On Small Town Life - Both Audio and Text Versions

Fifty-seven years ago, when I was but a child, I thought my mom and dad were pretty cool. The only things they ever did that really ticked me off were - make me take a bath…and go to school. After learning all my friends had folks that did the same, reluctantly, I did as I was told. Now I’ve got a private practice…shower every day…and both of them are eighty-nine years old. More than once my father said - when someone from the school called to let him know I’d skipped a class - “What you didn’t learn today, you’ll wish you had tomorrow. It’s rarely good enough to barely pass.” Naturally, to me it felt like I was being pushed. Forced to study harder…to excel. But as the “A”s kept rolling in, my folks would voice their pride, and little doors were opening up as well! The small scholastic scholarship I won for being bright was just enough to help me enter college. Studying hard, while taking crappy jobs to pay the rent, I fought like heck to quench my thirst for knowledge. After graduation, I began exploring options - none of which included Mom and Dad - Turning down a chance to set up shop where I’d grown up, and carry on the lovely life we had. I finally found an opening - a thousand miles away, and took a job for which the pay was high, And when they’d ask if I’d be coming home soon, I’d reply…“Things are pretty hectic…but I’ll try.” Well, a week ago last January, Mother broke her hip. It’s all healed up, but hurts her when she walks. And Dad will not admit it, but I’m sure he’s had a stroke…he sounds a little slurry when he talks. Given their declining health and how they’re struggling hard to cope with issues brought about by age, And clearly understanding that it won’t be all that long ‘til each of them will turn their final page, I asked my wife to try to reach a realtor - back home. She smiled and told me, “Honey, I just did. He told me…when I told him who you were…the two of you played hooky years ago - when you were kids! “You know I miss - and love - your folks a lot…and I’m OK with moving back to where you used to live. They worked so hard to give you what you needed to succeed…and now what they are needing - you can give. “We’ll sell this place and buy one somewhere close to where they live, and swap - what you’ve got now - for - what you had.” Well…that’s exactly what we did…and I’m so very glad we now can keep an eye on Mom and Dad. The town is short on doctors and I opened up a practice. I only wish I’d done it at the start. It took me thirty years to learn that living in a town as small as ours does wonders for the heart! Every now and then I treat a classmate! What a gas. It’s always so much fun to reminisce. I knew that I’d be happier for having moved back home, but never dreamed it’d be as sweet as this. What I’m trying to tell you is…if you were born - like me - outside, or in, a fairly tiny town…. If you move away for work, chances are, my friend…there’ll come a day you’ll wish you’d turned it down! PS: I've got 4 new CDs - @ 4 1/2 hours each = (62 diversely varied poems), listed on EBAY - under - “Mark Stellinga Poetry” - should those of you who travel care to be so entertained. (We use PayPal) Cheers, Mark