ABOUT
THE AUTHOR
After forty years of teaching school, I thought I would spend my retirement years writing. I've published five books, two novels, a teaching memoir, and two anthologies of short stories. Also tucked away in my drawer are 8 more novels, and 325 short stories, 75 have appeared in various magazines. I guess I love to write. It makes me feel young. "Addio, Mama Mia" was the first story I submitted in my writing career. It was purchased in four days. [March 2000]
AUTHOR'S OTHER TITLES (3) A Dish Of Yogurt (Short Stories) Sometimes we assume too much, and sometimes we don't assume enough. [1,158 words] Addio, Mama Mia (Short Stories) A Priest visits his aged Mother. [1,495 words] Flight Of Angels (Short Stories) Maybe it's something about airports, maybe it's flying and maybe it's something else. Check it out on your next flight. [1,038 words]
A Family That Stays Together Paul V. Fornatar
Today, I've taken time to look out the front window and notice changes. When we moved into this old house, there was no road out front, any street lights or sidewalks. Daddy thought that the city would spread our way, but instead it rolled down the hill in the opposite direction We've been happy here since we're a very close family. Daddy worked hard on this small farm and Mama does too, always doing chores and keeping an eye on Dwight and me. We're rarely apart for very long and never disagree with each other. That's how close a family we are. It's like we're four bodies with the same mind. There's nothing more reassuring to me than sitting here watching my brother on his stomach in front of the fireplace while Daddy takes his usual snooze in his favorite chair to one side and Mama on the other side, sitting there with her knitting. I feel so secure when we're together. I look over at Daddy now, still snoozing and know things are all right with the world. While I'm getting older, I still depend on the stablity of my family. There was a time when that stability was shaken a bit. A car rushing down our road hit Dwight. We were anxious while he was in the hospital over at Sexton, which is the only town in the area big enough to have a hospital. I don't know what I would have done if my friend Digby Deep wasn't there for me. I am alittle sweet over him and I have to say he has a preference to me as well. "Honey, I'll do whatever I can to ease your pain," he said. Digby is a kind man, eager to help those who have problems in their lives. After the pain of Dwight's accident, things did get a little better. Digby did all he could and while Dwight had many broken bones, it was wonderful to see him in front of the fireplace again. Digby proposed to me when we brought Dwight home. At the time, I didn't think it would be proper to jump into anything that would take me from my family. "Ill wait until the time is right, sweetheart," said Digby. I suppose it's never the right time if you have to look at a clock to decide. I would like Digby to be my husband, but he doesn't want to live with my family. I've needed him several times in the past and he was always there for me. He's more than a good friend. As I get older, I have to accept more responsiblity for Dwight, Mama, and Daddy. Oh, there's Digby coming up the front walk now. I open the door as he arrives. "Hello, Digby, dear." He's tall and lean and carries himself with dignity. "Hello, Helen. How are you today?" "Just fine Digby, just fine. Mama, Daddy, and Dwight are fine as well. Daddy is snoozing and Mama and Dwight...come in and say hello to them." "No, Helen, I'd rather sit here in the hallway. I've something to ask you." I could see the sad puppy dog look in his eyes probably from me refusing to wed him so often. "Don't you think it's time, Helen?" I look at the hallway clock. "It's four, Digby. Are we going somewhere?" "It's time to leave, Helen. Marry me and come live with me." "You know I can't leave my family, Digby." "It's been a long time, sweetheart." "Someday, Digby, Someday." "People are starting to wonder." "Digby, you know I like you very much, but..." "Helen, I'm sorry I ever..." "Digby, don't ever be sorry. You've done so much for me, dear." "I shouldn't have..." "I'll always be indebted to you, Digby." "It's just not natural, Helen. Why don't we do it as soon as possible?" "I can't pick up and leave the family, Digby." "But it's time,Helen." "Digby, you made it all possible." "I made a mistake, dear. Love makes men do some terrible things." "Terrible things? You've made my life a joy. It's almost like things never changed. The happiest moments of my life have remained all these years. Thanks to you, dear one." "But Helen..." "Come into the livingroom Digby and say hello to the family." "Helen, when I suggested years ago..." "It has been a long time, Digby, and now, here I am at seventy five. I have only to look at them and know that we are all together." "I made a mistke forty years ago. I was young and foolish and thought I had something that would revolutionize the industry." "You've given me life, Digby." "Helen, what kind of life is it to spend two thirds of it sitting with three embalmed bodies? No matter how well I preserved them and how they sit, they're still dead,Helen! It's time to bury them and live some of the life we have left." "Digby, how can we bury memories?" "It's not the memories you'll be burying. What'll happen to them after you...after you die?" "I've a will Digby and have left their bodies and mine to you. I'll finally be yours." Digby's eyes closed as if he was going to say a prayer, but instead he hobbled to the door, opened it slowly, and closed it even slower. I'm sure he'll be back.
c.2000
READER'S REVIEWS (5) DISCLAIMER: STORYMANIA DOES NOT PROVIDE AND IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR REVIEWS. ALL REVIEWS ARE PROVIDED BY NON-ASSOCIATED VISITORS, REGARDLESS OF THE WAY THEY CALL THEMSELVES.
"Read the Yogurt story and then this one. This was laid back and really fooled me. Good Dialogue." -- Mark Shame, Chicago, Illinois.
"Talk about a twist! Excellent." -- Richard, Calgary.
"Cute Story - Digby?? Did you happen to get that from Digby O'dell, the friendly undertaker, a radio character on "the Life of Riley" show that starred William Bendix? I know, I know, only someone close to your age would know that." -- Dick Koss, W. Hills, Ohio.
"Dick, O'Dell's first name was what started the whole idea.That's the only thing I borrowed. Yes, if you remember LOR you have to be my age or at least an appreciator of the Theater of the Mind. Thanks" -- Paul Fornatar, Chicago, Il.
"I really liked this story, it was cute but somewhat morbid." -- Patricia, New York.
TO DELETE UNWANTED REVIEWS CLICK HERE! (SELECT "MANAGE TITLE REVIEWS" ACTION)
Submit Your Review for A Family That Stays Together
Required fields are marked with (*). Your e-mail address will not be displayed.
Submit Your Rating for A Family That Stays Together