Sing No Laments for Me
A heartfelt poem "Sing No Laments for Me" about finding meaning in life's small moments despite busy schedules and limited opportunities.
Be Fruitful and Multiply
In this witty essay, Donna explores the amusing misconceptions and social challenges faced by mothers of large families, from being treated as conversation pieces at parties to having repairmen use their homes as tourist attractions.
Sophy – The Dream Shoes
A shy, underprivileged girl named Sophy finds a ten-dollar bill and uses it to buy the dream shoes she's been admiring in a store window, but her conscience leads her to confess and make things right with the money's rightful owner.
My Hurricane (Jennifer)
In this charming 1965 essay, Donna playfully compares her energetic toddler daughter Jennifer to a hurricane, exploring why children aren't named after storms instead of the other way around.
How to Buy a Used Car
Donna provides comprehensive guidance for buying a used car, teaching readers how to avoid common pitfalls and scams by carefully choosing dealers, researching prices, inspecting vehicles for accident damage and mechanical problems, and securing proper financing and insurance.
The Eaglet (Jeffrey)
"The Eaglet" tells the heartwarming story of Jeffrey, a frail twin who transforms from a sickly, overshadowed child into a confident boy who learns to stand up for himself and his sister, proving that sometimes challenging circumstances can forge the strongest character.
Kindness
by Donna Hruska Some years ago, I was very ill and could only be on my feet for five minutes at a time. Many people called. Almost without exception they closed the conversation with “If there is anything I can do, let me know.” They were sincere in their offers, but I hesitated to call. …
Happy Housewarming, Mama
A daughter's touching tribute to her mother on the occasion of a housewarming, reflecting on childhood memories of their old home and celebrating her mother's patient dreams finally coming true in a beautiful new house.
The Children’s Christmas Tree
by Donna Hruska The year we changed our image of the ideal Christmas tree was the year we had five pre-schoolers. That was the year the twins were a year old. It was also the year that the tree was knocked over twice, soaking sugar water into the draperies and carpet, breaking the top branches …
The Salesman’s Ingredients of Success
A sales manager argues that the two essential ingredients for success in any field—but especially in sales—are determination and perseverance, qualities that can be developed by anyone regardless of their background or current occupation.