It finally happened! The party I had planned for my first book last year, The Rubber Band, took place for my second book, The Rubber Band Stretches: Rocky’s Story.
As COVID restrictions began to lift, thirty-plus people were able to enjoy fun, games, and prizes and tons of pizza at Joey’s Pizza (the very one mentioned in the books!).
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I’m a service dog and we are not to be bothered by anyone while we are working. Working means I am wearing my jacket and I’m attached to a leash from my handler’s hand.
No one should acknowledge me while I’m on duty. But they do. People call out to me things like, “Hello puppy,” “good doggy,” and my favorite, “Hello beautiful,” to which Christy responds, “Thank you.”
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Rocky’s real name is Rockefeller Espinosa. His middle name has not yet been revealed. He has an older brother and baby sister but does not remember them.
His ex-con father, Eduardo, gave him a picture of the three siblings, telling Rocky the children were the reason he made it through his long days in prison.
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I grew up around Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm. Every night the fireworks blast away. I got so used to it, I never gave them a second thought.
However, I’ve been with Christy four years and lived away from that noisy scene. I’d forgotten about all the bangs and rumbles.
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What is it about flying the flag outside my front door that makes pride surge within me?
My dad always flew the flag on Memorial Day, Flag Day, The Fourth of July, and Veteran’s Day. His brothers served our country. Daddy, unfortunately, was unable to serve our country but he desperately wanted to. I watched Daddy fly the flag proudly declaring he was an American and loved his country.
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As I sat in the front row keeping an eye on my students, the stage curtain opened to our elementary school assembly. A sign over the group declared, “The Rubber Band.”
I was so impressed by this rock-and-roll group of fourth and fifth grade students that I developed a series of novels, inspired by actual students and events.
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No one is moving forward to leave. The air inside the plane is getting warmer and Christy has sweat beading on her forehead.
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Mom is heartbroken. Tears come to her eyes as I snuggle close and give her slurps. She holds me close and whispers, “I miss him.”
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Did you know that September sixth was ‘National Read a Book Day?’ It seems on the United States calendar there is a day to celebrate everything under the sun.
My tail wags at some of the day themes. Days like ‘National Donut Day’ or ‘Talk Like a Pirate Day.’ You name it, there’s a day for it. Some days memorialize famous people, some not so famous people. Christy honors National Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast Day to remember a little girl who died from cancer.
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I have a super power. It comes from my nose.
People always tell me how handsome I am. They comment on my brindle coat and think I’m a crossbreed. I am one hundred percent black lab with a little bling! Strangers see me before they notice I’m attached to my handler.
I hear them say, “Hello, beautiful,” to which Christy responds, “Thank you.”
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