{"version":"https://jsonfeed.org/version/1","title":"danieltroppy.com","home_page_url":"https://danieltroppy.com","description":"danieltroppy.com","author":{"name":"danieltroppy.com"},"items":[{"id":"https://danieltroppy.com/short-stories/f/consuming-93%25-of-my-time-short-story-674","html_content":"

When I’m not with my parents in South Texas, I spend a good 93% of my time worrying about them. I’m constantly thinking about them, wondering what they’re doing when I’m not on the phone with them or physically there.

","url":"https://danieltroppy.com/short-stories/f/consuming-93%25-of-my-time-short-story-674","title":"\"Consuming 93% of My Time\" Short story #674","summary":"When I’m not with my parents in South Texas, I spend a good 93% of my time worrying about them. I’m constantly thinking about them, wondering what they’re doing when I’m not on the phone with them or physically there.","date_modified":"2026-05-22T11:51:45Z"},{"id":"https://danieltroppy.com/short-stories/f/just-stepping-forward-short-story-673","html_content":"

After we returned from Panama, I realized I hadn’t taken Darrell’s ashes with me. It was the first trip I had taken without packing him in a Ziploc bag. For years, no matter where I traveled, I carried a small portion of...

","url":"https://danieltroppy.com/short-stories/f/just-stepping-forward-short-story-673","title":"\"Just Stepping Forward\" Short story #673","summary":"After we returned from Panama, I realized I hadn’t taken Darrell’s ashes with me. It was the first trip I had taken without packing him in a Ziploc bag. For years, no matter where I traveled, I carried a small portion of...","date_modified":"2026-05-20T11:59:21Z"},{"id":"https://danieltroppy.com/short-stories/f/lite-sleeper-short-story-672","html_content":"

Nighttime is not my friend. Once upon a time, as soon as my head hit the pillow, I was out cold. Not anymore. In fact, it hasn’t been that way since my late brother Darrell passed away. Since then, my mind has rarely shu...

","url":"https://danieltroppy.com/short-stories/f/lite-sleeper-short-story-672","title":"\"Lite Sleeper\" Short story #672","summary":"Nighttime is not my friend. Once upon a time, as soon as my head hit the pillow, I was out cold. Not anymore. In fact, it hasn’t been that way since my late brother Darrell passed away. Since then, my mind has rarely shu...","date_modified":"2026-05-18T11:25:52Z"},{"id":"https://danieltroppy.com/short-stories/f/thank-you-chicken-short-story-671","html_content":"

I spent Thanksgiving 2025 down in South Texas with my parents. My partner, Mitch, spent it with his family in Indianapolis. Their family baked a giant turkey; I baked a small, simple chicken. I stuffed the cavity with le...

","url":"https://danieltroppy.com/short-stories/f/thank-you-chicken-short-story-671","title":"\"Thank You Chicken\" Short story #671","summary":"I spent Thanksgiving 2025 down in South Texas with my parents. My partner, Mitch, spent it with his family in Indianapolis. Their family baked a giant turkey; I baked a small, simple chicken. I stuffed the cavity with le...","date_modified":"2026-05-15T12:09:10Z"},{"id":"https://danieltroppy.com/short-stories/f/trip-to-the-dentist-part-ii-short-story-670","html_content":"

We arrived at the dentist’s office right on time, so I could fill out the paperwork before they were ushered in. I went with Mom to one room while Janie went with Dad to another.

","url":"https://danieltroppy.com/short-stories/f/trip-to-the-dentist-part-ii-short-story-670","title":"\"Trip to the Dentist\" Part II Short Story #670","summary":"We arrived at the dentist’s office right on time, so I could fill out the paperwork before they were ushered in. I went with Mom to one room while Janie went with Dad to another.","date_modified":"2026-05-11T11:31:53Z"},{"id":"https://danieltroppy.com/short-stories/f/a-trip-to-the-dentist-part-i-short-story-669","html_content":"

While I was back in Atlanta, I had scheduled dentist appointments for my parents. I scheduled Mom’s appointment for 3 p.m. and Dad’s for 3:30 p.m.

