Braden Tanner McDougall is a sweet-natured child with a sunny personality.
I first met him last year when he moved to my neighborhood. The McDougall family came from Georgia. They were two parents and four children--all boys. They moved into the house next door to mine and both families, the McDougalls and ours, clicked.
Braden is the type of child who would give the shirt off his back, share a cookie or snack with someone who was hungry, offer hugs, or invite someone over for a game of football or a cookout/barbeque. Or, he'll invite them to watch his favorite past-time: NASCAR! His favorite driver is Dale Earnhardt, Junior.
He doesn't have a mean bone in his body.
Braden doesn't have an easy life. Both of his parents work at minimum-wage jobs to support four growing boys. The parents are hardly ever home--two ships that pass in the night. Braden and his brothers are often left in the care of their grandmother. Lately, though, she has been sick, so other relatives watch the boys.
I know Braden feels bad because he misses his parents so much and worries about grandma.
Braden and his family are not exactly well-to-do. His parents' jobs don't offer much in the way of benefits or time off, even during holidays. The children's clothes are threadbare, often cast-offs donated from church or thrift stores.
However, what they lack in money, they make up for it with faith. Strong faith. It is the glue that holds this family together, even in the worst of times.
Kids sometimes pick on Braden because of his shabby appearance, not to mention, his deep-Southern Georgia drawl. I find him to be one of the most kindhearted kids I've ever met.
Life has tried to knock him down; yet he always finds something to smile about. You've got to admire a kid like Braden--he's got guts.
I concur with William Bonilla (below): it takes energy to write the many stories you have, to continually make each interesting. You have that ability. Excellent write of a new friend moving into the neighborhood! Well done.
You write the most outstanding stories
I wish I was able to compose as many stories
as you do, where do you get all this energy from?
where ever its from, don't ever stop writing
Love & peace be with you
GLIMPSE OF AN ANGEL IS NOW AVAILABLE. A PORTION OF ALL SALES WILL GO TO HOSPICE TO THUS ENABLE THEM TO HELP OTHERS WHO ARE SOON TO PASS TO THE OTHER SIDE. NO LONGER AVAILABLE.
From the Caribbean Sea to Machu Picchu in Peru, and from birds to flowers and butterflies, Reflections and Treasured Wonders offers a collection of images gathered from around the world.
Note: Since my husband's cancer surgery 4/25/05, this book content has been integrated into the public speaking content for audiences interested in a sassy approach to personal and/or community awareness events. Another chapbook on intimate love poet
Braden Tanner McDougall is a sweet-natured child with a sunny personality.
