bedroom apartment housed us well enough but without my fathers presence it was simply dismal.
I retrieved my coat, "You stay here," I told John-John. "In case Granpa comes back."
"But Mom, I'm hungry," he whined.
Thats right, the chicken! I couldn't put it on now. I hadn't time. It was imperative to find my wandering father or even Tommy.
"Make yourself a peanut butter sandwich until I get back." I realized this wasnt the best Christmas eve meal, especially since we'd been eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches frequently these days, but it was all I had to offer at the moment.
"Do you think he's lost like last time?" There was worry in the boys voice yet it was apparent he was trying to keep his emotions in check.
"I don't know John-John. I hope not." Last time, almost a year ago, Pop went out for a walk, became a tad disoriented and was missing for nearly six hours. It figured he would pick today of all days to pull this stunt again.
"If I come back without him, we'll have to call 911."
I was mid-way through redressing for the weather when Tommy burst in. His too-long hair swung at his shoulders, he wore jeans, an old flannel shirt and the brown leather bomber that once belonged to his father. He was inappropriately dressed for the frigid winter night and I had to stop myself on commenting the thought. Tommy was fifteen and did not care to be dictated on teenage fashion by his "out of style" mother. A heated argument was something I did not crave at the moment.
"I can't find him," Tommy was out of breath. "I looked everywhere."
I was briefly worried that in his teenage mentality he'd be angry with Granpa for ruining his Christmas eve and would have no problem shouting it to the world.
But he didn't. Perhaps he was genuinely concerned, maybe it was the spirit of Christmas. Or maybe it was the look on my face that gave the impression that I was in no mood to be trifled with.
"Stay here with your brother," I told him. "Behave yourselves and don't argue. Go make yourselves some peanut butter and jelly sandwiches until I get back."
Tommy looked at me with a face that said "Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches again?" But nothing was verbalized and I walked out hoping that they'd behave and not fight.
I was able now to worry about my dear, sweet father as I walked the lonely streets. I don't think I actually thought he wouldn't be found but what condition would he be in when finally discovered? Would he be dead or would he turn up fine? As much as I wanted to know his whereabouts there was a part of me that dreaded the knowledge.
The shops on the avenue were all closed for the holidays. The well lit streets were deserted and there were no sounds except those of my footfalls on the cold, cracked cement.
Puffs of smoke escaped my tremebling lips, my breaths came in uneven gasps, my nose had started to run. I was crying and in my haste and worry hadnt even noticed. But I deserved it, I told myself. I deserved a good cry.
Where was my father? My kids were home alone eating peanut butter sandwiches on Christmas Eve and probably wrestling in front of the TV for the remote. I was freezing, scared to death. The electricity would be turned off by Friday. It had started to snow and my nose was boldly running and me without a tissue.
By now, a good thirty minutes later, I turned back for home. I resigned myself to the fact that I'd have to call the police, that my dear good-hearted father had wandered off again. That this Christmas would be just as miserable as the last.
Through my frozen tears, I could see the church lights blazing, blurring. There were probably getting ready for midnight mass. I knew in that instant I was going to go in. I needed to pray, just for five minutes and then go home and see to my family.
It was significantly warmer inside the church and almost as deserted as the streets, except for the old caretaker who wandered the pews readying the hymnals for the late mass.
I sat in the very last pew trying not to undo any of the elder mans preparations. I prayed as I never prayed before. I asked God to protect my father, to watch over him in his confused state. To deliver him to his family who loved him so and needed him desperately. To help me be strong, whatever the outcome, for him, my kids and for me.
In all of this pouring out of my heart, amidst tears and sobs, I put myself in God's hands. His will would be the right thing and I would undoubtedly have Him to lean on like a crutch until I was able to go it alone. He would be there for me. I felt it. I knew it. I understood it completely.
My crying quieted and I noiselessly made my way home full of serenity and calmness. I'd call 911, be composed and handle it, tough cookie that I am. I had my health, my beautiful boys and God to see me through this crisis with dignity and strength.
|
READER'S REVIEWS (16)
DISCLAIMER: STORYMANIA DOES NOT PROVIDE AND IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR REVIEWS. ALL REVIEWS ARE PROVIDED BY NON-ASSOCIATED VISITORS, REGARDLESS OF THE WAY THEY CALL THEMSELVES.
"I loved this story. It was very creative, insightful and thought- provoking. The author is extremely talented." -- Paula Finnerty, Wantagh, ny, usa.
"Powerfully written, extremely compelling!" -- Myra Martino, Toluca Lake, CA, USA.
"Excellent story...very moving...well done!!" -- Peggy Bourletos, Staten Island, NY, USA.
""I really enjoyed it!!!...Very well written,with just the right amount of emotional tugging! I can't wait for the sequel!!" -- Denise Colon, Summerville, South Carolina , USA.
"An excellent story! Well written, emotional, and intriguing.Leaves you wanting more!" -- Linda Falcone, Valley Stream, NY.
"Loved it. Very well written - it really made you feel for the mother. But you have to hurry and write a sequel - I can't stop thinking about what could have happened to the Grandfather." -- Marcia Bourletos, Staten Island, New York, USA.
"Wonderful and moving story, capturing the feel of a family fallen on hard times very well. Is there a continuation?" -- Nadja Teichert, Switzerland.
"Moving story. Transports you with the density of her details and images. Leaves you wanting more, yet resonates with its message. Look forward to reading more from this author." -- Wayne Blatz, New York, NY, USA.
"Very well written. The author is very talented and if she has any other stories she should submit them. We would like to hear more from you, so keep it up. Very touching story and very true to life." -- Ann, Staten Island, NY, USA.
"Very touching story that shows the resilence of human nature. How it is possible to find inner strength. Well written but I'm anxious to know what happened to Grandpa." -- Rita, New York, NY.
"Very well written. Looking forward to reading a follow up!" -- Cathy Rios-Hayes, Sayreville, NJ.
"I loved this story. It was very well written and very powerful. It leaves you wanting more-you should seriously write a sequal, it was great!" -- Farrah Denny, Ny, Ny.
"Bravo!!! i thought it was well written. I hope theres a part 2 or something. I want to know what happened to granpa..." -- Dori, Jersey City, N.J..
"This is he second story that I have read by Mrs. LisaAnn Meyers, and it was better than the first one. She creates a feeling and mood through her extensive detail of family crisis. Someone that has this kind of talent needs to be read by a bigger audience. The author offers her own type of writing style that is revealing and fresh. Once you start reading this story you will want more in the end. I feel cheated that the story ended so quickly and this is a plea to Mrs.Lisa Ann Meyers to write another chapter in this wonderful well written story. Tony K." -- Tony K, Pasadena, MD.
"Very moving and emotional story and a very different type of writing style that makes the reader want to read more with its in depth detail." -- Rick, NY, NY, USA.
"Very good! I was engaged right off the bat. It was very relatable on so many levels, stressed mom, single mom, worried daughter, faith. Would love to know what happened to Grandpa." -- Linda P.
TO DELETE UNWANTED REVIEWS CLICK HERE! (SELECT "MANAGE TITLE REVIEWS" ACTION) |
|
Submit Your Review for Granpa's Walk
Required fields are marked with (*).
Your e-mail address will not be displayed.
|
|
Submit Your Rating for Granpa's Walk
|
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
© 2000 Lisa Diaz-Meyer |
STORYMANIA PUBLICATION DATE
February 2000 |
NUMBER OF TIMES TITLE VIEWED
3052
|
|
