The Mason Jar

Dear Readers,

It's easy to believe that if you follow the rules, stay at home, go out only when necessary and wash your hands until your fingerprints come off, you'll be one of the fortunate people who don't contract COVID-19. Don't believe that for a second. My entire family got it and my husband was very ill and had to be hospitalized for eight days. He's still recovering and months down the road could still be dangerous to his health. Before December, I had written a number of short stories and applied for my copyrights, which I have now received. It's been a while since I've been in touch with you or reviewed some of these stories. It's been such a dark year which still is not behind us. So, I thought maybe you'd like to read a story that is full of promise, love, memories, and happiness. I think most of us are hungry for something beautiful.

This story has no protagonist, no antagonist, no steamy or exciting climax. This is a story from my childhood, that occurred in an ordinary place that somehow held the magic of the Appalachian mountains in a small flowered field starlit from heaven. It's a coming of age story and how things change as we grow older. Now moving into my seventh decade (since my birth year places me in with the late boomers), these memories come back to me and I feel a need to write them down, whether it's just for my children or for you, my larger audience. There once was a place like Camelot for two little girls who had an adoring prince of a man who loved them more than he did himself. He's been gone for 54 years now, a lifetime and then some for many people, but he lives in my heart and will until I find him again somewhere, in a place that might be even more magical than that field of dreams he called home.

The story is called The Mason Jar. The artwork is that of Tricia Reilly Matthews, and she has been paid the appropriate licensing fee for the use of her work. You can find other examples of her beautiful work at https://www.facebook.com/Tricia-Reilly-Matthews-Art-286785174673902/ and I highly recommend looking at it. Her paintings are sweet and full of the promise only children really know.

Stay safe, stay well, get vaccinated. We need to dream again. And we need each other. I hope you love this short story as much as I do.

Laura Porter Taylor

The Mason Jar - January 2021

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