Here’s my entry into Susanna Leonard Hill‘s Thanksgiving Contest. Writers are linking their entries to this post. So, get a little Thanksgiving cheer by stopping by and reading the stories.
Off to Grandma’s House
By Stacy S. Jensen
They were supposed to go to Grandma’s for Thanksgiving, but the blizzard came in fast.
Henry popped his head from under his covers. “What?”
“We can’t make it to Grandma’s house,” Mom said again.
“ That’s what we do,” Henry cried.
“We can’t,” Mom said.
“I can,” Henry said jumping out of bed and looking out the window to see the streets empty and everything covered in snow.
Henry dressed in his long johns, sweatshirt and snowsuit.
He fixed a ham sandwich, potato chips and water.
“Where are you going?” Mom asked.
“To Grandma’s” Henry said.
“You can’t,” Mom said.
“I can,” Henry said pulling his backpack over his jacket.
In the garage, Henry put on his snowshoes.
Dad walked by and asked. “What are you doing?”
“I’m going to Grandma’s,” Henry said.
“You can’t,” Dad said.
“I can,” Henry said grabbing the rope to his sled.
Dad shook his head at Henry. “Wait a minute,” he said and returned in his own snowshoes.
“We’ll go together,” Dad said.
Father and son walked down the neighborhood through piles of snow. Henry slid down the hills.
It took a while, but Henry made it to Grandma’s house. She hadn’t fixed a meal as all the family stayed home due to the storm.
“I don’t have anything,” Grandma said.
“I do,” Henry said. “We’ll share.”
After lunch, Grandma made hot chocolate with a white frothy top for Henry.
“Now this is Thanksgiving,” Henry said slurping his drink.
A note:
I sought snow guidance from Hubby, who grew up in Iowa. He was quite the Debbie Downer on how to get Henry to Grandma’s house in a blizzard. Henry would be featured on a Dateline Special/news drama show had I used Hubby’s realistic advice.
Earlier this month Jennifer Young from Castles in the Sky gave me the Versatile Blogger Award. I’m grateful she thought about me. She has a wonderful blog. She wrote a great piece earlier this month on Why I Write.
I know I’ve been a bit wacky with my posts this month as I’ve been focusing on picture books and participating in a few extra events. I promise to return to my regular three posts a week in December.
Stacey, I spend all winter snow shoeing so I really loved this story. All the others should have listened to Henry and gone on along with him and Dad!
Awww..that’s sweet! It is about sharing, not about the content of the feast. Wishing you and yours a lovely holiday!
That is wonderful Stacy! Nice example of the kindness of the human spirit. That could be a pb too you know.
Stacy, Love Henry’s stubbor determination. Great story. Liked the note about your husband’s input. – Pat
This was lovely Stacy. Loved the message that came accross about the meaning of Thanksgiving, being about one anoher rather than the feast itself. Loved your husbands input to.
That is so cute! I’m glad the dad put on his snowshoes and went along with Henry. Very fitting! Happy Thanksgiving!
@Joanna – There were no more words available to have anyone else join Henry!
@Cathy – We love to share our Thanksgivings. Hope you have a great one too.
@Catherine – Hmm. Wonder if I should count this as a PB idea. hee hee.
@Patricia – Henry is determined, but Hubby was certain I was sending him off to his death. So, I had to throw Dad into the snow too.
@Patientdreamer – Hubby didn’t like the blizzard idea, but I told him it was part of the rules!
@Cortney – Thanks. Happy Thanksgiving to you.
Hi Stacy, You can definitely count this as a pb idea. I love the repetition with the “You can’t” “I can” and your underlying theme to the story= being thankful for family. I liked your husband’s advice too. He sounds like a smart guy!
Lastly, I wanted to say “WOW” thank you so much for the kind words you had to say about my blog. I was little taken back you had written all that. I really appreciate it.
Happy Thanksgiving Stacy!
Love Henry’s pluck! Good for him!
~Debbie
I reall like Henry’s “I can”. He sounds like a great main character for a kids book!
I love a boy who cooks for his grandma! This was a very sweet holiday story. Nice to meet you via the contest. Julie
Loved the “can’t”/”can” argument — and I’m so relieved he got there safely (as one who lives in a snowy clime).
Good for Henry!
Happy Thanksgiving!
@Jennifer – I probably should have said even more. 🙂 I told Hubby he was getting shout outs in the comments – He might stop by my blog. *Miracle*
@Debbie – Yes. Henry is determined.
@thiskidreviewsbooks and @EmptyNestInsider/Julie Thanks.
@elizabethanne – That blizzard is a tricky situation, but Henry HAD to get to grandma’s house.
What a sweet and tender story! Just right for the holiday! 🙂
Thanks Kimberly.
Awww- I love this! Not only does it have a touching end, but I love that the boy has the “I can,” attitude! Great job!
Thanks Abby.
OMG I LOVE this! And having grown up in Northern Michigan, as an adult I’d agree with your husband, but luckily Henry had other ideas. 🙂