","url":"https://danieltroppy.com/short-stories/f/a-trip-to-the-dentist-part-i-short-story-669","title":"\"A Trip to the Dentist\" Part I Short story #669","summary":"While I was back in Atlanta, I had scheduled dentist appointments for my parents. I scheduled Mom’s appointment for 3 p.m. and Dad’s for 3:30 p.m.","date_modified":"2026-05-08T11:59:54Z"},{"id":"https://danieltroppy.com/short-stories/f/2am-storm-part-ii-short-story-668","html_content":"

What I needed was something to really calm her down, and then I remembered. I had bookmarked a YouTube video of a priest reciting the rosary on her iPhone. Her phone was next to her recliner, so I grabbed it and played t...

","url":"https://danieltroppy.com/short-stories/f/2am-storm-part-ii-short-story-668","title":"\"2am Storm\" Part II Short story #668","summary":"What I needed was something to really calm her down, and then I remembered. I had bookmarked a YouTube video of a priest reciting the rosary on her iPhone. Her phone was next to her recliner, so I grabbed it and played t...","date_modified":"2026-05-06T12:03:25Z"},{"id":"https://danieltroppy.com/short-stories/f/2am-storm-part-i-short-story-667","html_content":"

Two days after I flew to South Texas, I was awakened at 2 a.m. by the sound of my parents’ voices. Mom was having another dementia episode. She wanted to get up because she thought she was wet. I took her hand and guided...

","url":"https://danieltroppy.com/short-stories/f/2am-storm-part-i-short-story-667","title":"\"2am Storm\" Part I Short Story #667","summary":"Two days after I flew to South Texas, I was awakened at 2 a.m. by the sound of my parents’ voices. Mom was having another dementia episode. She wanted to get up because she thought she was wet. I took her hand and guided...","date_modified":"2026-05-04T12:12:48Z"},{"id":"https://danieltroppy.com/short-stories/f/coconut-cake-short-story-666","html_content":"

My cousin Scott from Boston emailed me two links—one for a coconut cake and the other for a carrot cake—asking me to help him decide which one to get for Mom and Dad for Thanksgiving. Both were from the Barefoot Contessa...

","url":"https://danieltroppy.com/short-stories/f/coconut-cake-short-story-666","title":"\"Coconut Cake\" Short story #666","summary":"My cousin Scott from Boston emailed me two links—one for a coconut cake and the other for a carrot cake—asking me to help him decide which one to get for Mom and Dad for Thanksgiving. Both were from the Barefoot Contessa...","date_modified":"2026-05-01T12:07:01Z"},{"id":"https://danieltroppy.com/short-stories/f/level-2-short-story-665","html_content":"

Two weeks after my surgery, I had a follow-up with the doctor. It was a brief meeting, but one that carried a sting. I learned that when they biopsied the three lesions, mine were at level 2. Apparently, there are three ...

","url":"https://danieltroppy.com/short-stories/f/level-2-short-story-665","title":"\"Level 2\" Short story #665","summary":"Two weeks after my surgery, I had a follow-up with the doctor. It was a brief meeting, but one that carried a sting. I learned that when they biopsied the three lesions, mine were at level 2. Apparently, there are three ...","date_modified":"2026-04-29T11:34:44Z"},{"id":"https://danieltroppy.com/short-stories/f/no-time-to-waste-short-story-664","html_content":"

Weeks before Thanksgiving 2025, Mom calls and asks if I plan to come home for the holiday. I had actually planned to travel to Indianapolis with Mitch so he could spend time with his family.

","url":"https://danieltroppy.com/short-stories/f/no-time-to-waste-short-story-664","title":"\"No Time To Waste\" Short story #664","summary":"Weeks before Thanksgiving 2025, Mom calls and asks if I plan to come home for the holiday. I had actually planned to travel to Indianapolis with Mitch so he could spend time with his family.","date_modified":"2026-04-27T12:21:05Z"},{"id":"https://danieltroppy.com/short-stories/f/going-back-home-short-story-663","html_content":"

My cousin Scott and his husband, Chuck, are traveling to Germany and France after Thanksgiving. Scott has wanted to visit our grandfather’s homeland—Colmar, France—for decades.

