Congratulations !
You have been awarded points.
Thank you for !
- Story Listed as: Fiction For Adults
- Theme: Family & Friends
- Subject: Life Experience
- Published: 06/08/2020
Words of Wisdom
Born 1944, F, from Melbourne, FL, United StatesWords of Wisdom
by
Valerie Allen
“Drive carefully, Kent,” Harriet said. “You ought to take the long way when you drive back home. It's safer and it'll give you an opportunity to talk with Gramps.” She put her hands on her hips. “I know you kids don't put much stock in what we older folks have to say, but your Grandpa Nels has been around a long time. He's got plenty of know-how in his old brain.”
Kent rolled his eyes. “Sure Mom, I'll be careful. I'll take the long way home, and I'll hang on Gramps' every word.”
Harriet leaned into the open car window and wagged her finger in her son's face. “Don't be a smart alack with me, young man. I'm the one who changed your diapers, taught you how to ride that two-wheeled bike, and paid for your college! Now get going.” She ran her hand along his cheek. “So grown up. I can hardly believe it.”
He tugged his baseball cap so the bill shaded his eyes. “You can believe it, Mom. I'm 24 now. I love you for the diaper business and all the other stuff.” He put the car in reverse. “See you later.”
Harriet waved as Kent backed down the gravel driveway. Within 45 minutes he pulled into the fume-filled traffic grid of the arrivals terminal. He spotted Grandpa Nels near the curb at the end of the walkway. The older man stood tall with shoulders back, checkered shirt tucked into his jeans, duffel bag at his feet. Kent edged near the curbside, put the car in park, and popped the trunk. He hopped out of the car, offered a quick man-hug, and snatched the bag from the sidewalk. He tossed it into the trunk, slammed the lid, and slid behind the wheel. Gramps got into the passenger seat and adjusted his eyeglasses. They both buckled up. Kent waved to the uniformed parking attendant, navigated his way through the airport traffic, and eased back onto the freeway.
“Well, here he is, the BMOC,” Gramps said. He clapped his calloused hand onto Kent's shoulder and gave it a quick squeeze.
Kent threw his head back and grinned. “No more, Gramps. Now I'm the Big Man Off Campus—finally.”
Grandpa Nels slapped at the back of Kent's head and gave a short laugh.
“Mom's all busy setting up a big surprise party for my graduation.” The two men eyed each other knowingly.
“A woman's work is never done,” his grandfather said.
“I guess you're right about that Gramps. She told me to take the long way home—it's much safer she said.” Both men laughed.
Grandpa Nels looked at the profile of his oldest grandson with pride. “And so your journey begins.”
Kent filled his cheeks with air and then blew it out slowly. He nodded. “Yep. I just wish I knew where I was headed.”
“A journey of a million miles starts with the first step,” his grandfather said.
Kent tilted his head to one side. “I don't think I've even taken the first step. I feel stuck at the starting line. I've spent four years planning for this day, and now I'm not sure about anything.” He tapped his hand on the steering wheel. “I feel lost and I haven't started yet.”
“Follow your dreams,” the older man said.
“Dreams?” Kent echoed. “I've actually had nightmares. I haven't had a full night's sleep in two weeks. I'm worried about my future.”
Grandpa Nels folded his arms across his chest. “Worry's like sitting in a rocking chair—keeps you busy, but you don't go anywhere.”
Kent rubbed his fingers across his chin. “That's one way of looking at it. I just keep wondering when and where I'm going to find a job? My professors talked about finding a good mentor. How am I supposed to meet up with that guy?”
“When the student is ready, the teacher arrives,” Grandpa said.
“Maybe so, but how will I earn enough money to afford everything I need?”
Grandpa Nels turned toward Kent and winked. “Mind the nickels and the dimes, the dollars will take care of themselves.”
“I don't even know where to start. I've sent out resumes. I'm networking with everyone I can think of to make new connections. I bet I've posted my vitae on every career site there is. I thought finding a job would be easier.”
“Keep throwing mud at the wall, eventually some will stick.”
