Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.  Most people have heard that saying.  But Grandma Puffer, my mom’s mother, had one that I have never forgotten:

Show me your friends, and I’ll know what you are!

Grandma Puffer

I remember hearing my dear Grandma Puffer telling me that, and I always believed her.

I can’t say for sure, but I’ll bet she never lied. 

And her daughter, who was my dear Ma, had lots of sayings, too. 

And although I can’t say for sure, I’d bet my life that she never told a lie, either.

Regrettably, I’ve told lies in my life but none on these pages!

But this story isn’t about lies or deception.

Someone other than Grandma Puffer or my Ma made up the saying, “sticks and stones may break your bones, but words can never hurt you!”

Over the years, I’ve broken my arm, collarbone, and leg.  I remember wearing a cast or sling for an extended period, but I can’t remember the pain.

The last bone I broke was my leg, which was in Grade 8. 

And although I’m sure it hurt when it happened, I didn’t cry because I didn’t want my buddies to laugh at me.

Broken bones didn’t make me stop playing football or climbing trees – I just learned to be more careful.

But ‘words’ can hurt you, and the pain can be much worse and last longer than the pain from a broken bone.

Don Henley, of Eagles fame, expressed it best in a song with the following verse –

Sticks and stones may break your bones, but words can break your heart!

Don Henley

Recently, I was asked by a friend why I wrote stories. 

I started to explain but stopped when I realized he wasn’t listening to me. 

I shrugged and wondered if he’d ask me again – but he didn’t.

But I don’t consider myself a writer – any more than being a senior.

The writing began when I was diagnosed with stage 3 throat cancer and given only a 40% chance of surviving. 

I never told my family because I didn’t want my Ma to know – the news would’ve killed her.

Besides, she could only give me a hug and some loving words of support.

So, my writing began when my radiation and chemotherapy treatments ended in December 2009. 

It started as a long letter to my family and friends, but I never mailed it – because there was so much I wanted to say…

Say it, forget it; write it, regret it!

So, I decided that I would never write about politics or religion – or anything contentious, despite the current state of the world.

I wanted to amuse my readers rather than cause additional stress in their lives – so I decided to write about my memories – current and past.

Funny, but I can remember things from fifty years ago better than where I left my car keys last night!

There was one other reason for writing stories about my life experiences. 

I have always hated being buried in the ground with a tombstone marker that gives my name, date of birth, and time of death. 

I want my ashes spread on land and sea.

My stories are my tombstone – and hopefully, in a hundred years, someone will come across these stories, and that will be the same as a tombstone in some forgotten cemetery.

Sadly, I couldn’t be with my dear Grandma or Ma when they passed.

But they loved me unconditionally and more than anyone else in my life, except Annette.

Dedicated to Ma and Grandma Puffer

I hope my stories are a gift to your head and heart.

Hugs,

Danny

Today’s tune from Danny’s library (purchased):

The lightning express from the depot so grand
Had started out on its way
All of the passengers that were on board
Seemed to be happy and gay

But one little boy who sat by himself
Was reading a letter he had
You could plainly tell by the look on his face
That the contents of it made him sad

The stern old conductor then started his round
Taking tickets from everyone there
And finally reaching the sad little boy
He gruffly demanded his fare

“I have no ticket,” the boy then replied
“But I’ll pay you back someday.”

“Then I’ll put you off at the next stop we make.”
But he stopped when he heard the boy say:

“Please, Mr. Conductor
Don’t put me off of this train
The best friend I have in this world, sir
Is waiting for me in pain
Expecting to die any moment, sir
And may not live through the day
I wanna reach home and kiss mother goodbye
Before God takes her away.”

A girl sitting near was heard to exclaim
“If you put him off, it’s a shame.”
Taking his hand, a collection she made
The boy’s way was paid on the train

“I’m obliged to you, Miss, for your kindness to me.”

“You’re welcome,” she said, “never fear.”

Each time the conductor would pass through the car
The boy’s words would ring in his ear:

“Please, Mr. Conductor
Don’t put me off of this train
The best friend I have in this world, sir
Is waiting for me in pain
Expecting to die any moment, sir
And may not live through the day
I wanna reach home and kiss mother goodbye
Before God takes her away.”

Songwriters: B. Kincaid
Lightning Express lyrics © Peer International Corporation

Here’s a link to songs Danny is listening to now: Drowning in a Tub Full of Tunes