","url":"https://danieltroppy.com/short-stories/f/going-back-home-short-story-663","title":"\"Going Back Home\" Short story #663","summary":"My cousin Scott and his husband, Chuck, are traveling to Germany and France after Thanksgiving. Scott has wanted to visit our grandfather’s homeland—Colmar, France—for decades.","date_modified":"2026-04-24T12:35:28Z"},{"id":"https://danieltroppy.com/short-stories/f/updates-short-story-662","html_content":"

Janie is both Mom and Dad’s provider. She arrives before 8 a.m. and stays until 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday. When I’m not there, she becomes my eyes and ears. If I need to know anything, I simply ask Janie.

","url":"https://danieltroppy.com/short-stories/f/updates-short-story-662","title":"\"Updates\" Short story #662","summary":"Janie is both Mom and Dad’s provider. She arrives before 8 a.m. and stays until 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday. When I’m not there, she becomes my eyes and ears. If I need to know anything, I simply ask Janie.","date_modified":"2026-04-22T12:48:43Z"},{"id":"https://danieltroppy.com/short-stories/f/big-chunks-short-story-661","html_content":"

A few days after I had my tonsils removed back in the 1970s, I got very sick. I must have been nine or ten years old, and I thought my life was over before it had even begun. I started throwing up large chunks of blood—s...

","url":"https://danieltroppy.com/short-stories/f/big-chunks-short-story-661","title":"\"Big Chunks\" Short story #661","summary":"A few days after I had my tonsils removed back in the 1970s, I got very sick. I must have been nine or ten years old, and I thought my life was over before it had even begun. I started throwing up large chunks of blood—s...","date_modified":"2026-04-20T12:01:11Z"},{"id":"https://danieltroppy.com/short-stories/f/a-mother-always-knows-short-story-660","html_content":"

Moms always know when their children aren’t well — even moms in their nineties. They seem to share a psychic, universal bond with their children. A few days after my surgery, as I was soaking in a warm Epsom salt bath, M...

","url":"https://danieltroppy.com/short-stories/f/a-mother-always-knows-short-story-660","title":"\"A Mother Always Knows\" Short story #660","summary":"Moms always know when their children aren’t well — even moms in their nineties. They seem to share a psychic, universal bond with their children. A few days after my surgery, as I was soaking in a warm Epsom salt bath, M...","date_modified":"2026-04-17T11:53:36Z"},{"id":"https://danieltroppy.com/short-stories/f/three-days-later---part-ii-short-story-659","html_content":"

A few days after the invasive procedure, the results came in, showing precancerous cells. On a scale of 1–3, my results fell in the middle, so my doctor wanted them removed. The day of my surgery, I was filled with anxie...

","url":"https://danieltroppy.com/short-stories/f/three-days-later---part-ii-short-story-659","title":"\"Three Days Later\" - Part II Short story #659","summary":"A few days after the invasive procedure, the results came in, showing precancerous cells. On a scale of 1–3, my results fell in the middle, so my doctor wanted them removed. The day of my surgery, I was filled with anxie...","date_modified":"2026-04-15T11:54:50Z"},{"id":"https://danieltroppy.com/short-stories/f/three-days-later-short-story-658","html_content":"

Part I

","url":"https://danieltroppy.com/short-stories/f/three-days-later-short-story-658","title":"\"Three Days Later\" Short story #658","summary":"Part I","date_modified":"2026-04-13T11:55:17Z"},{"id":"https://danieltroppy.com/short-stories/f/watchful-eye-short-story-657","html_content":"

Every night since Mom has been sleeping in the living room, Dad has been next to her in his recliner. He’s like a lighthouse watchman — always there, always ready.

","url":"https://danieltroppy.com/short-stories/f/watchful-eye-short-story-657","title":"\"Watchful Eye\" Short story #657","summary":"Every night since Mom has been sleeping in the living room, Dad has been next to her in his recliner. He’s like a lighthouse watchman — always there, always ready.","date_modified":"2026-04-10T12:07:34Z"},{"id":"https://danieltroppy.com/short-stories/f/night-before---part-ii-short-story-656","html_content":"

Dad didn’t know what to do, and I didn’t know what to do, except I knew I needed to calmly talk to her. Mom was completely unaware of her behavior, but Dad and I both knew she was having a dementia moment. I’ve found tha...

