Sixteen year-old Stephanie worked at the local Acme Supermarket. She wasn’t working there to earn enough for a cell phone or save for a car. Her father had died of suicide a year ago. Along with their heartbreak, the family was left impoverished since his life insurance didn’t pay off.
Her mother worked at the local garment factory at a low wage and took her eleven year-old twins with her to clean a couple of houses on Saturdays. She also drew social security.
Stephanie had great sympathy for other struggling families. In her misguided sympathy, she sometimes didn’t scan some of their groceries. One day the suspicious manager caught her.
Aunt Julie came by early one morning to bring Aunt Kat some sweet potatoes. She invited Lynn, Lou, and Billy to go home with her and spend the night. Aunt Kat agreed, sending the kids to gather their things. “Yippee!” shouted Lynn. “Sue is my favorite cousin!. We’ve never had a single fight! We’re gonna have so much fun!” Lou was all for it. She knew Grandma was not likely to be back soon. Besides, she knew Grandma would find her. Billy was just as excited. He and Troy never got tired of each other.
When Aunt Julie headed for home, she pulled over on the side of the road near a little bridge. “You kids be quiet. Somebody put a precious little dog here and I’ve been feeding it everyday. I want to take the poor little thing home with me but it’s too scared to let me touch it. You can watch but don’t scare it!” As soon as Aunt Julie put the dish of food down, a cute little dog ran out from under the bridge. It nervously edged closer and closer, finally getting close enough to gobble the food hungrily. Aunt Julie knelt down, beckoning to the little dog. It wagged its little tail and whined but was too afraid to approach.
“Maybe he’ll come for a kid. Come here, Lou.” Lou stood next to Aunt Julie quietly. “Kneel down real low and stretch your hand out low to the ground. If he approaches, let him come to you. Don’t move a muscle.
Lou did just as she was told. The puppy edged toward her a step at a time. Lou held her breath. Finally, the little fellow licked her fingers, then quickly backed off. In a minute, he got his confidence up and tried again. After about three times , he let her stroke him. He rolled over and let her rub his tummy. Finally trusting her, he let her pick him up, licking her face excitedly. Lou’s heart was pounding. “He trusts me!”
”Yes, he does.” Said Aunt Julie. “I had a feeling he’d like you. Now let’s get him home. He’s covered in fleas and ticks. You did a great job!”
Lou had never felt so proud. She’d literally rescued a puppy! He snuggled down in her lap and went right to sleep, fleas ticks and all. She tried not to notice them. He was so sweet.
Ben and Kelly had been married seven years with three children. He was a CPA with a large firm, a very lucrative position. Kelly was a registered nurse. Kelly had to work alternate weekends so she wasn’t as involved in church activities as Ben. One day he announced to Kelly that he intended to leave home s CPA position, attend seminary, and become a minister.
Finish the story:
I got several very different but interesting responses. Can you relate to any of theses?
What the hell Ben, you’re Catholic and Catholic priests can’t be married, Ben replied I said minister not priest, I don’t intend on telling them I’m Catholic, so you’re going to become a minister in a different religion and just not tell them you’re Catholic and attend mass weekly are you going to continue to go to mass? Ben took a deep breathe and said yes I will continue to go to mass, Kelly just looked at him like he was out of his mind, which he must be unless this is some kind of joke. Yes Kelly thought this is some kind of joke he can’t be serious, so I will play along. Ok if this is what you truly want I will support you.
So when will you be going off to the what did you call it a seminary and how long will you be gone and do they pay you while you are there learning how to be a minister?
Ben said he didn’t know he was going to find out more the next day, Kelly said ok just let me know and do we have to sell the house and do you get a car like you did with the job you had because you can’t drive mine, I need it.
Ben looked confused and said let me find out more and we will talk about it later. Thinking to himself what the hell and I getting myself into.
Anyone know what comes next………
It never occurred to me they might be Catholic! What a twist!…..