“That's Mom's line, Persistence is the key to success.”
“Mother knows best,” his grandfather said.
“Right now, finding a job has become my job. Every free minute I'm on the phone or on the computer tracking down leads.”
“Find something you love and you'll never work a day in your life,” his grandfather said.
Kent gave his grandfather a sideways glance. “Easier said than done. It's finding that something that has me stumped. I'm not looking to start at the top, but I didn't kill myself in college to be someone's go-and-fetch-it.”
The older man raised his eyebrows. “Nothing wrong with honest labor.”
“I know that Gramps, but whatever I do, I want to make it big. How do I start to make that happen?”
“You start by becoming a big fish, in a little pond.”
“How will I pay my bills? I've got a car payment and insurance. I want to live on my own. Do you know how much it costs for some dinky little apartment these days?
“You get what you pay for.”
“I guess you're right. Mom said I could stay home until I get things settled, but I don't want to.”
“Never look a gift-horse in the mouth,” Gramps said.
“Agreed. I know she's trying to help, but it makes me feel as if I'm going in reverse.”
“Sometimes in life you take three steps forward and two steps back.”
“You sound like Mom. She's always preached to me about putting some money aside.”
“Always good to save for a rainy day,” Gramps said.
“When I was a kid, Mom would give me an allowance and take me right to the bank to put some of it in my savings account. Even when I had birthday money, we'd have to stop at the bank on the way to the mall.”
His grandfather gave a quick nod. “A penny saved is a penny earned.”
“Gramps, I want to make it to the top. I want the best things in life.”
“There's a big different between what we want and what we need.”
“I know, but I want to spend money with no worries—have a new car, a nice house, trendy clothes.”
“Keeping up with the Jones' can get expensive.”
“I want to enjoy my success.”
“You have to make hay while the sun shines,” Gramps said.
“I want a happy family.” He looked at the older man. “Gramps, how long have you been married?”
“Forever and a day.”
“How'd you make it work for so long?”
Gramps tilted his head in Kent's direction, his eyes wide. “Happy wife, happy life.”
“How will I know I've found the right girl?”
Gramps breathed deeply and let it out slowly. “On a cold and rainy night, when you're bone-tired, disgusted with the world, and you find yourself chasing after her.”
“Is that the way it was with you and Grandma?”
“Have I ever lied to you?”
“So, how will I keep the woman I love away from other guys?”
Grandpa Nels looked over the rim of his bifocals and smiled. “Marry an ugly woman.”
The two men looked at each other and laughed.
Kent lifted his cap, wiped his forehead with the back of his hand, and settled the hat back in place. “Gramps, what's the most important thing to remember to keep the romance from growing cold?”
The older man cleared his throat. “Keep in mind, nothing thrives on neglect.”
“What if she doesn't like our family?”
“We don't get to choose our ancestors.”
“What if I don't like her family?”
“Remember, blood is thicker than water.”
Kent nodded. “You have a good way of looking at things, Gramps.”
* * * *
Kent pulled the car into the driveway and gave one quick blast on the horn. Both men stepped out of the car. Harriet came out of the house and hurried toward them. “Dad, how was your flight?” She held her arms open for an embrace.
“Smooth as silk.”
Kent walked around the car and stood next to his mother.
“How was Kent's driving? Did he keep all the tires on the road?”
Grandpa Nels clapped Kent on the shoulder. “You mean Barney Oldfield?”
“Oh, Dad, I'm sure it wasn't that bad.”
Kent squinted his eyes. “Who's Barney Oldfield?”
Gramps shook his head. “Can't put an old head on young shoulders, can you.”
Harriet walked arm and arm with Kent. “I hope you and Gramps enjoyed each other's company. He has some pearls of wisdom to offer. I hope you two had a nice long talk.”
Kent smiled at his mother and slowly nodded his head. “Well, I wouldn't call it a long talk.”
“I know your grandfather's a man of few words, but I hope you were listening.”
Kent stopped and watched his grandfather walk across the lawn toward the house. “I heard what he had to say.”