","url":"https://danieltroppy.com/short-stories/f/night-before---part-ii-short-story-656","title":"\"Night Before\" - Part II Short story #656","summary":"Dad didn’t know what to do, and I didn’t know what to do, except I knew I needed to calmly talk to her. Mom was completely unaware of her behavior, but Dad and I both knew she was having a dementia moment. I’ve found tha...","date_modified":"2026-04-08T12:05:38Z"},{"id":"https://danieltroppy.com/short-stories/f/night-before---part-1-short-story-655","html_content":"

The night before I was returning to Atlanta, I was awakened by the sound of my parents. It was a few minutes before 2 a.m. I got up and walked into the living room to find Dad standing beside Mom’s hospital bed.

","url":"https://danieltroppy.com/short-stories/f/night-before---part-1-short-story-655","title":"\"Night Before\" - Part 1 Short story #655","summary":"The night before I was returning to Atlanta, I was awakened by the sound of my parents. It was a few minutes before 2 a.m. I got up and walked into the living room to find Dad standing beside Mom’s hospital bed.","date_modified":"2026-04-06T11:57:13Z"},{"id":"https://danieltroppy.com/short-stories/f/15-plaques-short-story-654","html_content":"

The summer of 1982, I left my parents’ house to attend college. Mom was not ready for the silence of an empty house, so she went to work. Her first job in her life was at an elementary school in Raymondville. The kids lo...

","url":"https://danieltroppy.com/short-stories/f/15-plaques-short-story-654","title":"\"15 Plaques\" Short story #654","summary":"The summer of 1982, I left my parents’ house to attend college. Mom was not ready for the silence of an empty house, so she went to work. Her first job in her life was at an elementary school in Raymondville. The kids lo...","date_modified":"2026-04-03T11:52:11Z"},{"id":"https://danieltroppy.com/short-stories/f/change-is-around-me-short-story-653","html_content":"

The last two trips I’ve taken down to South Texas to check on my parents have involved change. For forty years, my parents always picked me up from the airport. That has been a hard change for me to adjust to, but the re...

","url":"https://danieltroppy.com/short-stories/f/change-is-around-me-short-story-653","title":"\"Change Is Around Me\" Short story #653","summary":"The last two trips I’ve taken down to South Texas to check on my parents have involved change. For forty years, my parents always picked me up from the airport. That has been a hard change for me to adjust to, but the re...","date_modified":"2026-04-01T10:52:56Z"},{"id":"https://danieltroppy.com/short-stories/f/as-strong-as-her-mother-short-story-652","html_content":"

Mom’s mother, Sarah, was tough as nails. Grandma Sarah raised a large family; she had four sets of twins, Mom being one of them. Sarah grew up in a Catholic convent after her mother died suddenly. She was thin, with the ...

","url":"https://danieltroppy.com/short-stories/f/as-strong-as-her-mother-short-story-652","title":"\"As Strong as Her Mother\" Short story #652","summary":"Mom’s mother, Sarah, was tough as nails. Grandma Sarah raised a large family; she had four sets of twins, Mom being one of them. Sarah grew up in a Catholic convent after her mother died suddenly. She was thin, with the ...","date_modified":"2026-03-30T12:37:40Z"},{"id":"https://danieltroppy.com/short-stories/f/she-saw-him-short-story-651","html_content":"

Janie is Mom’s right and left arm and leg; she has become Mom’s loyal companion. She spends fifty-four hours a week with Mom, so they are in complete sync now.

","url":"https://danieltroppy.com/short-stories/f/she-saw-him-short-story-651","title":"\"She Saw Him\" Short story #651","summary":"Janie is Mom’s right and left arm and leg; she has become Mom’s loyal companion. She spends fifty-four hours a week with Mom, so they are in complete sync now.","date_modified":"2026-03-27T12:38:40Z"},{"id":"https://danieltroppy.com/short-stories/f/moms-gifts-short-story-650","html_content":"

One of our family’s longtime friends is eighty-nine and lives in a nursing home in McAllen. Her daughter, Cyndee, was a very close friend of my late brother Darrell—very close indeed.

","url":"https://danieltroppy.com/short-stories/f/moms-gifts-short-story-650","title":"\"Mom's Gifts\" Short story #650","summary":"One of our family’s longtime friends is eighty-nine and lives in a nursing home in McAllen. Her daughter, Cyndee, was a very close friend of my late brother Darrell—very close indeed.","date_modified":"2026-03-25T13:09:26Z"},{"id":"https://danieltroppy.com/short-stories/f/first-night-short-story-649","html_content":"

The first night Mom slept in the living room, Dad slept in his recliner so he could be near her. I tried to convince him to sleep in his bedroom, telling him she wouldn’t get out of bed with the guardrails up.

