GrandpasGift




	WRITE 2 THE HEART Stories that are aimed "Write 2 the Heart" December 9, 2004 Cheryl Speir, Editor, moderator @ write2theheart.com Welcome to your latest issue of "Write 2 the Heart." All new subscribers will receive a free downloadable copy of the e- cookbook, "Write 2 the Heart of the Chocolate Lover." Take a moment to browse our new bookstore at: http://www.write2theheart.com/html/book_store.html You will find wonderful books written by, or that include stories by many of our talented writers. You will also find books that aide the budding writer. I highly recommend “Sally Stuart’s Christian Writers’ Guide,” and “2005 Writer’s Market.” Both are must haves for all serious writers. They are great tools to find that perfect market for your writing, or would make great gifts for the writer in your life. I am always looking for that perfect gift that will inspire my grandsons. Some have been dismal failures. Pamela’s grandfather found the perfect gift that not only inspired her, but helped her know true love when it came along! Grandpa's Gift By: Pamela Jenkins Every Christmas Eve was the same, year after year. It was our tradition to open our presents the night before Christmas, but not until Grandma and Grandpa arrived to join the fun. My brother and I would sit and fidget, eyeing the wrapped packages under the tree and waiting impatiently. Just about the time we thought we couldn't wait any longer, Grandpa would swing open the back door, lean inside and yell, "Ho, ho, ho!" That was our cue that the fun was about to begin. Today I would be hard pressed to recall any of the gifts we received. I do know that we eagerly anticipated opening them. Our imaginations would run wild trying to decide what each box held. Usually it was a doll, train set, or a new coat. The Christmas that I was twelve years old, though, was quite different. Grandpa came into the house carrying a large box and set it down in front of me. His eyes were sparkling with excitement. I think he was as anxious as I was to tear the pretty paper off and see what was underneath. It was an aquarium! I was so excited. This wasn't the usual kind of Christmas toy. This was something that a more mature person could enjoy, a grownup's hobby. I spent the holiday setting it up in my room and filling it with water. When the stores opened the next morning, I would be ready to buy some fish. My first fish were easy keepers. Grandpa and I bought pairs of guppies, black mollies, and angelfish. The clerk at the pet store was nice enough to throw in a couple of snails to keep the glass sides clean of algae. We stocked up on books to learn all we could about keeping my new pets healthy. Each visit to our house, Grandpa would go back and check on the aquarium and ask how each fish was doing. He had run a bait shop on the lake for many years, and knew a fair amount about keeping little fish. We spent many happy hours with chairs pulled up in front of the fish tank, talking about our underwater world. When I graduated from high school and packed my things for college, the aquarium went, too. When school became stressful, I would take a break from studying to watch my fish in their quiet, soothing environment. At night when I became homesick, I would turn on the hood light and lay in the dark, watching my colorful friends zip and chase each other around. I knew my future husband was the right one for me the day he bought two sweet little corydoras catfish to add to my tank. I have many memories of that aquarium, from the little hermit crab who wouldn't stay inside to my green parakeet who couldn't seem to keep out of it. I've had everything from dime store fish to rare varieties, even a few freshwater minnows and sun perch we seined from a creek near our house. I don't believe my Grandpa knew at the time what a wonderful gift he had given me. That first aquarium inspired a hobby that has lasted for more than thirty years and has given me countless hours of enjoyment. Grandpa is gone now, but I still feel his love and generosity daily through his Christmas gift of long ago. Pamela Jenkins calicoblessings @ aol.com Pamela Jenkins lives in Oklahoma with her husband of twenty- three years and their four children. She is the office manager of a veterinary clinic and enjoys writing in her spare time. She is the co-author of several books including Chocolate for a Woman's Dreams, Chicken Soup for the Grandparent's Soul and Chicken Soup for the Fisherman's Soul. You are encouraged to write to the authors to let them know what you think of their story. Have a comment on today's story? Send it to: moderator @ write2theheart.com Write 2 the Heart now has an affiliate program with Cognigen. They have several long distance plans to chose from. I personally use the PowerNet Global 4.5¢ Per Minute Plan. I love having my own toll free number without the monthly fee; I only pay for actual calls. My family can call home whenever they are out of town. I have used it more times than I care to remember over the last three years in emergency situations. Cognigen has more than just great long distance rates; they have calling cards, internet access, web hosting services and much more. You can check out all of their telecommunication products and services at http://ld.net/?cbspeir. Looking for an affiliate program? You will be surprised at all the products and services you will have access to. Military Prayer Reminder As you read over this list of names, please take a moment to pray for these young people and their families: Chris Speir Tim Speir Alan Todd Holland Graham William Julie Sagel Jessie Marshal Thompson Jason Eric Hernandez Kristin Danielson Ryan Larry Miele Daniel Amy John Joanne Gary Boardwine Josh Hadassah Chanz Wackerly Robert Henderson David Habighurst Tonia Melissa Bair Matthew Nutter Please continue to pray for our country, our leaders, and our troops at this time. If you have loved ones in the military, or who are being called to go overseas, send their names (first and last or first only) to be included in our prayer reminder. Cheryl’s Corner If you have not received your copy of 'Write 2 the Heart of the Chocolate Lover,' send an email to confirm@write2theheart.com. I will be taking down this e-cookbook after the first of the year and I want to make sure that every subscriber who wants a copy gets one! Be sure and save it to a disk. God bless, Cheryl Copyright © 2004, Write 2 the Heart Nothing may be reproduced or published without the written permission of the individual author or copyright owner. All rights belong to the authors.