MONDAY - Freedom

By DR Rawson

Katy is a girl who always wishes she could be somewhere besides where she is at any given moment in time. When she’s at home, she wants to be in school. She wants to have lunch with her Dad instead of being at school in class. At lunch with her Dad… You get the idea.

One day, she had a dream and knew precisely the answer; she needed a way to fly away to wherever else she wanted to be. She went to her computer and designed a new pair of shoes for herself. She called it the “Freedom” shoe.

TUESDAY - You Always Have A Friend

By DR Rawson

Billy and Bobby were sitting in the sand and watching the other kids. They liked the way they played with one another. They saw kids sharing the ball and being friendly in the kickball area.

Bobby said, “We are really great friends, aren’t we?”

Billy was quick to answer. He said, “We’re the bestest friends in the whole world. I like to play with you better than anybody in our class or on the playground.”

Bobby said, “Are you sure you aren’t saying that to make me feel good.”

Billy said, “Aww c’mon Sis, you know sisters are the best.”

WEDNESDAY - Grandfather Knows

By DR Rawson

Larry’s Grandfather raised him. That’s Larry and him in 1956. The thing I liked most about him was his patience. We all called him Grandpa. He didn’t speak much, but when he did, you knew it was time to listen.

Grandpa said, “Making friends is a skill that every person should have. However, they will always be who they are.”

My friend Reggie and I were visiting Larry when Grandpa asked us, “Are you boys the same as my grandson Larry?”

We said, “No Sir, we’re different.”

He said, “Exactly.” I was a Father when I really appreciated that wisdom.

THURSDAY - Lessons In Leisure At The Cat Academy

By Rick Allen

Jenny decided her home needed a new institution: The Cat Academy, where her cat Tabitha would learn amazing tricks.

She set up tiny hurdles and a hoop of fire (made from paper, naturally).

On the first day of class, Tabitha looked at the setup, yawned, and found a sunny spot for a nap instead.

Jenny tried everything to motivate her star student, but Tabitha preferred being a professional relaxer.

Laughing, Jenny realized that Tabitha taught her the best trick of all: enjoying the simple moments. The Cat Academy became a cozy reading club where the only skill needed was snuggling.

FRIDAY - Work First

By DR Rawson

Ben knew the rule. His Dad sat beside him; they worked together on Ben’s math and English homework. Ben kept looking outside.

Ben said, “Dad, we’ve been at this for two hours. I want to be with the other kids.”

His Dad said, “Ben, Mother, and I go to work every day so we can have a nice life, right?”

Ben said, “I know, Dad.”

His Dad's voice was firm but kind, “Ben, we love you and this is your work, and I’m here to help you. Remember, it's ‘Work before play.”

Ben, appreciating his dad's guidance, replied, “Thanks, Dad.

SATURDAY - May I Help You?

By DR Rawson

Bobby said, “May I help you up?” He offered his hand to Jiefan, but he didn’t think she would take it. Her father is a very successful Chinese importer in the U.S., and the U.K. Bobby wonders if she will know him. 

Jiefan said, “Thank you, Bobby. Can I ask why you stopped to offer a hand?”

Bobby said, “You know my name. I did it because I wanted to help you.”

Jiefan said, “Thanks again. My father taught me that when you fall, you must always get right back up. I’m glad you’re here to help me.”

SUNDAY - Can You Define Family

By DR Rawson

This was taken when I was three years old. That’s our dog, Spot. There’s my sister Carol and our parents. 

Whenever I’m lonely or need to feel my family around me, I turn to this photograph of our family. Everyone loved each other, and everyone was still alive. We’ve seen a lot of tragedy and triumph in our family but family is the very thing that helps me know I am, who I am.

My Father wrote those words in his last book, “Family First.” 

My dad and mom had four kids, David, Dean, Dalia, and Dale, the four “Ds.”