","url":"https://danieltroppy.com/short-stories/f/first-night-short-story-649","title":"\"First Night\" Short story #649","summary":"The first night Mom slept in the living room, Dad slept in his recliner so he could be near her. I tried to convince him to sleep in his bedroom, telling him she wouldn’t get out of bed with the guardrails up.","date_modified":"2026-03-23T12:06:40Z"},{"id":"https://danieltroppy.com/short-stories/f/mom-loves-her-makeup-short-story-648","html_content":"

One morning, Mom’s primary nurse, Janie, stopped by to check her vital signs. She walked up the driveway carrying two bags—one for Dad and me, and the other for Mom. Dad’s and my bag was filled with delicious Mexican pas...

","url":"https://danieltroppy.com/short-stories/f/mom-loves-her-makeup-short-story-648","title":"\"Mom Loves Her Makeup\" Short story #648","summary":"One morning, Mom’s primary nurse, Janie, stopped by to check her vital signs. She walked up the driveway carrying two bags—one for Dad and me, and the other for Mom. Dad’s and my bag was filled with delicious Mexican pas...","date_modified":"2026-03-20T12:25:33Z"},{"id":"https://danieltroppy.com/short-stories/f/sweet-belly-short-story-647","html_content":"

Throughout my parents’ 66-year marriage, they’ve always had nicknames for each other.

","url":"https://danieltroppy.com/short-stories/f/sweet-belly-short-story-647","title":"\"Sweet Belly\" Short story #647","summary":"Throughout my parents’ 66-year marriage, they’ve always had nicknames for each other.","date_modified":"2026-03-18T13:42:29Z"},{"id":"https://danieltroppy.com/short-stories/f/tuesday-morning-short-story-646","html_content":"

Mom’s main nurse, Janie, explained to Dad and me why she thought we needed to move Mom’s hospital bed from the bedroom into the living room. It made sense that the bed should be in a larger, open space like the living ro...

","url":"https://danieltroppy.com/short-stories/f/tuesday-morning-short-story-646","title":"\"Tuesday Morning\" Short story #646","summary":"Mom’s main nurse, Janie, explained to Dad and me why she thought we needed to move Mom’s hospital bed from the bedroom into the living room. It made sense that the bed should be in a larger, open space like the living ro...","date_modified":"2026-03-16T13:47:29Z"},{"id":"https://danieltroppy.com/short-stories/f/monday-morning-short-story-645","html_content":"

Three days after Mom fell and fractured her C2 vertebrae, I went grocery shopping for my parents. Every time I leave, their refrigerator gets lighter and more spacious inside. I do not like this. I love opening a refrige...

","url":"https://danieltroppy.com/short-stories/f/monday-morning-short-story-645","title":"\"Monday Morning\" Short story #645","summary":"Three days after Mom fell and fractured her C2 vertebrae, I went grocery shopping for my parents. Every time I leave, their refrigerator gets lighter and more spacious inside. I do not like this. I love opening a refrige...","date_modified":"2026-03-13T12:40:21Z"},{"id":"https://danieltroppy.com/short-stories/f/sunday-morning-short-story-644","html_content":"

Sunday morning, I woke up at 7 a.m. to find both of my parents soundly asleep. On any normal day, Dad would have gotten up at 5:30 a.m., but since Mom had spent yesterday at the hospital, they were both drained.

","url":"https://danieltroppy.com/short-stories/f/sunday-morning-short-story-644","title":"\"Sunday Morning\" Short story #644","summary":"Sunday morning, I woke up at 7 a.m. to find both of my parents soundly asleep. On any normal day, Dad would have gotten up at 5:30 a.m., but since Mom had spent yesterday at the hospital, they were both drained.","date_modified":"2026-03-11T12:58:27Z"},{"id":"https://danieltroppy.com/short-stories/f/janie-janie-short-story-643","html_content":"

Mom has two very important Janies in her life at this critical juncture. There is Janie, the head hospice nurse, and Janie, the caregiver, who is with Mom fifty-four hours a week. Both are remarkable women whose goal is ...

