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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Calm (emotionally) (09/13/07)
What I Like about my Dad by Daniel Beedle

My dad doesn’t get upset about hardly anything. That’s why when we go to church I like to sit by him as much as I can. Last Sunday I got to sit at the end of the pew by the aisle. First it was me then my dad then Mom and Joel with Michael last. It was really cool because Joel and Michael kept my mom so busy frowning at them she didn’t notice Dad and me when we drew pictures.

First I drew one of a man in the choir that reminded me of a boiled egg with glasses. I thought it was pretty good and looked a lot like him. I poked Dad in the side with my elbow and he looked over. He shook his head but I knew that was in case Mom saw. In a few minutes he had to scratch his leg - the one next to me - so I was able to take the paper he slid over without anybody noticing. It was a drawing of an avocado with a sad face and short stick legs. The avocado person sat on a tall stool and played a guitar propped on a littler one. Underneath, it said “Mr. Avocado.”

All sudden Mom hissed and we both nearly jumped out of our skin. But it was only because of Joey clowning around again making faces. He never learns. Mom’s not that big for her age but boy can she pinch. Joey said, “Ouch!” really loud and then Michael stuck up two fingers and whispered to everybody and their dog he had to go. Looking mad enough to cry Mom yanked Michael up and trotted him out. Dad shut his eyes and did that thing with his hands that looks like spiders doing push-ups. I started to draw again.

This time it was the lady’s hairdo in front of me. I don’t think I ever saw such interesting hair before and it was hard to get it right. Then Mom and Michael came back but as soon as Mom sat down she popped back up. I guessed it was because of the stinky smell coming from Joel and I was right. I felt kind of sorry for Mom because by this time more people had sat down in our row and she had a hard time not stepping on all those feet. Once I thought I heard somebody behind us say “Phew!” but I must have made a mistake because Dad didn’t look embarrassed or anything.

By the time Mom got back the second time we already finished singing hymns and the prayer was over. But at least she got there in time for announcements and before Dad had to leave. Well not leave church I mean, but leave our family to go up front. This was our first Sunday at our new church and I sure hoped everybody liked Dad’s sermon. I liked them; not so much because I really understood that much about what he said, but because he always looked at me a lot and smiled.

For the past month Mom had been all hyperactive. She lectured us boys over and over about how important it is to make a good first impression. And how our family needed to set an example that would bring glory to God. But Dad told her to calm down she was wearing herself to a frazzle. For no reason. People didn’t have to impress anybody but the Lord and they really didn’t need to impress Him either the Lord already knew all about them. Also she shouldn’t worry about bringing God any glory He had plenty.

Mom said a few things after that but Dad just told her, “Now, now, Elise.” That’s what I like about my dad. He doesn’t hardly worry at all usually and it takes more to make Dad mad. But Mom’s pretty cool, too.
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This article has been read 1402 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Dee Yoder
09/20/07
Oh, this made me chuckle! I wish I had a pastor like Dad. What a neat parent. Poor Mom. She always has to be the grown-up in the family! This is so sweet. The voice of the little boy is perfect, and it reminded me of many of my own church capers. Gee, my Mom could pinch like that, too!
Marilyn Schnepp 
09/20/07
What a charming little family, including the "phew", the pinches and the artistic artwork! Loved the rapport between father & son...and the whole church scene was so realistic! Good job!...and held my interest throughout (which is not easy - due to my short attention span..(*.*)!
Joy Faire Stewart
09/21/07
This is adorable, love the little boys point of view.
julie wood
09/22/07
I loved this story! I could relate to it because my younger daughter and I used to draw each other pictures on our church bulletins during the services--usually she'd draw animals and want me to draw them things to eat!

I loved the descriptions of the man like a "boiled egg with glasses" (could just see him!)and of "Mr. Avocado." Delightful dad and relationship between him and his son--also wonderful descriptions of little kids' typical behavior in church and a mom's embarrassment.

Was especially delighted by the surprise of learning that this easygoing, playful dad was the church's new pastor!

Great job!
Beth LaBuff 
09/24/07
As a former picture drawer, I too, resemble your story. :) I loved your surprise about the dad being the pastor. As a mother I know the frustrations of "trying" to get children to act respectable during a church service. I think a lot of people will be able to relate (on many levels) to your story. You did a great job of writing from Daniel's perspective.
Joanne Sher 
09/24/07
Delightful voice - and so fun. Enjoyed this very much!
Jan Ackerson
09/25/07
Absolutely charming!
Kristen Hester
09/25/07
This is just delightful. I loved every part of it. I wish I was more like the Dad. I am too often like the mom but at least "she's pretty cool, too." Great job. (My daughter's name is Elise.)
Sheri Gordon
09/25/07
I love the voice. This is really cute and clever. Nice take on the topic.
Sharlyn Guthrie
09/26/07
Your story is adorable, funny, and an excellent example of writing. I like how the boy and his dad both jumped when the mother hissed! I could see it all playing out. Glad he thinks his mother is pretty cool too. I can relate to the role of keeping everyone somewhat civilized, being the mother of three sons!
Marilyn Schnepp 
09/27/07
So happy that the Judges saw what I saw - A Delightful and Wonderful story! Congratulations!
Sheri Gordon
09/27/07
Congratulations on your highly commended. I really had fun reading this story. Great job.
Karen Wilber
09/28/07
This really made me laugh - especially the line about drawing the lady's hairdo. I like the surprise about the dad being the new pastor.
Verna Cole Mitchell 
09/28/07
As a preacher's daughter, a daddy's girl, a lover of great humorous writing (and as a judge), this was at the top of my favorites list this week.