Kelly was stunned to say the least. She knew with Ben as a CPA and her as a nurse they could live a very lucrative life. She told Ben that perhaps he should rethink his decision, after all she said, we could donate more financially to the church if you continue on as a CPA and the church could really use the funds. “Ben” she said, “please rethink this. You can keep on volunteering and you could even get a little more involved in the church. Become a assistant pastor.”
“I can’t do that Kelly, God has called me to a higher calling.”
“But all the years of schooling you’ve already done. What about our dreams to buy our forever home? What about having children and traveling? You becoming the coach of little league? What about our dreams?” Kelly asked as she held the tears from overtaking her.
“Kelly, I have to do this. I understand if you want a different life, but I am committed to the church and to God.”
‘I am too Kelly shouted! I am too. I just don’t know if I want to be a preachers wife. This is something that never entered my mind. Lots of great and amazing people attend church and are involved, but they don’t all throw away their careers and lives to become preachers.”
“My mind is made up Kelly, I’m doing this.”
“Well Ben, I sure do hope they can teach you there in that seminary school that when you are a married man, you don’t just make life altering decisions without talking to your spouse. I hope they teach you that as a husband you need to consider your wife’s feelings and work together in coming to a place you both want to be. I hope they teach you that you can still give your all to God and the church without being a pastor or minister.”
Ben thought about what Kelly was saying. He looked at her and he began to cry. Ben took her in his arms and begged her to forgive him. They fell to their knees and Ben began to pray out loud pleading for God to hear his prayer and to give him guidance. Ben petitioned God in prayer and he thanked Him for the blessing that was right in front of him, his wife Kelly.
It was in that moment that Kelly took Ben’s face in her hands and in the most loving voice told him, “follow the path that God lays out for you, no matter what that path is. I will support you and stand by you. I love you.”
At first I think she was in shock. She didn’t understand his desire because she worked and didn’t attend church with him. Hopefully she accepted it after much discussion with him
Kelly slapped him across the face, what does he think he’s doing making a life change of that magnitude which affects the kids without discussing. Then she asked him to sit down and explain his plan, where is the money coming from, how is he going to replace the missed income, does he plan to go to school out of state and who the hell is going to help with the kids. Whne Ben could not answer a single question, Kelly said the plan was on hold and that he can start to get a feel of what giving your life to the church is like by volunteering twice a week. I like strong smart women!
Kelly rightly informed Ben that her salary alone woul not be enough to support their family and she could not do more hours without the family suffering. She asked that Ben reconsider his change of job only when the children were no longer dependant and thre was no oustanding mortgage on their property. At that time she said she’s be more in a position to support his move to the Ministry. Ben agreed that his timing was perhaps not right and would delay any decision until their children no longer needed his financial imput and their education was complete. He would continue to offfer support to his church at his current level until a change was viable.
I loved all these responses. It’s interesting how everyone sees the situation differently. I would have had a hard time being supportive of supportive of a husband choosing to go into the ministry. I don’t think any man interested in the ministry would want me as a partner. Lots of times I’m the last to know what’s about to come out of my mouth. I’d probably get us both tarred and feathered.
These are all wonderful writers. Please click on links to check out their sites. Thanks to all of you.
Uncle Albert was in his sixties, the weathered family patriarch. He’d had a hand in raising all his sister’s children since their father died young. They were all well aware that they might have starved without him. He was grouchy and not particularly fond of youngsters, so the young cousins had learned to steer clear of him.
Well-digging was an arduous task. A sturdy frame was built over the chosen spot. The nephews took turns using a pick and shovel to dig. Others pulled up buckets of the hard, red clay. Before long, they were all shirtless and sweating. Despite the difficulty, the work continued at a rapid pace since there was always a fresh worker to take the place of a fatigued one.
