MONDAY- 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.

TUESDAY - Who Needs A Good Book

By DR Rawson

Jerold, the oldest, and Leonard, the smartest, were walking away from the library just as their Dad called them into the room. As they walked in, Leonard said, “Want to be my proxy?” Jerald thought that was strange.

In the library, their father said, “I built this for you to learn. Here are books of my youth and books on subjects that will help guide you through your life. I’ve noticed that one book in particular, my book of Drabbles, is missing. It goes just over there on the top shelf.”

Jerold said, “Let me guess, the title is “Proxy.”

WEDNESDAY -  Family Night Out

By DR Rawson

The Genoa family’s night outs are legendary. Sophie, the youngest girl, needed to satisfy her Italian urge for pizza on this night. Her grandparents actually own the restaurant. Sophie and her family wanted to go there. 

Sophi told her grandma, “Can I please have the biggest pizza you can make with everything on top? Tonight’s my birthday.”

Grandpa Genoa worked extra hard to make the pizza as big as possible. Her grandparents served the pizza, and Uncle Tony took the picture you see. Little Sophie said, “Don’t I get a candle?”

Grandma said, “You’re so bright; you are the candle.”

THURSDAY - It's A Policy, Not A Guideline

By DR Rawson

Everyone knew that Pedro had the coolest coins from all over the world. He and Jerry were looking at them when Pedro said, “Jerry, some time ago you gave me a coin from Germany. I’m going to give you one from China.”

Jerry was over the moon excited. Pedro explained how he got the coin and how much it was worth. He gave Jerry something he’ll never forget. 

He said, “Pedro, why would you even remember I gave that old coin to you? Wasn’t it worthless?”

Pedro said, “The value doesn’t matter. It’s more important to be honest with everyone.”

FRIDAY - Steady Paws

By CJ Coop

"Henry, you’re late again!” groaned Miss Maple, tapping her foot.

Henry, a worn rabbit, shuffled his paws. “Lost track of time,” he muttered, gazing at his undone homework.

Around him, classmates chattered, their assignments ready. Henry sighed, staring at his blank paper. His mind was a playground, never still.

“Self-discipline’s tough, isn’t it?” whispered Olive, a wise old tortoise sitting nearby. Her small, gentle smile warmed him.

“Every day, just write one word before play,” she suggested softly.

Henry nodded. Tomorrow, he’d start anew.

Olive’s simple wisdom felt like the first actual step.

“Thanks, I’ll try that,” he promised.

SATURDAY - Kindness Repaid

By DR Rawson

Grandin felt sick and stayed home from school. He said, “I feel warm, and my tummy feels bad, too.” 

She said, “I’ll call in and work from home today. I’m here if you need me.” She went into her office and went to work. She was so busy she forgot what time it was.

Just then, Grandin appeared with a fresh coffee, carefully prepared to her liking, and a hot grilled cheese sandwich with the crust just as she liked it. He said, “I feel better. With this small gesture, Mom, I wanted to show my gratitude for your kindness.”

SUNDAY - Duty In The Kitchen

By Rick Allen

In the kitchen, young Ethan eagerly took on the responsibility of helping his mom with the evening chores.

Standing on a stool to reach the sink, he carefully washed the dishes as his mom dried them beside him.

His concentration was intense, and his small hands meticulously completed their task.

His mom, watching with a gentle smile, knew these moments were about more than just dishes; they were about instilling a sense of duty and care in her son.

By sharing these everyday tasks, Ethan learned the importance of contributing to the family and the value of teamwork and reliability.