Of Rain Barrels and Bridges

The world is in the midst of WWII. Nick, age 14, his mother, and his younger brother, Billy, have to move to the country. He doesn’t want to go, but his father has gone in the service and they can no longer afford to stay where they are. His grandparents have offered them a place to live while Nick’s father is gone to help save the world.

Through adversity, laughter, and tears Nick learns what has real value, and the joy and satisfaction of hard work. His friend, Jennifer, who shares her love, teaches him that it must include respect.

In the end, Nick knows he is very lucky and what being in the right place in the right time really means. He owes everything to the farm which provided. Even more, to his family, made up of people who give more than they get without asking why. But most of all he is grateful for his grandfather, who shows him the way.

It is a simpler time and a magic place. A story that will leave you with a smile on your face, a tear in your eye, and a warm glow all over.

Michael George is a retired carpenter who also worked with the old main frame computers, managed a 24/7 old time service station, managed a small dairy farm, and even picked potatoes with migrant Mexican farm workers. He has been married over fifty years and is the father of five children and countless grandchildren and great grandchildren. After living for eighteen years in Arizona and Georgia, he and his wife now live back in Minnesota.