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September 2007 
Hearts and Humor - Joshie
Posted on Jul 1st, 2007
by 
Mikey
Mikey
This is my repeat night. I posted a story about my grandson,
Joshie, a while back. I wanted to post this one tonight.
As I reread it, I cried. The little booger made my day and everything
right.
If you enjoy a story, feel free to pass it on to
your friends. I only ask that you leave the link
at the bottom for them to join us.
NOTE: IF YOU WISH TO STOP RECEIVING MY STORIES, PLEASE
USE THE UNSUBSCRIBE LINK BELOW. PLEASE DO NOT MARK ME AS SPAM.
MY STORIES ARE ONLY SENT TO THOSE WHO SUBSCRIBE TO MY EZINE.
I Love your comments.
Send them to: msmith4@nj.rr.com
If anyone is interested in greeting cards, Ginny
belongs to a group of artists. They've teamed together
to market their products. Check them out at:
http://www.etsygreetings.blogspot.com
Ginny's cards and other crafts are at:
http://www.ginginsgoodies.etsy.com
Be sure to check out my collection of inspirational
sites at the end. There's something for everyone.
Now for today's story.
Just Three Words
July 1, 2005, I met my three grandchildren and my stepdaughter,
Heather, for the first time. She was having marital problems. We were
there to bring them back to New Jersey to live with us.
Ginny and I walked through the airport in Oklahoma. "There they are!" she said.
"Where," I asked, looking around.
"There!" Ginny pointed.
I saw a beautiful young lady and two boys - ages three and
five - the oldest two. They stared at me. Heather and Ginny hugged.
Ginny turned to the boys and opened her arms, "Joshie! Seth Man! I
missed you!"
They ran into her arms. It'd been a year since they'd seen
their Gingin. Her hugs were needed. Grandmother hugs are the best.
Ginny stood. Heather and the boys stared at me - the unknown grandpa.
Heather was polite, but I could sense the doubt. Who was this
man? I would have to convince her, I wasn't replacing her dad. Her
dad was in Heaven now. I was just a man who loved her mom.
Joshie and Seth were too shy to look at me. They stood,
side-by-side, their eyes passing from Ginny and Heather, with only
quick glances in my direction. Their eyes said it all, "Is that
our new Poppa?"
We shared hugs and went back to their house, where I met
Benny and his other grandma - Sonja. Benny was the youngest of
the three and even more afraid of me.
The next day, the older boys were doing flips over my lap
and laughing. Benny hugged Sonja, still scared of me. The following
day, we packed the kids in the car and headed for New Jersey.
My life changed. My house had been full of breakable and
memorable things. In a few weeks they were gone. I hid them in
closets and drawers. Our bedroom became a storage room. There
are only so many times you can tell a child not to touch something
before you realize, they can't help it. I packed it all away!
Ginny and I used to spend time talking or reading, when I
came home from work, but with the grandkids there, we would be
interrupted. It was a new life. The quiet times were gone.
A year later, Heather and the boys are leaving on a new
adventure. The boys were visiting their Dad in Oklahoma and
would join their mom in Idaho in a few months. Our house is
empty. We have our life again - or do we?
I was up at 5 AM to see them off on their trip to see
their Dad. Their bags were packed and loaded in the car. We
grabbed the last of their stuff, clamored down the steps,
and opened the car doors.
Benny and Seth jumped in, excited about the trip and
seeing their dad. I gave them the best hugs I could, considering
they were in such a hurry. Tears formed in my eyes. They'd been
a thorn in my side, but I'd grown used to those thorns.
I buckled Benny in his car seat, stood, and heard, "Poppa
Mike?"
I turned toward the voice. Joshie stood staring at me.
He'd snuck around the back of the car. "Yes, Joshie?"
"I love you."
"I love you too, Joshie," I said. Big tears began to
roll down my cheeks. "I love you too, buddy. I'll miss you.
Be a good boy for your daddy."
The car pulled away.
I went into the house and looked around. There were a
few small toys scattered about. A plastic block lay in a
corner. In the kitchen was a pack of Crayons. Behind the
sofa was a cart full of Leggos©.
My house was almost bare of their toys but full of
memories.
A few days later, I sat in the living room and noticed
the scratch marks on my teak coffee table. They were the
marks from a "Bob the Builder" plastic saw. When I first
saw those marks, I was so angry, I stomped out of the house
and took a long walk to cool my temper.
I thought of all the breakables hidden in closets.
Memories of a broken lamp, stomping feet, yelling, screaming,
crying, interrupted conversations, spilled drinks and sprayed
food flashed through my mind. It had been a rough year for me.