","url":"https://danieltroppy.com/short-stories/f/janie-janie-short-story-643","title":"\"Janie & Janie\" Short story #643","summary":"Mom has two very important Janies in her life at this critical juncture. There is Janie, the head hospice nurse, and Janie, the caregiver, who is with Mom fifty-four hours a week. Both are remarkable women whose goal is ...","date_modified":"2026-03-09T12:53:39Z"},{"id":"https://danieltroppy.com/short-stories/f/ambulance-ride-short-story-642","html_content":"

My first ride in an ambulance was with my mom. After spending six hours at the hospital running tests and doing scans, she was released. They placed Mom into the ambulance, and then Janie and I climbed inside and sat rig...

","url":"https://danieltroppy.com/short-stories/f/ambulance-ride-short-story-642","title":"\"Ambulance Ride\" Short story #642","summary":"My first ride in an ambulance was with my mom. After spending six hours at the hospital running tests and doing scans, she was released. They placed Mom into the ambulance, and then Janie and I climbed inside and sat rig...","date_modified":"2026-03-06T13:15:40Z"},{"id":"https://danieltroppy.com/short-stories/f/c2-short-story-641","html_content":"

“C2”

","url":"https://danieltroppy.com/short-stories/f/c2-short-story-641","title":"\"C2\" Short story #641","summary":"“C2”","date_modified":"2026-03-04T13:21:29Z"},{"id":"https://danieltroppy.com/short-stories/f/please-list-me-short-story-640","html_content":"

When I heard Mom had injuries to her neck, I asked Hollis to please list me on Delta Airlines’ next available flight to South Texas. The next morning, by 6:45 a.m., I was standing in the massive TSA line at Hartsfield. U...

","url":"https://danieltroppy.com/short-stories/f/please-list-me-short-story-640","title":"\"Please List Me\" Short story #640","summary":"When I heard Mom had injuries to her neck, I asked Hollis to please list me on Delta Airlines’ next available flight to South Texas. The next morning, by 6:45 a.m., I was standing in the massive TSA line at Hartsfield. U...","date_modified":"2026-03-02T13:09:23Z"},{"id":"https://danieltroppy.com/short-stories/f/at-any-given-moment-short-story-639","html_content":"

Mitch and I returned from Panama on Thursday evening. I unpacked, started a load of laundry, and made us a cocktail.

","url":"https://danieltroppy.com/short-stories/f/at-any-given-moment-short-story-639","title":"\"At any Given Moment\" Short story #639","summary":"Mitch and I returned from Panama on Thursday evening. I unpacked, started a load of laundry, and made us a cocktail.","date_modified":"2026-02-27T14:04:55Z"},{"id":"https://danieltroppy.com/short-stories/f/facetiming-from-panama-short-story-638","html_content":"

Every day while we were in Panama, I FaceTimed Mom three or four times. I called to show Mom, Dad, and Janie Panama’s skyline, the Canal, the jungles, churches from 1673, and military forts built in the 1600s. Each time ...

","url":"https://danieltroppy.com/short-stories/f/facetiming-from-panama-short-story-638","title":"\"FaceTiming from Panama\" Short story #638","summary":"Every day while we were in Panama, I FaceTimed Mom three or four times. I called to show Mom, Dad, and Janie Panama’s skyline, the Canal, the jungles, churches from 1673, and military forts built in the 1600s. Each time ...","date_modified":"2026-02-25T13:36:12Z"},{"id":"https://danieltroppy.com/short-stories/f/exit-strategy-short-story-637","html_content":"

Friends my age are all talking, planning, and working on where they want to retire. Mitch and I have been taking what we call “exploratory excursions,” trying to explore the areas we think would be ideal for retirement. ...

","url":"https://danieltroppy.com/short-stories/f/exit-strategy-short-story-637","title":"\"Exit Strategy\" Short story #637","summary":"Friends my age are all talking, planning, and working on where they want to retire. Mitch and I have been taking what we call “exploratory excursions,” trying to explore the areas we think would be ideal for retirement. ...","date_modified":"2026-02-23T14:08:13Z"},{"id":"https://danieltroppy.com/short-stories/f/where-is-everyone-short-story-636","html_content":"

The night before Mitch and I were traveling to Panama City, Panama, the phone rang. It was around 8 p.m., and Mom called, asking, “Where is everyone”? I asked who she was talking about, and she said, “Where are all my br...