Harriet stopped and looked at her son. She pushed the hair back from his forehead. “But did you listen?”
# # #
Thank you for taking the time to read
Words of Wisdom
If you enjoyed it,
please consider telling your friends
and posting a review on
Amazon.com or other online sites.
Word-of-mouth referrals are
an author's best friend
and much appreciated.
Copyright 2016 by Valerie Allen
ValerieAllenWriter.com
VAllenWriter@gmail.com
Amazon.com/author/valerieallen
Amazon.com/dp/B01LZZSUXF
~ ~ ~
Words of Wisdom
by
Valerie Allen
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or events, is entirely coincidental.
Printed in the United States of America. All rights reserved. No part of this story may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the author.
~ ~ ~
Short Stories
by
Valerie Allen
A Good Thing on a Bad Day
A License to Practice
A Marriage of Convenience
A Mother's Love
A Tooth for a Tooth
A True Miracle
Ad Hoc Committee
Best Wishes
Brotherly Love
Conditional Love
Doggie Tales
Father's Day
Fire Engine Red
Fireworks on the 4th
First Love
Fit for Life
Future Plans
Holiday House Rules
Holiday Traditions
Home for the Holidays
I Remember Momma
Just Be Cos
Ladies in Waiting
Leisureville
Love is in the Air
Match-maker
Mother Knows Best
No Goin' Home
Potty Talk
Puppy Love
Queen for a Day
Second Chance
Small Steps
Split Second Timing
Thank You, Mr. Jackson!
The Big Winner!
The Garden of Love
The Lonely Life of Amanda Miller
The Penalty Box
Valentine's Day
Visiting Day
Words of Wisdom
Words of Wisdom(Valerie Allen)
Words of Wisdom
by
Valerie Allen
“Drive carefully, Kent,” Harriet said. “You ought to take the long way when you drive back home. It's safer and it'll give you an opportunity to talk with Gramps.” She put her hands on her hips. “I know you kids don't put much stock in what we older folks have to say, but your Grandpa Nels has been around a long time. He's got plenty of know-how in his old brain.”
Kent rolled his eyes. “Sure Mom, I'll be careful. I'll take the long way home, and I'll hang on Gramps' every word.”
Harriet leaned into the open car window and wagged her finger in her son's face. “Don't be a smart alack with me, young man. I'm the one who changed your diapers, taught you how to ride that two-wheeled bike, and paid for your college! Now get going.” She ran her hand along his cheek. “So grown up. I can hardly believe it.”
He tugged his baseball cap so the bill shaded his eyes. “You can believe it, Mom. I'm 24 now. I love you for the diaper business and all the other stuff.” He put the car in reverse. “See you later.”
Harriet waved as Kent backed down the gravel driveway. Within 45 minutes he pulled into the fume-filled traffic grid of the arrivals terminal. He spotted Grandpa Nels near the curb at the end of the walkway. The older man stood tall with shoulders back, checkered shirt tucked into his jeans, duffel bag at his feet. Kent edged near the curbside, put the car in park, and popped the trunk. He hopped out of the car, offered a quick man-hug, and snatched the bag from the sidewalk. He tossed it into the trunk, slammed the lid, and slid behind the wheel. Gramps got into the passenger seat and adjusted his eyeglasses. They both buckled up. Kent waved to the uniformed parking attendant, navigated his way through the airport traffic, and eased back onto the freeway.
“Well, here he is, the BMOC,” Gramps said. He clapped his calloused hand onto Kent's shoulder and gave it a quick squeeze.
Kent threw his head back and grinned. “No more, Gramps. Now I'm the Big Man Off Campus—finally.”
Grandpa Nels slapped at the back of Kent's head and gave a short laugh.
“Mom's all busy setting up a big surprise party for my graduation.” The two men eyed each other knowingly.
“A woman's work is never done,” his grandfather said.
“I guess you're right about that Gramps. She told me to take the long way home—it's much safer she said.” Both men laughed.
Grandpa Nels looked at the profile of his oldest grandson with pride. “And so your journey begins.”
