Puzzle




	WRITE 2 THE HEART Stories that are aimed "Write 2 the Heart" April 27, 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." To join, send an e-mail with subscribe written in the subject line to: subscribe@write2theheart.com. Do you have a heart-touching or inspiring story to share? Send it in the body of a plain email, no graphic or colorful back- grounds please. Write 'submission' in the subject line. Don't forget to write a brief bio to introduce yourself to our readers. You may include your family friendly websites, information on your books, newsletters, and upcoming projects. Email your submission to: moderator@write2theheart.com. We always love to hear stories from new, first time writers. Until the end of June, I have a writer’s appreciation gift of a bookmark and pin for each writer whose story appears in Write 2 the Heart. There is a limit of three per author. There will be a new appreciation gift offered in July. As we watch our children and grandchildren take on and conquer a project that is seemingly to big for them, we can’t help but applaud their actions and determination. When that project also turns into a time for bonding, we rejoice even more. The Big Puzzle By Shirley Anne Cox Your grandchildren bring many "firsts" into your life especially during the first few years of their lives. These come in the form of first smile, first laugh, first time rolling over, first time crawling, first words, first time standing, and first step. Then come the “lasts" in the form of the last pacifier, the last bottle, and the last diaper. After that the "firsts" are farther and farther apart. Our grandson Daniel will soon be four years old and is definitely in this stage. He loves to visit with Mamaw and Papaw on the weekends. If the weather permits, he gets out his toy lawnmower, weed eater, leaf blower, rakes and shovel so that he can help his Papaw with the yard work. He also loves to help Mamaw plant flowers in her yard. But last weekend the early spring days slipped back into cold rain with winter temperatures. Daniel found a puzzle in the baby room filled with toys. This puzzle was three foot tall, his size, but meant for a five to eight year old. Nothing would do, but that Papaw sit down and work his first big puzzle with him. The puzzle was ninety-six large pieces which formed the cartoon Disney Dalmatian puppy. After pouring the puzzle pieces onto the table, Papaw methodically turned up the right side of each puzzle piece. Then he separated the outside pieces and started putting them together. As Papaw worked thoughtfully, he hummed and strummed his fingers on the table top. As I worked in the kitchen, I observed these proceedings through a Mamaw's eyes. Daniel was learning from his Papaw. Daniel watched every move that he made, and copied each move meticulously even to the point that he was humming and strumming along with Papaw. Daniel's dark brown eyes shined with anticipation. He danced around the table anxiously waiting for the first pair of pieces to fit together. Daniel would try this piece with that piece, and then try another pair. Papaw tried two pieces that matched, and then he took them apart, so that Daniel could fit them together. I have never seen such joy and satisfaction as he turned the pieces this way and that until the first two pieces joined together. The expression on his face was priceless as he did a victory dance and shouted, "I win, I win!" This scene was repeated after each of the ninety-six matches. When Papaw and Daniel started the puzzle Daniel claimed that the puzzle belonged to Papaw. This was an ongoing dialogue between them. Papaw said it was Daniel's and Daniel would insist that it belonged to Papaw. When Daniel's parents came to pick him up that night, he made his Papaw promise to leave the puzzle just as it was until he came back the next day. Upon Daniel's return the next morning, the puzzle was the first item on his agenda, but Papaw had not finished his coffee. Mamaw was enlisted to try her hand at the puppy puzzle. She cannot work the outside pieces first like Papaw. Mamaw works on the colors and objects in the puzzle. As each match was found, they were taken apart so that Daniel could put them together for himself. It will not be long before he will be doing the puzzles by himself. Right now he is learning by watching and copying. After a little while Papaw joins in to finish the puzzle. We are having so much fun watching Daniel learn, that we do not notice the time passing. Now Daniel was talking about his puppy puzzle, and arguing when Papaw reminded him that he had said the puzzle was Papaw's yesterday. The time and effort that Daniel had put in to finishing the puzzle had made the puzzle his own. Why does it seem that there are not enough pieces to finish a puzzle when you get down to the last four or five pieces? That is what happened this time. All of us were more than ready to see the puppy puzzle finally finished, especially Daniel. When there was only one piece left, Daniel could hardly believe it. We handed it to him and he positioned and repositioned it, until it fell neatly into the last space. He did his ninety-sixth victory dance and declared that his puppy was done. He gently reached over to pet the finished puzzle as if it were a real puppy. Daniel proudly exhibited his work of art to everyone who came to visit that day. The best part of all was when Daniel came to his Papaw and Mamaw several times during the day to thank them for working the big puzzle with him. Imagine that! He was thanking us for doing something that was more rewarding to us than anything else in this world. Such a simple request became a big piece in this big life puzzle that we are all working together daily. What if we had been "too busy" to sit down with him? What a blessing we would have missed. Lord, help me remember to take time for the little things which really are not so little after all. That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Colossians 2:2-3 Shirley Anne Cox scox2 @ chartertn.net Shirley Anne Cox is a wife, mother, and grandmother. These roles which God have given her serve as the source of her writing material. God has recently given her this unexpected talent in order that her children and grandchildren might not forget these every- day events in time to come. Her only prayer is that these stories may be a blessing and an encouragement to others through the working of the Holy Spirit. 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 for my family to be able to call home when 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. Letters From Our Readers I enjoyed Angela's Walkers story Winning The Race. The point she makes about trying to be the best, is so true. Thanks Angela, for reminding us that it's giving it our best with the right attitude, that matters to God. Annettee Budzban Angela’s story was so heart touching! Thank you Angela for sharing about you and your niece’s experience. Caron 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 Thaddeaus Todd Holland Graham William Julie Sagel Jessie Marshal Thompson Jason Eric Hernandez Kristin Danielson Ken Prieur Ryan Jonathan P. Wells Larry Miele Daniel Amy John Joanne Gary Boardwine Josh 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. 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.