I took a deep breath.I ignored this and all the rest of my lifes clutter.

I felt as if I had entered natures cathedral.It was not a judgment call; it was a roll of the dice.

His hand reached over and settled on my thigh.I didnt know where this was going, but I wanted to find out.

You know one about grace or somethin? My mama sang it. Leaning in closer to him, I softly improvised music on my harmonica.

Truth is, shes sitting here beside me right now..I was looking at the mismatched attire of poverty and fatigue.

Youre not gonna get any last words from this one, Honey.At the words lusty yell Doc opens his eyes.

Will I be a good grandmother? How could you do that to 6? I thrust hand to heart.

We did not want such a choice. Who would?Our circles of love and life together were put to rest.

The medical words rain down, soaking me to the core. The tides are turning, I can tell.

Personal Stories about courage and regret, danger and desire, about choosingPersonal Story Publishing Project, Vol. 10, spring 2024