Kent filled his cheeks with air and then blew it out slowly. He nodded. “Yep. I just wish I knew where I was headed.”
“A journey of a million miles starts with the first step,” his grandfather said.
Kent tilted his head to one side. “I don't think I've even taken the first step. I feel stuck at the starting line. I've spent four years planning for this day, and now I'm not sure about anything.” He tapped his hand on the steering wheel. “I feel lost and I haven't started yet.”
“Follow your dreams,” the older man said.
“Dreams?” Kent echoed. “I've actually had nightmares. I haven't had a full night's sleep in two weeks. I'm worried about my future.”
Grandpa Nels folded his arms across his chest. “Worry's like sitting in a rocking chair—keeps you busy, but you don't go anywhere.”
Kent rubbed his fingers across his chin. “That's one way of looking at it. I just keep wondering when and where I'm going to find a job? My professors talked about finding a good mentor. How am I supposed to meet up with that guy?”
“When the student is ready, the teacher arrives,” Grandpa said.
“Maybe so, but how will I earn enough money to afford everything I need?”
Grandpa Nels turned toward Kent and winked. “Mind the nickels and the dimes, the dollars will take care of themselves.”
“I don't even know where to start. I've sent out resumes. I'm networking with everyone I can think of to make new connections. I bet I've posted my vitae on every career site there is. I thought finding a job would be easier.”
“Keep throwing mud at the wall, eventually some will stick.”
“That's Mom's line, Persistence is the key to success.”
“Mother knows best,” his grandfather said.
“Right now, finding a job has become my job. Every free minute I'm on the phone or on the computer tracking down leads.”
“Find something you love and you'll never work a day in your life,” his grandfather said.
Kent gave his grandfather a sideways glance. “Easier said than done. It's finding that something that has me stumped. I'm not looking to start at the top, but I didn't kill myself in college to be someone's go-and-fetch-it.”
The older man raised his eyebrows. “Nothing wrong with honest labor.”
“I know that Gramps, but whatever I do, I want to make it big. How do I start to make that happen?”
“You start by becoming a big fish, in a little pond.”
“How will I pay my bills? I've got a car payment and insurance. I want to live on my own. Do you know how much it costs for some dinky little apartment these days?
“You get what you pay for.”
“I guess you're right. Mom said I could stay home until I get things settled, but I don't want to.”
“Never look a gift-horse in the mouth,” Gramps said.
“Agreed. I know she's trying to help, but it makes me feel as if I'm going in reverse.”
“Sometimes in life you take three steps forward and two steps back.”
“You sound like Mom. She's always preached to me about putting some money aside.”
“Always good to save for a rainy day,” Gramps said.
“When I was a kid, Mom would give me an allowance and take me right to the bank to put some of it in my savings account. Even when I had birthday money, we'd have to stop at the bank on the way to the mall.”
His grandfather gave a quick nod. “A penny saved is a penny earned.”
“Gramps, I want to make it to the top. I want the best things in life.”
“There's a big different between what we want and what we need.”
“I know, but I want to spend money with no worries—have a new car, a nice house, trendy clothes.”
“Keeping up with the Jones' can get expensive.”
“I want to enjoy my success.”
“You have to make hay while the sun shines,” Gramps said.
“I want a happy family.” He looked at the older man. “Gramps, how long have you been married?”
“Forever and a day.”
“How'd you make it work for so long?”
Gramps tilted his head in Kent's direction, his eyes wide. “Happy wife, happy life.”
“How will I know I've found the right girl?”
Gramps breathed deeply and let it out slowly. “On a cold and rainy night, when you're bone-tired, disgusted with the world, and you find yourself chasing after her.”
“Is that the way it was with you and Grandma?”
“Have I ever lied to you?”
“So, how will I keep the woman I love away from other guys?”
Grandpa Nels looked over the rim of his bifocals and smiled. “Marry an ugly woman.”
The two men looked at each other and laughed.
Kent lifted his cap, wiped his forehead with the back of his hand, and settled the hat back in place. “Gramps, what's the most important thing to remember to keep the romance from growing cold?”
