The Native Iowan

It might only look like a Marble…

It is much, much more…

In my family a marble, accidentally found, represents a hello from my father, the young lady in the picture’s great grandfather…

At my father’s funeral a large bowl of marbles was put by his casket. Folks paying their respects were encourage to take a pocketful of marbles home. All were told that the marbles represented the old Dawg’s presence. His continual nearness.

Over the years finding a marble is worth celebrating. It all ways and always makes me happy.

A few days ago my elder brother passed.

My granddaughter, Dawn (my father was Don), was a baby when taken to visit the old folks. My brother took a shine to her. We have lovely pictures of my brother with my granddaughter. She has no memory of the trip but the pictures give her a knowledge and awareness of how and what and who and where.

She mourned when she was told of her uncle’s passing.

Yesterday, I’m working in her dad’s office, we’re cranking numbers and going through accounts.

This is newly built office space. It’s still being painted and competed. We moved in to do our work.

My two granddaughters come in after school, we’re closing down for the day. The girls make noise and annoy then, Dawn says… “I found a marble”…

Our attention shifts to her. We all smile. Think of the old Dawg…

Dawn says, “Its uncle Monk saying hi”…

Baby Dawn with her uncle Monk

Life is good… marbles are special.

more later