","url":"https://danieltroppy.com/short-stories/f/where-is-everyone-short-story-636","title":"\"Where is Everyone?\" Short story #636","summary":"The night before Mitch and I were traveling to Panama City, Panama, the phone rang. It was around 8 p.m., and Mom called, asking, “Where is everyone”? I asked who she was talking about, and she said, “Where are all my br...","date_modified":"2026-02-20T14:06:07Z"},{"id":"https://danieltroppy.com/short-stories/f/dads-tears-short-story-635","html_content":"

The morning of my departure from my parents’ house is always difficult. I help Dad get Mom out of bed and dressed for breakfast, which happens to be a production in itself. We sit down at the table, and I always try to s...

","url":"https://danieltroppy.com/short-stories/f/dads-tears-short-story-635","title":"\"Dad's tears\" Short story #635","summary":"The morning of my departure from my parents’ house is always difficult. I help Dad get Mom out of bed and dressed for breakfast, which happens to be a production in itself. We sit down at the table, and I always try to s...","date_modified":"2026-02-18T12:52:51Z"},{"id":"https://danieltroppy.com/short-stories/f/vegas-nails-short-story-634","html_content":"

A few days before I returned to Atlanta, Janie painted Mom’s fingernails and toenails silver. For years, Mom has asked everyone if they would take her to Vegas. Everyone laughs and shouts out an enthusiastic yes, which m...

","url":"https://danieltroppy.com/short-stories/f/vegas-nails-short-story-634","title":"\"Vegas nails\" Short story #634","summary":"A few days before I returned to Atlanta, Janie painted Mom’s fingernails and toenails silver. For years, Mom has asked everyone if they would take her to Vegas. Everyone laughs and shouts out an enthusiastic yes, which m...","date_modified":"2026-02-16T13:35:28Z"},{"id":"https://danieltroppy.com/short-stories/f/roses-short-story-633","html_content":"

Mom received three rose bouquets for her ninetieth birthday. Yellow, pink, and red roses filled their living room. As the days passed, the roses slowly started to lose their petals one by one. Janie, the lovely woman who...

","url":"https://danieltroppy.com/short-stories/f/roses-short-story-633","title":"\"Roses\" Short story #633","summary":"Mom received three rose bouquets for her ninetieth birthday. Yellow, pink, and red roses filled their living room. As the days passed, the roses slowly started to lose their petals one by one. Janie, the lovely woman who...","date_modified":"2026-02-13T14:36:39Z"},{"id":"https://danieltroppy.com/short-stories/f/trigger-finger-short-story-632","html_content":"

The last six months, Mom has battled a new health issue. Her middle finger gets stuck in a bent position known as trigger finger. She has to continually snap it straight again. Dad tells her she’s ready for her gun, or t...

","url":"https://danieltroppy.com/short-stories/f/trigger-finger-short-story-632","title":"\"Trigger finger\" Short story #632","summary":"The last six months, Mom has battled a new health issue. Her middle finger gets stuck in a bent position known as trigger finger. She has to continually snap it straight again. Dad tells her she’s ready for her gun, or t...","date_modified":"2026-02-11T14:13:22Z"},{"id":"https://danieltroppy.com/short-stories/f/hearing-noises-short-story-631","html_content":"

My parents’ bathrooms are back-to-back. Growing up, Darrell used Dad’s, and I used Mom’s. Please don’t call me crazy when I tell you that I hear noises from Dad’s bathroom, because I am not. I hear sounds that sound like...

","url":"https://danieltroppy.com/short-stories/f/hearing-noises-short-story-631","title":"\"Hearing noises\" Short story #631","summary":"My parents’ bathrooms are back-to-back. Growing up, Darrell used Dad’s, and I used Mom’s. Please don’t call me crazy when I tell you that I hear noises from Dad’s bathroom, because I am not. I hear sounds that sound like...","date_modified":"2026-02-09T13:20:18Z"},{"id":"https://danieltroppy.com/short-stories/f/what-a-surprise-short-story-630","html_content":"

A day before Mom’s two nephews arrived for her big birthday, Janie, Mom’s nurse, brought two homemade sourdough loaves of bread. Janie’s daughter is a master bread maker; each loaf was a piece of art. I pulled each loaf ...

