In the Beginning . . . His Story

Eric wanted a Bible story book. I was touched by his sincere interest and did what most of my friends would do. I told him that I would purchase the book and he could have it but not take it home immediately. He would have to earn the book.

Eric was excited, concerned, and anxious, focused on the book and “knew” that I would forget his book. He was sure that what I said was too good to be true. I could not convince him.

I gave him my phone number and told him that he could remind me.

The following day I got a sheepish call from his father. He told me Eric was very excited and persuaded his father to call me.

I understood. Eric was more than excited. He was completely consumed and focused on The Book.

I assured father and son that I would not forget.

On Day One,

I took three books

so Eric could choose his prize.

It was good.

He chose the easiest book to read. It also came with a cover.

The plan was for Eric to earn the book by reading aloud 350 pages (of approximately 500 pages) to a tutor, at a normal speed, and to be patient when the tutor asked questions about the story. We made out a contract, and Eric was excited.

For this special guy, delayed gratification, is incredibly difficult—nearly impossible.

Eric nearly wore me down.

He argued that he would bring it back every day until it was read.

Eric just wanted to show the book to his sister. . . to his dad.

He put his head on the table and cried, convinced that I was just trying to keep him from earning the book.

He read very fast.

He hit his hand on the desk because I was asking too many questions.

He put his head on the table and sobbed a bit because it was too many pages to read.

We took breaks.

We came back and tried again.

I was exhausted—but we persevered.

The first day we completed about a quarter of the pages.

Eric thought I was tricking him.

He thought that I would never give him the book—to keep.

It was impossible to persuade Eric of my good intent.

He found a spot in the book that was not perfect.

He thought there might be a dent in a page because he turned the page too fast.

He begged me to take the book back and get him a perfect book.

Eric did make me smile. He was convinced that Isaac's servant praying by the well had cancer. Even when I argued that some men get bald even when they are healthy. Eric still insisted, he could tell just by looking at the illustration, "But that man has cancer!"

I stayed with the plan.

I did take breaks to breathe deeply, to get a drink of water, to straighten my shoulders and then go back and try again.

Sometimes, I made Eric take breaks, a drink of water, a walk to the end of the hallway and back.

We survived.
Eric read.
I asked.
That was the end of Day One.
It was good.

On Day Two, I was hoping someone else would work with Eric but he was waiting for me, with a big grin.

It started all over, just like Day One.

He begged, he complained, he worried, but in between we read and I asked questions and sometimes I gave up and just tried to make Eric listen as I summarized the story and pointed out details in the pictures.

We took breaks. I took deep breaths. We made progress. Others praised Eric on how many pages he completed encouraging him that he would be done in a short time. Eric was not believing—not quite.

Day Two ended.
It was good.

Another tutor read with Eric on Day Three

Today, Eric was excited to greet me. He was three quarters done with his assignment.

Day Four began the same as the other days, a few tears, a bit of anger, reading fast and stumbling over words until . . .

We came to the New Testament stories.

Eric told me, “This book I like! I like Jesus! Now you can ask me questions because I like Jesus.”

Then Eric asked hard questions of me.

Was Mary a young girl?
Do you know how to say pregnant in Spanish?
Mary does not look beautiful. Was Mary beautiful?
Where is Mary’s mother?
Where is the grandmother of Jesus?
Why did she not go with them to Bethlehem?
Is this the same Jesus that died?
Eric responded, “But he is a baby!”
Is God the father of Jesus?
Why did Jesus get another dad? Was that his stepdad? Did Joseph like Jesus?
Why did King Herod want to kill Jesus when he was just a little baby? He was not even a king yet.
Was King Herod drunk?

Frequently, Eric reminded me, “I like Jesus.”

I reminded him, “And Jesus loves you.”

And then we got questions from other students.
Does Jesus give everyone a guardian angel?
I pray to my guardian angel.
Why do some people get hurt?

As we read about Jesus being baptized, one boy told about his baptism as a baby at a very famous church in Mexico, Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

So today,

Day Four,

we completed the task . . .
350 pages.

It was good.

We celebrated as did the other students in our group.

Afterwards, a more accomplished student, offered to keep reading with Eric. I wish I had that picture.

One of my favorite scripture passages is from Isaiah 55. I like the verses preceding these as well but was particularly reminded of verses 10 and 11.


As the rain and the snow
come down from heaven,
and do not return to it
without watering the earth
and making it bud and flourish,
so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,

so is my word that goes out from my mouth:
It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

Three other boys want to know if they may earn a book. Their tasks will be harder. Marko must complete all of his homework for four weeks in a row. He must start over if he does not complete it one week. The home room teachers will help us make worthy challenges for the other boys.

Hubby Bob teased with a smile, “So is this just the beginning? Are we buying Bibles or Bible storybooks for all forty-five children?”

