GEORGE & GRACIE

If walls could talk...

Summer, June 1960

George sings,

"School days, school days, dear old golden rule days

Readin’ and ‘ritin’ and ‘rithmetic,

Taught to the tune of a hickry stick,

You were my queen in calico,

I was your bashful barefoot beau,

And you wrote on my slate, I love you, so,

When we were a couple of kids.

Awww, George! I'm going to miss the children. Listening to them reading, hearing the littlest ones stating their ABCs, and watching the students doing math problems on the blackboard, it's going to be way too quiet around here George!" exclaimed Gracie.

George grumbled, "Quiet is a good thing, Gracie! Finally, after 43 years, I will be able to sleep an extra hour or two!

"What about the children, George? With three new buildings, the children will be traveling in all different directions to their assigned schools. I overheard the first and second graders crying because their older siblings will be attending a different school. While four eighth graders were absolutely giddy about attending a new school. They were excited and delighted because they wouldn't be attending the same room and school with their younger or older siblings," Gracie replied.

Autumn, October 1973

Sunday evening, Gracie sings,

"The shepherds feared and trembled

When, lo! Above the Earth

Rang out the angel chorus

That hailed our Savior's birth."

"Go Tell It On the Mountain," George chimed.

"Isn't it nice! The bell only rings on Sunday mornings," George proclaimed.

Gracie coos, "Yes, George! Now, you only have to listen to the ringing of the bell once a week. George, did you hear how happy the Sunday school ladies are? Some of the ladies were driving thirty miles to church. Now, that the old school is their church, it has shortened their drive."

"No, I wasn't paying attention to the ladies. Yeah! Years ago, the children walked two or three miles to come here to school," George said.

Gracie said, "Yes, George. I remember. I know, but times are changing, George. With the buses stopping closer to their homes, the children don't have to walk as far."

"The children made me feel young. Plus, I miss their laughter, songs, and lessons. announced George.

Gracie gushed, "Me too!" But, the new preacher has such a lovely voice. I could listen to him all day.

Gracie asked, "Don't you think his sermons are motivational and inspirational, George?"

"Whatever you say, Gracie!" shrieked George.

"Do you remember little Betty?" Gracie inquired.

George sighs, "Can't say that I do. Why?"

"According to Mrs.Smith, Betty is marrying Riley's son Robert next Saturday here at the church, Gracie whispered.

George gasped, "Another wedding!"

"What's wrong with weddings, George? asked Gracie.

George acknowledged, "In the past, you have sobbed for hours after the wedding party left."

"George, weddings are so beautiful. Besides, you know that I always cry happy tears for the adorable bride and groom," Gracie retorted.

Spring, April 1980

"What is going on? Who's making all that noise sawing, nailing, and hammering? " inquired Gracie.

George confirmed, "It appears that the workmen are gingerly taking down the bell and the bell tower. According to what I heard, the church donated the building to a military couple. The building is being remodeled. Turning the church into a single-family residence, the home will be for the serviceman and his new bride.

"That's nice, George, but I'm going to miss the church members, the choir, and the preacher's sermons," Gracie groaned.

A few years later, the couple was so happy in their little white house that was a school, a church, and now their home.

Gracie sings,

"Hush, little baby, don't say a word,

Mama's going to buy you a mockingbird.

If that mockingbird won't sing,

Mama's going to buy you a diamond ring.

If that diamond ring turns brass,

Mama's going to buy you a looking glass."

George questioned, "You really like that lullaby, Gracie?

"Yes, George! Baby, Ann, is such an adorable child. Roger and Rebecca are hardworking and amazing parents to little Ann. Did you know that Ann will be having a little brother or sister in five months? Just yesterday, I heard Rebecca talking to her mother with the good news," Gracie answered.

George snorts, "As long as the children don't write or draw using their crayons and pencils on the walls, I'll be happy.

"Rebecca won't let the children play in such a destructive manner," Gracie assured.

George whispers, "Gracie, Gracie are you awake?"

"Of course, I am awake. Aaron has been crying for three hours straight," sighed Gracie. "I heard Roger say that Aaron has a high temperature, and they will be going to the pediatrician's office in the morning."

George shared, "Aaron made a quick recovery. But, I overheard Roger talking to Rebecca. With a third child on the way, their home was too small. They have discussed the possibility of relocating and moving closer to Rebecca's parents.

"Oh, that's bad news!" cried Gracie.

Winter, December 1990

"George, George are you awake!" screamed Gracie. What's that I smell?

George, replied, "smells like something burning. I heard gunshots a short time ago. At first, I thought it was a car backfiring. When the second shot was fired, I knew that it was a gun."

"It's 3 A.M., and the fire truck and sirens are coming. I love you, George," Gracie swooned.

George coughed, "I love you too, Gracie. Goodbye, my love!"

Excerpts of the songs included in this story are in the public domain.

https://kids.niehs.nih.gov/games/songs/childrens/school-days-school-days

https://hymnary.org/text/while_shepherds_kept_their_watching

https://www.nurseryrhymes.org/hush-little-baby.html

If walls could talk, this is their story. Thank you for reading my fictional tale.