Hiya,
Picture book writer, Alayne Kay Christian, author of award- winning Butterfly Kisses for Grandma and Grandpa is holding a writing contest in honor of National Grandparent’s Day on September 8th.
Here’s a blurb about the contest from her website:
ABOUT THE CONTEST
“This year, in the US, National Grandparent’s Day falls on Sunday, September 8. Because I am a long-distance grandparent, and my picture book “Butterfly Kisses for Grandma and Grandpa” is about a little girl with long-distance grandparents. I have decided to make the long-distance grandchild/grandparent relationship the focus of this writing contest.”
When I heard about the contest, I immediately remembered a sweet story that my husband told me about his long-distance grandparents. He was extremely close to his ‘Gram’ and ‘Gramps’, and spent his summer vacations with them in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Here’s my entry: :0)
VACATION SPORT
“Bobby’s plane landed!” said Gram. She and Gramps were eager to spend the summer with their young grandson.
A box was on the doorstep when they arrived home. A little bit of a pup stared up at them.
“A puppy! Thanks, Gram! Thanks, Gramps!”
Gram and Gramps looked at each other in surprise.
Bobby placed the little pup in the grass. Her tail wagged in a blur, as he dug a ball out of his suitcase and threw it. The eager pup retrieved it in a flash.
“Good goin’ sport! That’s it, I’ll call ya Sport!” The two played in the yard while Gram went to make lunch and Gramps placed his grandson’s suitcase in his bedroom.
“We’re too old to have a puppy,” said Gramps.
“She needs a home. Let’s talk to his dad about it.”
The four spent each summer day doing fun things together.
Bobby noticed that Sport sat at Gram’s feet while she cooked, and snoozed in Gramps’ lap when they watched movies.
“Is Dad going to let me take Sport home when summer’s over?”
“He’s thinking about it, but having a dog is a big responsibility,” said Gramps.
“Dad’s gotta let me keep her. She’s mine!” cried Bobby. He nuzzled Sport, and she tickled his face with kisses.
A few days later, Gram told Bobby, “Your dad said Sport can go home with you.”
“Great!” But he thought he saw Gram wipe away a tear.
Late that night, Bobby tiptoed to get a drink of water and overheard his grandparents talking.
“I’m going to miss you Tiny Girl,” said Gram as she cradled the sleeping pup.
“I’ve got to admit, this house is a lot livelier with Sport here,” said Gramps.
Bobby went back to bed, but his thoughts kept him wide awake.
“Morning Bobby, I’m calling to reserve a spot for Sport on the plane,” said Gramps.
“Gram, Gramps, I think that Sport should stay with you guys.”
“Are you sure?” his grandparents asked.
“Having a dog is a big responsibility. Anyway, I’ll see Sport when I visit.”
The day came to say goodbye. “You be a good girl for Gram and Gramps.” Sport licked his face, then Bobby and Gramps walked into the airport.
He hid his tears on the plane ride home, and cried for days, but Bobby knew that Gram and Gramps needed Sport more.
A letter soon came addressed to Master Robert. The back of the envelope was stamped with a paw print. He opened it and smiled:
THE END
Please vote for #5 VACATION SPORT here. Thanks in advance for your time!
‘Sport’
Donna L Sadd 
That was sweet, Donna. Wiped away a few tears.
Thanks, Gerri. It felt good to memorialize a cherished memory for my husband, Bobby. :0)
Wow, such a fast turnaround for the results – good luck!! Very sweet story 🙂
Thanks, Aria!
Great story. I loved how your husband was able to recognize his grandparent’s need for the dog more and, even though it broke his heart, he was able to make the sacrifice.
Thanks, Linda. My hubby loved his grandparents more than anything in his world. ‘Sport’ wrote him once a week for years, so it seemed, to me, that they all got to keep her. :0)
What a beautiful story! I’m reblogging it over at my place.
How kind of you to do that, Jim, thank you! Me, I had grandparents right across the street, a la ‘Everyone Loves Raymond,’ and another set in Brooklyn, where we had Sunday dinner at least once a month. The sun rose and set on my grandfather. :0)
While I commented on your story entry, I realized this morning that I had never commented on your post. Thank you for sharing the contest on your blog. And thank you for sharing this touching story. The photos make this sweet story even more special. The contest was a good exercise in writing a picture book quickly. You obviously have that skill. Nicely done, Donna. Nothing like childhood memories to add heart to our writing. So, thanks to Bobby, too! I read in your comments that Sport sent Bobby a letter a week for years. “Letters from Sport” would make an excellent spin off from “Vacation Sport.” If you decide not to use that idea, let me know, because I want it! 🙂
Thank you for your lovely reply, Alayne. Hmmm, now you’ve got me thinking! ;0)
Donna you know your dogs fer sure!
In the words of the infamous Bill Sikes, “I live with [them] you don’t I!” Yep, I know ’em alright. Thanks for popping in, Dean! :0)
*Sigh* I’m such a sucker for a good dog story. (And a good dog.)
You and me both, Michelle. Thanks for popping in. :0)