They enjoyed working together and laughed frequently. The women laid out a feast and called the children to eat before calling the men. Lou had never seen so such a large family. There must have been twenty children, most under twelve. Lynn had three cousins her age. Billy had three his age. There was a gaggle of babies and toddlers. There was never a quiet moment. The frantic mothers served their children plates of potato salad, beans and fried chicken and sent them off to sit on the ground and eat. The kids gobbled what they wanted and wasted the rest, rushing back to play.
The men crowded around the table, heaping their plates high. The women served themselves last. “This sure is some fine cooking.” one said.
”Pass the beans!” said another. They teased each other and the women all through the meal.
”Ronnie! Get out’a the road.” shouted Aunt Bessie! “Don’t make me get my switch.”
Warnings were frequently shouted at the wild children if they went near the well, hill, or river.
Lou had never played so excitedly. There were simultaneous games of baseball and hide and seek. General chaos ensued when younger children got too close and went down like bowling pins.
There were scoldings and swats aplenty when kids pushed their harried mothers too far, something that Lou had never seen. Most amazing of all, Lou was introduced to the outdoor toilet, a crude outbuilding built over a hole in the ground. “This is gross!” Lou said as she examined the facilities.
“You think this is gross! Wait till it’s been here a while. Whew!” Lynn laughed. “You won’t stay any longer than you can help”
They’d all been warned away from the log cabin in progress but eventually the parents’ vigilance wore thin. Mothers were putting the youngest ones down to nap on pallets. Suddenly, a rumble, clatter and shrieking came from the cabin. A couple of kids had slipped in and climbed on the log walls, collapsing them. Fortunately, nothing more serious than scrapes and bruises resulted.
Uncle Albert was clearly furious at the destruction of the cabin he’d worked so hard on. “You little devils. Y’all was told to stay out’a there! If you was mine I’d tan yore sorry hides.” The culprits were sternly lectured and some spanked by their fathers. The embarrassed men left the digging to the others and spent the rest of the day restacking logs. They brought them to an even higher level to make up for their boys’ bad behavior. Uncle Albert’s mood improved as the walls grew higher, though he continued to glare at the reckless boys.
As the day dragged on the sun went down and mosquitoes started to bite. Somebody built a bonfire. Mothers put insect repellent on the children and began to rock their sleepy babies.
”I sure wish they would knock off so we could get these kids home to bed.” Aunt Kat said.
”I know.” said Aunt Bonnie. “ They’re gonna have to finish tomorrow anyway.”
The kids raced in and out of the shadows of the fire, drunk on the joy of cousin-play. Finally the men gave up their digging, making the decision to continue Sunday morning. Sleeping babies were loaded in to vehicles for the trip home. Lynn, Lou, and Billy climbed into the back of the truck. Aunt Kat wrapped a them snuggly in an old quilt.
”Mother, it’s too hot!” Billy protested.
”It won’t be when we get going.” Aunt Kat said.
Sure enough, as soon as they started it was cool. The night was glorious. They looked up at the brilliant stars in the dark sky while bouncing along the wooded road. They were asleep before they’d gone a mile.
Joe met Francie working in kitchen at Oklahoma State Correctional Center. She was in for breaking and entering. He’d been busted for car theft. Thy found they had a lot in common. Frankie moved in with her sister Sue when she got out. Joe followed her to Sue’s when he got out. Joe came up with twenty bucks. Sue was broke but needed cigarettes. They agreed to buy her a pack if she’d give them a ride to the store. She waited in the car while they went in. Remembering something she needed, she decided to go in. Once inside, she saw Joe and Frankie stealing Finish the story in the comments.
Uncle Albert was building his house atop a hill over the river. Actually, he was taking apart his old log cabin and moving it near the river where he was reassembling it log by log with the help of his many nephews. Before he could get to that, he had to have a water well. Even though most people would have hired a business to drill one. Uncle Albert wouldn’t be doing that. He had no money. His nephews agreed to pitch in and dig one for him knowing they’d have to dig at least twenty feet to reach water.