I had a hard time adjusting to having young kids in the house.
A little boy walked around the back of the car and
said, "I LOVE YOU!" The stress, cries, scratches on tables,
stains in carpets, tablecloths cut with scissors, screams,
nicks, marks, and broken furniture were forgiven.
Joshie, the one who was the most troublesome, made it
right. He was the middle child, struggling to be acknowledged
before his brothers. He said three words. That's all it took,
just three powerful words - I LOVE YOU!
Michael T. Smith
If you enjoy a story, feel free to pass it on to your friends.
My only request is that you include the link for your friends to
join our family.
To join our family, go to:
http://subs.zinester.com/86758/
As promised, here is a list of great inspirational sites.
I subscribe to all of them. You will love these sites.
A good friend of mine has a new book out. You should check
this out. Carol's been through rough times. She tells it all
in her latest book.
Carol Roach
M.Ed, B.A.
Publisher: Storytime Tapestry
Author: Angels Watching Over Me:http://www.lulu.com/content/644485
Picking up the Pieces: A Woman's Journey: www.publishamerica.com
To join Carol's story site, go to Storytime Tapestry at:
http://archives.zinester.com/98907/
Here's a good one by Linda Della Donna
Freelance Writer
www.littleredmailbox.com
www.griefcase.blogspot.com
www.storybone.blogspot.com
"...and sometime when I wasn't looking, I got a new life."
By my good friend Keith in Australia:
http://www.agiftofinspiration.com.au/
My friend Phil runs http://www.peoplestuff.com.au/
Phil's awesome and brutally honest
Zev, yes another friend, runs http://empoweringmessages.com/stories/
Heart Catchers is a wonderful site. www.DianeDeanWhite.com
www.Heartwarmers.com and www.petwarmers.com are two
wonderful story sites.
http://hodu.com/
http://www.mydailyinsights.com/
www.ripplemaker.com
http://www.sermonillustrator.org
http://www.SkyWriting.Net
Here's a newly discovered one I like:
http://www.archive.zinester.com/9516
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WarmFuzzyStories/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WithInSight/
If you, or anyone you know needs prayers for health concerns,
struggles,etc visit www.janetperezeckles.com
Janet's prayer group will respond.
That's all I can think of right now. If I come up with
more, I'll add them.
Enjoy!!!
I love your comments, Send them to msmith4@nj.rr.com.
I'll include some in every post.
Now for some comments on my last few stories:
Hi
Thank you for the link about Paul Potts (on Britain's
Got Talent) I always watch American Idol and the X-Factor.
Although I live in the UK I wasn't able to watch BGT.
Paul Potts is amazing, I was smiling and crying at
the same time.
Thanks for sharing
Kindest regards,
Sadhana
**********************8
Your stories just keep getting better and better!
The parallels in your stories make me more aware
of the ones in my life. Keep the pencil sharpened.
Oops! That remark shows my age. We use computers now! :)
Re: Paul Potts ~~~~ He is absolutely incredible. I
had seen his videos several times before your email
arrived but had to go back and watch them all over
again. The tears arrive from my heart every time I
hear him sing.
Linda
*****************
I always told you the bag of peas story was a winner
and the video is a tear jerker, as well!
That was from my other Mom - Liz
**************
Dear Michael
It's been a while since I've replied to your wonderful
stories - thank you so much for the care you take to
share your heart. I am so grateful to you for sending
this link to Paul Potts' singing - it started my
morning with tears streaming down my face and opened
my heart a little wider. Bless you for that. And
your story is very poignant today as my mum is dying,
and all around our family there is enormous change
as death brings its decay slowly and everything
withers like the vegetables in your garden. However
yesterday I picked a single vibrant flower and put
it in a vase by my sink, reminding me to keep flowering
and keep shining a light inspite of the many changes.
Thank you for shining your light on me today.
with love Rachel
**************
This one is about a preious story used on another site.
It was called "Life is a Bag of Frozen Peas.
thanks Mike , glad to see your reply,you surely are
doing a tremendous job with your inspirational
stories,you could never know just how many
lives you are touching and saving just by
taking time out to write and reach out to
people. i subscribed to receive your
weekly articles and will be expecting them .
thanks once again
all the best .
shingi
***************
I've cried several times - not boo hoo crying, but
lots of tears have welled up in my eyes. I can't
believe he hasn't been discovered before this. I'm
not an opera fan but definitely would pay for one
of his CD's. I know Simon will help him along the
way to true stardom. After all, it will be money
in Simon's pocket. I think I heard that he'll start
recording right away.