More fun than eating candy

It started with my neighbor.

Her Daddy died in December and she wanted to have some photos scanned and put to music on a DVD to play at a memorial service.

I thought, "Maybe I can learn to do that."

And I did.

Thus I began and because I have this problem with addiction, I have been making movies ever since. It is just such fun.

If any of you are interested, let me know. I would love to share what I have learned.

The best part is that you do not have to purchase any programs. I use Windows Movie Maker. It comes on most PC's or if not, it is a free download. I love it.

Here is a short and simple movie that I made. I have since learned how to fade music in and out using several songs and all kinds of fun things.

Okay, you're right, there is not much of a venue for these kinds of things but it is fun.

And addicting, I might add.

What was your high today?

I said here that I'd go to Chicago whatever the weather but I forgot about fog.

Since photos started surfacing of the Sears/Willis Tower Skydeck, I have been waiting for an opportunity to experience it. Yesterday, with David, a willing grandson, I trekked from the train station to WT but we did not go up to the Skydeck. It was not fear—no sir—no way. Before we purchased tickets we were told that the visibility was zero.

On vacation, I had experienced zero visibility
so we moved to Plan B.


David was not excited about museum options so we headed to Navy Pier—not your typical choice on an inclement day.

When visiting Maine, taste lobster.

In Springfield, see the Lincoln Museum.

In St. Louis, go up in The Arch.

On Navy Pier, ride the ferris wheel.

It is really, really slow.
It is not exciting
But it is high.
And it’s part of Chicago history.
If you can,
Ride it once,
Just because.


And on a cold foggy day
There are no lines.
I did not even see other riders
But did I mention it was a foggy day.

And even though you cannot see very far,
You can see more
Than you would see from the Willis Tower,
On a foggy day.


To help us recover from our Willis Tower disappointment,
And to make this a memorable day,
We went through the overpriced Navy Pier maze.
We were the only people in the maze.


We went through it . . .
And again . . .
And again . . .
Three times before exiting.
We never did figure out the mirror room.


We picnicked in the garden room
And were mesmerized by the fountains . . .
Momentarily.

By noon, we headed over to Millenium Park
And walked through The Bean.

See us way up at the top?
That is David’s yellow coat.

Yay! The skating rink was open.
David can roller blade
but he had never been on ice skates.
I love a Can-Do or at least an I’ll-Try spirit.

His joy . . . His success . . .

His accomplishment . . .


Was our High for the day!

And that is even taking into consideration
The Garretts popcorn that we ate on
the train ride home.

And I thought it was going to be Willis Tower.

Frosty is not the only one that comes alive with a hat . . .

When Morgan put this one on,
She began to walk around . . .

Like an Egyptian.

And it happened to Jessica as well.

When we finished creating this hat,

She tried it on and
Her voice dropped two decibels,
Except when she giggled.

It is magic how these girls brighten my life!

I Resolve . . .

Finally

Almost two weeks into the New Year
I came up with a resolution.
I can live with this.

I resolve to go to Chicago more often.

Alone or with friends

Using Priceline

Or just for a day

Because of the Art Institute

And Millenium Park

For an outdoor concert

And a good place to eat

That serve foods like this

And also like this

To visit churches

And to walk the streets

Whatever the weather

Just because . . .

Poet or not, this calls for a poem

The day was clear.
To sled on the hill.

They gathered gear
Never mind the chill.

Jake wasn’t sure
Uncle Brad would save



On this adventure
Ryan was brave.




Jacob did take a turn
With mom patiently helping


But he begged not to return
He really liked swinging.


J had sledded before
And it was a blast


He likes to soar;
The sleds go so fast.



Double the pleasure
Double the fun
With a double good
Double good, double good mum.



Some sledded head first
And when they went down
Sometimes they reversed
And some went upside down.



It was worth a try
Even when the train failed



There was not a cry
Though it fully derailed.



After the thrill
It wasn’t that bad



Climbing the hill
With a fun loving dad.



I sledded and loved it!
But not very much. . .
I mostly watched, I admit
Cause I didn’t want a crutch.


Hot chocolate in a mug,
Warms down to the toes



And makes us feel snug.
That’s how our story goes.

And I had to sneak to watch American Band Stand

I know this is not YouTube.

Bear with me. I have many movies from this Dance Party. I sliced out just three little clips—just because—I am Grandma.

I chose this first little clip because I love watching Lilly. I also got tickled at J playing football while dancing. Brad, the DJ, was choosing the playlist. Ryan was using the whole dance floor and Jakie is hanging on to the guitar.

Jakie cracked me up. He is a contender, indeed.

Yes, those big boys are my sons teaching some twisting and shouting to the little boys—male bonding?

And here is Lilly and J showing a final move they learned on Dancing with the Stars.

You saw them first,
right here on The Bee's Nest.