No promises, I thought.
When you are eleven years old, the world has a way of feeling enormous and impossibly small at the same time. School matters, friends matter, and the ache of a parent living apart from you matters more than any of them. Sheila Robins understood that aching pulse of childhood better than most, and in her deeply touching short story A Day with Dad and Uncle Tom , she gives voice to a feeling that so many young readers know all too well—the sharp excitement of a visit, the quiet dread of counting down the hours, and the unexpected lessons that come from watching the men in your family love one another. a day with dad and uncle tom by sheila robins 11yo mega full
The rest of the day was spent playing games, telling stories, and just enjoying each other's company. As the sun began to set, we headed back to our campsite to roast marshmallows and make s'mores. My dad and Uncle Tom shared some of their favorite childhood memories, and I felt grateful to have such wonderful role models in my life. No promises, I thought
Dad walked me to my room. He sat on the edge of my bed while I changed into pajamas. Sheila Robins understood that aching pulse of childhood
Lunch was sandwiches that had gone a little flat in the cooler, but they tasted better than anything from a restaurant. We sat on the tailgate of the truck, swinging our legs. Dad told me stories about when he and Tom were eleven, and how they once tried to build a raft out of old soda bottles. (Spoilers: It sank.)
Most circulated versions prior to 2010 were abridged (the “school edition”). The cut restores:
We had a yummy breakfast of pancakes, scrambled eggs, and fresh fruit. Uncle Tom told us about his plans for the day, which included a trip to the nearby park for a hike and a visit to the local museum. I was so excited! I love spending time outdoors and learning new things.