by Kelli Bowen
When I was a little girl, my dad had two go-to stories that we would recite before bedtime. He would either tell me the story of “Jack And The Beanstalk” or “The Three Little Pigs.” My father was not dramatic or theatrical in any way, but he would lower the timbre of his voice for the sound of the giant or the big bad wolf. They were the best parts of the story.
As my girls grew, we read books and more books before bed. Me being a bit dramatic and theatrical, I made sure to add voices and excitement to make the stories more interesting. The vibrant storytelling was the best part.
Tonight Miss A picked a few of her “old” books to read to me. She considers the books that we read to her when she couldn’t read as “old” books.
Tonight’s choices included the book “Three Ninja Pigs,” a spin on the Three Little Pigs story. As Miss A read to me, she added enthusiasm and voices to the characters. When listening to her read, it’s the best part.
Today would have been my father’s birthday. We stopped at the store to get an angel food cake mix (his favorite). We drove by the cemetery where he’s laid to rest. He’s been gone for over a quarter century, and some days, like his birthday, I think about him even more than I normally do.
I remember a lot from the time when I was so small, everything seemed extra large. Dad seemed extra strong, extra brave, and extra funny. That was the best part.
As Miss A finished a Dr. Seuss book. I wondered if the girls will remember me as the fun mom who randomly sings, makes scotcheroos in less than 20 minutes, and plans trips, or if they’ll remember the overstimulated crazy woman who loses her temper and cell phone frequently.
Miss A put her books away, and we snuggled in. I’ll probably fall asleep in her room from the extra snuggles, but after all, this is the best part.
Kelli, a North Dakota girl through and through, has made her home from the eastern prairies to the western badlands with her supportive Hubby, two daughters, and ever-growing menagerie accompanying her along the way.