","url":"https://danieltroppy.com/short-stories/f/what-a-surprise-short-story-630","title":"\"What a surprise\" Short story #630","summary":"A day before Mom’s two nephews arrived for her big birthday, Janie, Mom’s nurse, brought two homemade sourdough loaves of bread. Janie’s daughter is a master bread maker; each loaf was a piece of art. I pulled each loaf ...","date_modified":"2026-02-06T13:13:43Z"},{"id":"https://danieltroppy.com/short-stories/f/the-big-day-short-story-629","html_content":"

The morning of Mom’s ninetieth birthday, she and Dad were both dragging, sleepy, and exhausted. Our original plan to take Mom out for a good seafood lunch was spoiled. So we quickly came up with a plan B, which was to br...

","url":"https://danieltroppy.com/short-stories/f/the-big-day-short-story-629","title":"\"The big day\" Short story #629","summary":"The morning of Mom’s ninetieth birthday, she and Dad were both dragging, sleepy, and exhausted. Our original plan to take Mom out for a good seafood lunch was spoiled. So we quickly came up with a plan B, which was to br...","date_modified":"2026-02-04T13:14:50Z"},{"id":"https://danieltroppy.com/short-stories/f/thoughtfulness-short-story-628","html_content":"

The day before Mom turned ninety, her nephews arrived. Scott from Boston and John Paul from Austin drove up my parents’ driveway with a birthday carrot cake in the backseat. Mom couldn’t believe her nephews had come all ...

","url":"https://danieltroppy.com/short-stories/f/thoughtfulness-short-story-628","title":"\"Thoughtfulness\" Short story #628","summary":"The day before Mom turned ninety, her nephews arrived. Scott from Boston and John Paul from Austin drove up my parents’ driveway with a birthday carrot cake in the backseat. Mom couldn’t believe her nephews had come all ...","date_modified":"2026-02-02T13:36:32Z"},{"id":"https://danieltroppy.com/short-stories/f/one-week-to-90-short-story-627","html_content":"

When Henry dropped me off at my parents’ house. I walked in and hugged my parents tightly. Mom was thrilled that I had come home for her birthday. As if anything in the world could have kept me from it. Mom’s new provide...

","url":"https://danieltroppy.com/short-stories/f/one-week-to-90-short-story-627","title":"\"One week to 90\" Short story #627","summary":"When Henry dropped me off at my parents’ house. I walked in and hugged my parents tightly. Mom was thrilled that I had come home for her birthday. As if anything in the world could have kept me from it. Mom’s new provide...","date_modified":"2026-01-30T13:18:16Z"},{"id":"https://danieltroppy.com/short-stories/f/rainbows-a-feather-short-story-626","html_content":"

On the plane to South Texas to be with Mom for her 90th birthday, I sat by the window seat, staring out at the clouds and thinking about my late brother Darrell. I wished he could be here to celebrate our Mom’s big day, ...

","url":"https://danieltroppy.com/short-stories/f/rainbows-a-feather-short-story-626","title":"\"Rainbows & a feather\" Short story #626","summary":"On the plane to South Texas to be with Mom for her 90th birthday, I sat by the window seat, staring out at the clouds and thinking about my late brother Darrell. I wished he could be here to celebrate our Mom’s big day, ...","date_modified":"2026-01-28T12:54:16Z"},{"id":"https://danieltroppy.com/short-stories/f/third-times-the-charm-short-story-625","html_content":"

When my grandfather passed away, he had colon cancer. I have always believed his cancer was attributed to his poor diet, but I’ve never been a certified doctor. When I was 41, I had my first colonoscopy. When I was 51, I...

","url":"https://danieltroppy.com/short-stories/f/third-times-the-charm-short-story-625","title":"\"Third time's the charm\" Short story #625","summary":"When my grandfather passed away, he had colon cancer. I have always believed his cancer was attributed to his poor diet, but I’ve never been a certified doctor. When I was 41, I had my first colonoscopy. When I was 51, I...","date_modified":"2026-01-26T13:14:32Z"}]}