Bedtime and it's even later where you are! Good
night to you and your Ginny.
Linda
Joshie, a while back. I wanted to post this one tonight.
As I reread it, I cried. The little booger made my day and everything
right.
If you enjoy a story, feel free to pass it on to
your friends. I only ask that you leave the link
at the bottom for them to join us.
NOTE: IF YOU WISH TO STOP RECEIVING MY STORIES, PLEASE
USE THE UNSUBSCRIBE LINK BELOW. PLEASE DO NOT MARK ME AS SPAM.
MY STORIES ARE ONLY SENT TO THOSE WHO SUBSCRIBE TO MY EZINE.
I Love your comments.
Send them to: msmith4@nj.rr.com
If anyone is interested in greeting cards, Ginny
belongs to a group of artists. They've teamed together
to market their products. Check them out at:
http://www.etsygreetings.blogspot.com
Ginny's cards and other crafts are at:
http://www.ginginsgoodies.etsy.com
Be sure to check out my collection of inspirational
sites at the end. There's something for everyone.
Now for today's story.
Just Three Words
July 1, 2005, I met my three grandchildren and my stepdaughter,
Heather, for the first time. She was having marital problems. We were
there to bring them back to New Jersey to live with us.
Ginny and I walked through the airport in Oklahoma. "There they are!" she said.
"Where," I asked, looking around.
"There!" Ginny pointed.
I saw a beautiful young lady and two boys - ages three and
five - the oldest two. They stared at me. Heather and Ginny hugged.
Ginny turned to the boys and opened her arms, "Joshie! Seth Man! I
missed you!"
They ran into her arms. It'd been a year since they'd seen
their Gingin. Her hugs were needed. Grandmother hugs are the best.
Ginny stood. Heather and the boys stared at me - the unknown grandpa.
Heather was polite, but I could sense the doubt. Who was this
man? I would have to convince her, I wasn't replacing her dad. Her
dad was in Heaven now. I was just a man who loved her mom.
Joshie and Seth were too shy to look at me. They stood,
side-by-side, their eyes passing from Ginny and Heather, with only
quick glances in my direction. Their eyes said it all, "Is that
our new Poppa?"
We shared hugs and went back to their house, where I met
Benny and his other grandma - Sonja. Benny was the youngest of
the three and even more afraid of me.
The next day, the older boys were doing flips over my lap
and laughing. Benny hugged Sonja, still scared of me. The following
day, we packed the kids in the car and headed for New Jersey.
My life changed. My house had been full of breakable and
memorable things. In a few weeks they were gone. I hid them in
closets and drawers. Our bedroom became a storage room. There
are only so many times you can tell a child not to touch something
before you realize, they can't help it. I packed it all away!
Ginny and I used to spend time talking or reading, when I
came home from work, but with the grandkids there, we would be
interrupted. It was a new life. The quiet times were gone.
A year later, Heather and the boys are leaving on a new
adventure. The boys were visiting their Dad in Oklahoma and
would join their mom in Idaho in a few months. Our house is
empty. We have our life again - or do we?
I was up at 5 AM to see them off on their trip to see
their Dad. Their bags were packed and loaded in the car. We
grabbed the last of their stuff, clamored down the steps,
and opened the car doors.
Benny and Seth jumped in, excited about the trip and
seeing their dad. I gave them the best hugs I could, considering
they were in such a hurry. Tears formed in my eyes. They'd been
a thorn in my side, but I'd grown used to those thorns.
I buckled Benny in his car seat, stood, and heard, "Poppa
Mike?"
I turned toward the voice. Joshie stood staring at me.
He'd snuck around the back of the car. "Yes, Joshie?"
"I love you."
"I love you too, Joshie," I said. Big tears began to
roll down my cheeks. "I love you too, buddy. I'll miss you.
Be a good boy for your daddy."
The car pulled away.
I went into the house and looked around. There were a
few small toys scattered about. A plastic block lay in a
corner. In the kitchen was a pack of Crayons. Behind the
sofa was a cart full of Leggos©.
My house was almost bare of their toys but full of
memories.
A few days later, I sat in the living room and noticed
the scratch marks on my teak coffee table. They were the
marks from a "Bob the Builder" plastic saw. When I first
saw those marks, I was so angry, I stomped out of the house
and took a long walk to cool my temper.
I thought of all the breakables hidden in closets.
Memories of a broken lamp, stomping feet, yelling, screaming,
crying, interrupted conversations, spilled drinks and sprayed
food flashed through my mind. It had been a rough year for me.
I had a hard time adjusting to having young kids in the house.