The work had already started when Mr. Al came bumping up. Numerous cousins came running up to the truck calling “Lynn!” Or “Billy!” The children jumped out of the truck, ready to play with their cousins.
”Be careful!” called Aunt Kat, her warning falling on their disappearing backs. She went to join the women at a makeshift picnic area. Mr. Al joined the diggers at the well site.
One of the children had brought his red wagon. “Hey! Let’s take this wagon to the top of that hill and coast down!.” Several children climbed the gravel road up the steep hill, prepared to do that. Once they got there and looked down, Allen, the wagon’s owner reconsidered. The river’s high banks stretched near the bottom of the ride. “I changed my mind. Somebody else go first.”
”We’ll go.” called Lynn, glad for the first turn. She and Lou climbed in Allen gave the wagon a shove. They fairly flew down the hill, Lynn guiding the rattling wagon through the gravel. Dust fogged up behind them. The clattering of the descending wagon and cheers of the children caught the attention of their elders, who were horrified at the sight of the wagon flying down the hill toward the river below!
They dropped their work, shouting “Stop! Stop! The wagoneers could do nothing but hang on and pray for their lives. It turns out, Lynn and Lou got not only the first ride but the only ride. Lynn narrowly avoided crashing them off the high bluff into the river below.
The girls were rewarded with an angry lecture on how they’d nearly killed themselves. The wagon was confiscated!
”Hurry and get dressed! We’re going to Uncle Albert’s today. The men are going to pitch in and dig him a well. Lynn, you and Lou go let the chickens out of the henhouse and feed them. Take this bucket and gather the eggs on your way back in. Billy put out water for the dogs and the chickens. Do NOT get wet. Come straight back in.”
The kids took off. Lynn opened the henhouse door and the chickens swarmed out. A fat hen jumped on top of Lou’s head. It was terrifying. She screamed and ran all over the chicken yard. The hen got tired of the wild ride and jumped off. Lynn laughed till tears ran down her cheeks. “I’m sorry. I forgot to tell you they do that sometimes. We raised all our chickens from babies, so they still think they’re tiny chicks.”
Yeah, sure, I’ll bet you forgot.” Lou replied. She wasn’t much upset. It probably did look funny.
“If you’re still scared, I’ll feed the chickens. They flock all around trying to get to the feed. One of them might jump on you. They won’t hurt you.” Lynn said.
”That’s okay. I was just surprised. I’ll feed them.” She scattered chicken feed all inside the chicken yard. They quickly lost interest in her. “This is actually kind of fun.”
Lynn took the egg basket over to the row of nesting boxes. They were about head high. Rather than take the time to climb the ladder, Lynn stood on tiptoe, pulling one egg from each nest. When she reached in the last nest, she screamed and took off at a run, slinging eggs along the way. “Snake! Snake! Mother! There’s a snake in the nest!” she screamed. “I hate snakes!”
Aunt Kat came at a run. She grabbed a hoe next to the chicken yard gate. She climbed a couple of steps up the ladder and raked the snake out on the ground where she chopped his head off with the hoe. The dogs were going crazy with joy. One grabbed the head, another the body. Feeling cheated, the others took off after the two lucky ones, trying to snatch their prize. Aunt Kat laughed and put her hands on her hips, “Well, I bet I won’t have to remind anybody not to reach in the nest without looking, will I? She gathered up the few unbroken eggs. “Girls, take the hoe and scratch some dirt over these broken eggs. We don’t want the dogs to start sucking eggs. Hurry, Daddy’s almost ready to go.”
The kids were in awe of what she’d done.”Your mother is the bravest woman I’ve ever seen!” said Lou: “I’m so glad I didn’t gather eggs.”
When they got back in, Mr. Al was loading the old truck with shovels and rope. Aunt Kat and the girls brought out a big basket with picnic lunch. “Get in the back and sit down. Don’t you climb up on the rails. If I have to stop and straighten you out, it won’t be good!”
