Shirley Belk
Bio
Mother, Nana, Sister, Cousin, & Aunt who recently retired. RN (Nursing Instructor) who loves to write stories to heal herself and reflect on all the silver linings she has been blessed with :)
Stories (348)
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Winter! That's for the Birds
Winter is a word of warning to Southerners. Knowing it's coming whether we like it or not, we brace for it. Water pipes are covered, we give reminders to drip faucets if it's going to be 32 degrees F or below. Plants are brought inside. (Hopefully all fur babies, too.) Firewood is chopped and made ready to bring warmth and coziness.
By Shirley Belk3 months ago in Humans
Breakdown
Maybe I've had too much time on my hands of late, paired with an overwhelming mental health need to stay distracted. (It's a grief thing, but that is another story.) But that kind of leads me into why I fell into the writing of this story, so...I haven't been the best at keeping up with my readers of late.
By Shirley Belk3 months ago in Writers
I'm Blaming this on Jack!. Top Story - December 2025.
Hi Mom & Dad, Sending this with the utmost respect and love (and cowardice) rather than voicing it. I expect you to be both angry and disappointed in me in this decision of mine. Frankly, after all you've done for and sacrificed for me, I don't blame you, not even one little bit.
By Shirley Belk3 months ago in Writers
To the Man You Didn't Know
It's important for you to know a few things about your dad. Without a full measure of understanding, you just won't be able to get very far with only the parts you have been exposed to or what, in limited (and possibly jaded) opinions, have been filtered into your mind. All I ask, is that you will honor him now by having an open heart and a teachable spirit. He is the missing link, the generation between me and of you. I am offering a glimpse into what you might have missed, but owe to yourselves to take in.
By Shirley Belk3 months ago in Families
Peace
I tossed and turned last night, was awoken several times by crazy dreams, my dog letting out gas that could gag a maggot, and my youngest son tromping in the kitchen scrounging for sweets. My head was already swimming because of the daylight savings time change. It was even in my favor, but my psyche wasn't having any joy in the extra hour. I thought about getting up but it was much too early for hot tea and much too nippy of weather to shower. We have been in the 40s and I just resolved to cover up with blankets and a furball who likes to snuggle and pretend to rest.
By Shirley Belk4 months ago in Humans
Well Done, Good & Faithful Son
I save memories. That is the main reason that I write. Recently, I came across this story which I wrote in college in English 101. The year was 1988. After I had finished with it, I read it aloud to my firstborn son. His reaction? He crossed his arms over his body and gave himself a huge hug and smiled the biggest smile and then came and gave me a hug, too. A mother never forgets those hugs.
By Shirley Belk4 months ago in Families