A little boy walked around the back of the car and
said, "I LOVE YOU!" The stress, cries, scratches on tables,
stains in carpets, tablecloths cut with scissors, screams,
nicks, marks, and broken furniture were forgiven.
Joshie, the one who was the most troublesome, made it
right. He was the middle child, struggling to be acknowledged
before his brothers. He said three words. That's all it took,
just three powerful words - I LOVE YOU!
Michael T. Smith
If you enjoy a story, feel free to pass it on to your friends.
My only request is that you include the link for your friends to
join our family.
To join our family, go to:
http://subs.zinester.com/86758/
As promised, here is a list of great inspirational sites.
I subscribe to all of them. You will love these sites.
A good friend of mine has a new book out. You should check
this out. Carol's been through rough times. She tells it all
in her latest book.
Carol Roach
M.Ed, B.A.
Publisher: Storytime Tapestry
Author: Angels Watching Over Me:http://www.lulu.com/content/644485
Picking up the Pieces: A Woman's Journey: www.publishamerica.com
To join Carol's story site, go to Storytime Tapestry at:
http://archives.zinester.com/98907/
Here's a good one by Linda Della Donna
Freelance Writer
www.littleredmailbox.com
www.griefcase.blogspot.com
www.storybone.blogspot.com
"...and sometime when I wasn't looking, I got a new life."
By my good friend Keith in Australia:
http://www.agiftofinspiration.com.au/
My friend Phil runs http://www.peoplestuff.com.au/
Phil's awesome and brutally honest
Zev, yes another friend, runs http://empoweringmessages.com/stories/
Heart Catchers is a wonderful site. www.DianeDeanWhite.com
www.Heartwarmers.com and www.petwarmers.com are two
wonderful story sites.
http://hodu.com/
http://www.mydailyinsights.com/
www.ripplemaker.com
http://www.sermonillustrator.org
http://www.SkyWriting.Net
Here's a newly discovered one I like:
http://www.archive.zinester.com/9516
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WarmFuzzyStories/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WithInSight/
If you, or anyone you know needs prayers for health concerns,
struggles,etc visit www.janetperezeckles.com
Janet's prayer group will respond.
That's all I can think of right now. If I come up with
more, I'll add them.
Enjoy!!!
I love your comments, Send them to msmith4@nj.rr.com.
I'll include some in every post.
Now for some comments on my last few stories:
Hi
Thank you for the link about Paul Potts (on Britain's
Got Talent) I always watch American Idol and the X-Factor.
Although I live in the UK I wasn't able to watch BGT.
Paul Potts is amazing, I was smiling and crying at
the same time.
Thanks for sharing
Kindest regards,
Sadhana
**********************8
Your stories just keep getting better and better!
The parallels in your stories make me more aware
of the ones in my life. Keep the pencil sharpened.
Oops! That remark shows my age. We use computers now! :)
Re: Paul Potts ~~~~ He is absolutely incredible. I
had seen his videos several times before your email
arrived but had to go back and watch them all over
again. The tears arrive from my heart every time I
hear him sing.
Linda
*****************
I always told you the bag of peas story was a winner
and the video is a tear jerker, as well!
That was from my other Mom - Liz
**************
Dear Michael
It's been a while since I've replied to your wonderful
stories - thank you so much for the care you take to
share your heart. I am so grateful to you for sending
this link to Paul Potts' singing - it started my
morning with tears streaming down my face and opened
my heart a little wider. Bless you for that. And
your story is very poignant today as my mum is dying,
and all around our family there is enormous change
as death brings its decay slowly and everything
withers like the vegetables in your garden. However
yesterday I picked a single vibrant flower and put
it in a vase by my sink, reminding me to keep flowering
and keep shining a light inspite of the many changes.
Thank you for shining your light on me today.
with love Rachel
**************
This one is about a preious story used on another site.
It was called "Life is a Bag of Frozen Peas.
thanks Mike , glad to see your reply,you surely are
doing a tremendous job with your inspirational
stories,you could never know just how many
lives you are touching and saving just by
taking time out to write and reach out to
people. i subscribed to receive your
weekly articles and will be expecting them .
thanks once again
all the best .
shingi
***************
I've cried several times - not boo hoo crying, but
lots of tears have welled up in my eyes. I can't
believe he hasn't been discovered before this. I'm
not an opera fan but definitely would pay for one
of his CD's. I know Simon will help him along the
way to true stardom. After all, it will be money
in Simon's pocket. I think I heard that he'll start
recording right away.
Bedtime and it's even later where you are! Good
night to you and your Ginny.
Linda
Access: Public
