My youngest granddaughter, Delaney, has beautiful auburn hair and the spirited personality to go with the red color. From the time she was little, she excelled in her attempts to “rule the roost”.
Chatting with my son one day, I proposed the idea of writing a story for Delaney about somebody bossy. As sharp as she was, I thought Delaney might realize how uncomfortable and unhappy her bossy behavior made others feel. My son responded, “Try anything, Mom.” Choosing a mouse for my bossy character, I wrote a short story.
When Delaney and I were together one day after I had completed my tale, I told her I wanted to read her a story I wrote. Delaney much prefers reading things herself, but I convinced her I wanted to share my story by reading it aloud. Reluctantly, she agreed to listen.
Half-way through my dramatic reading, Delaney defensively interrupted me with, “This is about me, isn’t it?” “Are you a mouse?” I replied. “No,” she responded eyeing me like I had a few marbles loose. “Are you ‘bossy’?” I looked her straight in the eye. “Yes,” she said slowly lowering her gaze.
Without another word, I continued reading. When I finished, Delaney exclaimed enthusiastically, “Oh, Grandma, you gotta write more adventures about the mouse!” Thus, the short story became a book.
I am very grateful to Delaney for the “kick” to continue something I love to do. WRITE!
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