”Yes Sir” they all answered. No one could have convinced her to move. She’d never seen anyone ride in the back of a truck.
Aunt Kat came around to the back of the truck and handed Lynn a brown paper bag of hot sausage biscuits with jam. “You each have two apiece, but don’t waste them. You might want one for a snack later” she said. She got in the cab of the truck. She put Connie in the car seat and clung to the little baby as the truck bumped off down the gravel road. Dust fogged up behind the truck.
Lou dug in. The biscuit sandwiches were so good, she gobbled both. What a wonderful way to start the morning.
Mr. Al had to work the three to eleven shift that afternoon. Just before he was to leave for work, a peddler came by selling peas. Mr. Al came in carrying a huge load of peas. Aunt Kat looked appalled. “Oh no! I was planning to do laundry and mop this afternoon. Now we have to shell peas!” She spread a clean sheet on the floor and Mr. Al poured out the peas. A heap about two feet high covered three-quarters of the sheet.
“I know said Mr. Al “but we have to get peas when they’re available. These should get us through the winter.”
“I know, “ said Aunt Kat, “but it will be a big job for me and the kids to get these done by ourselves. They’ll go bad if I don’t get them in the freezer tonight.“
“I’ve gotta go. I gotta pick up Arnie for work. I’ll see if Betsy and her girl can come help.”
“That would really help.” She cheered up, knowing they would probably come help. They often helped each other on big jobs.
Soon enough, Miss Betsy and Sharon peeked in the front door. “Yoo hoo! Your help’s here.” called out Miss Betsy.
“Oh, thank you! I couldn’t imagine how I’d get all these done. Girls, get everybody a pan and let’s get started.” Lou had never seen peas shelled but she caught on quickly. The bad thing was, the purple of the pea shells stained her hands and under her fingernails. Aunt Kat told her it would wear off in a day or two.
Miss Betsy was a lot of fun. She had them laughing hysterically over her stories. Even the big baby liked her. The best thing was, Sharon loved babies. She held the little baby all the time except when the she napped. She teased Connie and kept her giggling.
Aunt Kat introduced a game called gossip they could play as the pile of peas decreased. The leader whispered a few words into the ear of the person next to them. The words couldn’t be repeated once spoken. The whispered message obviously got mangled as it passed from person to person. The last person in line revealed the message. It was hilarious. The original message “My kitten has blue eyes,” turned into “My wigwam has fried pies” They played till everyone got a chance to whisper the starting message.
After that, they all sang songs. It was like a party. Even seven-year-old Billy took his turn leading them in song. They played I Spy. They were making tremendous progress on the pile of peas when Aunt Kat took a break to make peanut butter sandwiches and kool aid for the pea shellers. By the time they were through with the peas, it was getting dusky dark. “We’d better head home before it gets too dark,” Miss Betsy said.”We have flashlights” We heard them singing far down the road.
We’d shelled two big dishpans of peas. They’d be eating peas long after I was back home. That almost felt a little sad.
Unlike washing dishes, the pea-shelling party was fun. I wished it could have gone on longer.
I was exhausted when I went to bed, too tired to talk. Loua woke me upu still had the big light on when I went to sleep. She was awakened by Grandma humming, “You are My Sunshine.”
“Grandma, I knew you’d get me home! I woke up in my own bed this morning.” said Lou, excitedly.
“Quiet!” said Grandma. “They can’t hear me but they can sure hear you. I almost messed up this morning l. It’s a wonder I didn’t spaghettify you. I can’t take that chance agin. I tried to get the bike and tore it in half. You’ll see in the morning. I’m not going to try again till I’m sure. You’re going to be here a little longer.”
“Where are you? Lou asked.
“ I think between yesterday and tomorrow. I like it. The strange thing is, a person can be in more than one place at a time. You are still at home with your parents and you are here. I’m trying to get all of you safely together at home. I’m at home and here in between.” said Grandma.
