Milk, Eggs, and a slice of pie

 It was hard for him to get up in the morning now that she passed away. He didn't have much reason, or at least any that made sense. But he'd go through the motions because that's all he knew how to do. As the coffee pot began to brew, he gathered eggs, some he'd keep and others he'd give to his neighbor who had many mouths to feed. He'd milk the cows, just two now that gave him the milk he wanted and a few quarts for his neighbor with all those kids. Back inside, the coffee was done, so he poured himself a cup while making some biscuits he'd eat with breakfast and give the rest to his neighbor who lost her husband overseas not long ago. After finishing the dishes, he decided it was a good day for fishing, so he grabbed a few poles from the shed and headed to the stream that ran across his property. He wasn't there long when he heard the giggles and whispers of children nearby. You boys want to fish he asked.

 You can't do it from behind those bushes, can you? He gave them both a pole, showed them how to hook the worm, and cast it out halfway across the stream. Those boys went home later on with enough fish to feed their family, giving him some memories, he'd never forget. The sun was setting as he lit his favorite pipe, the one she gave him for Christmas long ago. It took a minute, but he sat on one of the two rockers on the porch, where they would rock and talk and sometimes just enjoy the silence and each other's company. He was thinking about all those times and how much he missed her apple pie when his neighbor and her kids walked up to the porch. A little bug who claimed the name Martha slowly carried a covered plate she held out for him to take. He asked what do we have here? as he removed the cloth and saw a huge slice of apple pie. It's your wife's recipe, the mom said. She gave it to me years ago. It wasn't as hard to get up anymore as he had a few helpers around all the time who made him laugh, smile, and gather eggs. Little Martha became a pro at milking, and my two fishing buddies never came home empty-handed. I know she's looking down and happy I'm not alone. And we both smile, seeing those kids fight for a place on that once-empty rocking chair.

MO