The older man cleared his throat. “Keep in mind, nothing thrives on neglect.”
“What if she doesn't like our family?”
“We don't get to choose our ancestors.”
“What if I don't like her family?”
“Remember, blood is thicker than water.”
Kent nodded. “You have a good way of looking at things, Gramps.”
* * * *
Kent pulled the car into the driveway and gave one quick blast on the horn. Both men stepped out of the car. Harriet came out of the house and hurried toward them. “Dad, how was your flight?” She held her arms open for an embrace.
“Smooth as silk.”
Kent walked around the car and stood next to his mother.
“How was Kent's driving? Did he keep all the tires on the road?”
Grandpa Nels clapped Kent on the shoulder. “You mean Barney Oldfield?”
“Oh, Dad, I'm sure it wasn't that bad.”
Kent squinted his eyes. “Who's Barney Oldfield?”
Gramps shook his head. “Can't put an old head on young shoulders, can you.”
Harriet walked arm and arm with Kent. “I hope you and Gramps enjoyed each other's company. He has some pearls of wisdom to offer. I hope you two had a nice long talk.”
Kent smiled at his mother and slowly nodded his head. “Well, I wouldn't call it a long talk.”
“I know your grandfather's a man of few words, but I hope you were listening.”
Kent stopped and watched his grandfather walk across the lawn toward the house. “I heard what he had to say.”
Harriet stopped and looked at her son. She pushed the hair back from his forehead. “But did you listen?”
# # #
Thank you for taking the time to read
Words of Wisdom
If you enjoyed it,
please consider telling your friends
and posting a review on
Amazon.com or other online sites.
Word-of-mouth referrals are
an author's best friend
and much appreciated.
Copyright 2016 by Valerie Allen
ValerieAllenWriter.com
VAllenWriter@gmail.com
Amazon.com/author/valerieallen
Amazon.com/dp/B01LZZSUXF
~ ~ ~
Words of Wisdom
by
Valerie Allen
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or events, is entirely coincidental.
Printed in the United States of America. All rights reserved. No part of this story may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the author.
~ ~ ~
Short Stories
by
Valerie Allen
A Good Thing on a Bad Day
A License to Practice
A Marriage of Convenience
A Mother's Love
A Tooth for a Tooth
A True Miracle
Ad Hoc Committee
Best Wishes
Brotherly Love
Conditional Love
Doggie Tales
Father's Day
Fire Engine Red
Fireworks on the 4th
First Love
Fit for Life
Future Plans
Holiday House Rules
Holiday Traditions
Home for the Holidays
I Remember Momma
Just Be Cos
Ladies in Waiting
Leisureville
Love is in the Air
Match-maker
Mother Knows Best
No Goin' Home
Potty Talk
Puppy Love
Queen for a Day
Second Chance
Small Steps
Split Second Timing
Thank You, Mr. Jackson!
The Big Winner!
The Garden of Love
The Lonely Life of Amanda Miller
The Penalty Box
Valentine's Day
Visiting Day
Words of Wisdom
- Share this story on
- 11
Jason James Parker
09/09/2020Well done on Story of the Day, Valerie--this is a great read! : )
ReplyHelp Us Understand What's Happening
Gail Moore
09/08/2020Wow Valerie, a lot of wisdom from that grandpa. I had lovely memories of my grand dad while reading it. He was quite the character :-)
Such a great piece. Well done :-)
Help Us Understand What's Happening
Vinni
06/13/2020I never met both my grandparents as both of them passed away before I was born.
After reading your story, I felt how much fun I missed in my youth.
I am sure I would have behaved better than current day youths.,
I still miss my Grandma. I grew up with her in my primary school days.
I love your wisdom.
Thank you
Vinni
Help Us Understand What's Happening
Valerie Allen
06/13/2020Vinni - Thank you for such a moving review of my short story. I too was very close to my grandmother. She died more then 50 yeats ago and miss her dearly to this day. Grandparents have a special place in the lives of children and young adults.
COMMENTS (4)