“So that’s why Mom’s not worried. I’m home, too.”
“Yes, it is but I will get you home. Don’t get discouraged.” Grandma said.
“I’ll try.” said Lou. I’m actually having a lot of fun. I like Lynn. She seems kind of familiar.”
Grandma seemed a little somber.”I won’t be back for a while. I’m getting some help from some really smart guys. We will get you home!”
The next thing she knew, Aunt Kat was waking her up.
”Lynn, I need you and Lou to watch Connie while I make the cornbread and put the chicken on to fry. I want to get it done before the baby wakes up. Maybe Lou can help and y’all can get the table set. Don’t forget to wash your hands. Around here, everybody has to pitch in or we won’t get supper till midnight. When Daddy gets home we’ll have to talk about your grandma, Lou.”
“Yes Ma’am” said Lynn. She balanced Connie on one hip while she washed her hands. “Come on , Lou. Wash up.”
Lou was surprised to be put to work. Mom wouldn’t have done that but she did want to eat. Lynn handed out mismatched plates and pointed out the silverware drawer. If you’ll put a plate and forks and spoons out, I’ll get glasses. Then we’ll take Connie in the living room to play.
Lynn set Connie in a big cardboard box in the middle of the living room floor and tossed a few toys in. The tiny girl played happily.
”Why do you have to work so much?” Lou asked. “Does it make you mad? My parents do most of the work.”
”I have to help. Since the babies came along, Mother can’t do it all. We never would get supper if she had to. I have to do dishes after supper, too. Then, I’m done. I wish Mother had gotten a dishwasher instead of another baby.” she laughed.
The aroma of the fried chicken coming from the kitchen was wonderful. Just then, then barking of the dogs announced an approaching vehicle. Lynn looked out the door. “It’s Daddy and Billy!” She called out to Mother.
”Just in time!” Mother said. “Pour the milk and help me get supper on the table, girls!” Lynn put Connie in the high chair and gave her a couple of crackers. Connie went to work on them.
Billy came bursting in the front door. “We sold all the pigs and got some goats!” He shouted, slamming the door behind him.
“Wah!” An angry wail sounded from the back of the house.
“Oh no! You woke the baby. Now I won’t get to eat. How many times do I have to tell you not to slam that door!” Mother tossed her dish towel on the counter and got the baby. “Lynn, do you want to finish getting supper on the table or take care of the baby?”
“I’ll get supper on the table. Come on Lou.” They loaded the table with a platter of fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, beans, and cornbread. The last touch was a dish of butter. It smelled wonderful!
Daddy came in the back door. “Good, supper’s ready. I’m starving! I’m going to wash up. Everybody get to the table.” Everybody took a place. “Billy, did you wash your hands?”
”Yessir.” said Billy, holding up wet hands.
”Well, dry them on your napkin and say Grace”
Everyone bowed their heads as Billy prayed. “God is great.
God is good.
Let us thank him for this food. Amen. Can I have a drumstick?”
”Amen!” said Daddy. “Son, didn’t you get a little ahead of yourself?”
”Yessir.” said Billy, passing his plate. Daddy took the baby while Mother served plates.
Daddy turned to Lynn. “Lynn. Who is your friend?”
”Daddy, this is Lou. She was riding with her grandma when they got caught by a storm. Her grandma disappeared. We went up to talk to Miss Betsy. She said she’d pass the word to the neighbors but we haven’t heard a peep.” Lynn had covered the story.
”That’s quite a story. There must be more to it.” He turned to Lou. “Can you tell us anything else? People don’t just disappear. Exactly what happened?”He sounded stern.
Lou felt like she’d done something wrong. “There’s nothing else to tell. One minute she was there. The next she wasn’t”
”I don’t know about that.” Daddy said. “ Everybody eat while your food is hot. We’ll talk about this more after supper.
Nutsrok 