The Word Missing From His Headstone
The proof sheet was at the bottom of the shoebox where I kept the sympathy cards, and my husband’s name on it was short by… Read more
A Wrench Passed Down at the Rehearsal Dinner
Rick Whitcomb tapped his knife against his wine glass three times, and thirty-four people stopped talking. It was a clear evening in the first week… Read more
Every Line of the Funeral Bill
“Grief does that, Yvonne,” Les said. “It makes people forget what they picked.” He said it kindly. That was the worst of it. He said… Read more
Nine Grandparents and a Four Dollar Lunch
Thursday is chicken and noodles over mashed potatoes at Orrin Elementary, and I have never seen a seven-year-old boy so happy to see a gravy… Read more
A Photograph and a Five Dollar Ring
Deana came through the fellowship hall door at ten minutes to two with a metal cash box under one arm and her apron pockets stuffed… Read more
One Quiet Question Before the Pageant
“Annette, he might slow things down.” Jeanette said it with the whiteboard eraser still in her hand, and she said it the way you tell… Read more
