Rebecca Valdivia
This story is based on a true series of events that occurred in the late 1980s on a little apple farm in Corralitos, California. My children and I personally witnessed these events, which served as a lesson in the trials and tribulations of family life taught by, believe it or not, a real-life family of chickens! A heartwarming tale of circumstances within the realm of “blended” families, The Stepfather Rooster is a tribute to those stepfathers who do not fit the stereotypical mold.
Rebecca A. Valdivia was born and raised in Watsonville, California. She attended Notre Dame High School in Salinas, CA, Cabrillo Community College in Aptos, CA and California State University in Fresno, CA. She has worked for twenty years in education and has volunteered with the Family Partnership Program of Children’s Mental Health, ToughLove, and the Migrant Education RIF Program. She has been published in the Fall, 1990 issue of Poetic Voices of America as well as in El Andar newspaper, 1989-1990, in Watsonville, CA.
The day finally arrived when Jen’s eggs hatched. Now she had six little baby chicks to look after. She named them Chirpy, Fluffy, Peeper, Tuffy, Chip and Chancie. The boys were excited. Jimmy said, “Welcome to the world, little chickies! Glad to meet you!” Tommy peeked in the chicken coop and shouted, “Come out and play!” Pat just smiled and nodded. They let Jen and her chicks out of the chicken coop to go out and explore.
