Story by : Dincy
What a beautiful day!” thought Sally. Sun is yet to rise. She hugged her husband. For a moment she said some personal prayers. Her heart was filled with thankfulness for the blessed family she had.
Sally was working as a customer care representative. Even though job was tiring, she always found a reason to be thankful to God everyday. She loved her husband Ben and children Tania and Shimal, mostly for being a Godfearing family. Ben was a teacher and their children were in grade 8 and 5.
She got up from bed and headed to kitchen. On weekends kids like grilled cheese and sausages. By the time they wake up she made some coffee for herself and Ben and went to deck to enjoy sunrise.
“Good morning honey” said Ben and sat near her. They discussed their family plan for the day – to drive to a far-away beach, spend evening there and have supper at Kelsey’s and come back by nine-ish.
Sally finished her coffee and started to set the picnic bag with swimsuits, towels, some snacks, and juices while Ben enjoyed his garden.
She took some bread, butter, and cheese to make grilled cheese. While grilled cheese was getting ready, she remembered that she did not buy breakfast sausages. Taniya is going to be little upset this morning. Sally had promised her to make it on weekend, since all weekday they had cereal for breakfast.
“Thank you, mom for the breakfast”, Taniya rushed to kitchen. “It smells so good, Mom”, she grabbed a plate and placed grilled cheese to her plate and looked for sausages. “Where is sausage Mom,” she asked.
Sally said, “I am sorry my dear, I forgot to buy it yesterday, for sure we will buy it tomorrow morning and make it for tomorrows breakfast, I promise.”
Taniya moved the plate away from her and went back to her room. Ben went after Taniya and comforted her. He told bit loudly to Sally, to plan days better so that kids have good time. She felt offended since she was very good in planning, organizing and entertaining others. She did not like Ben criticizing her in front of kids. To add fuel to fire, Taniya said, “Sara’s mother does everything perfectly, she cooks worlds best pancakes, Dad, you must try it, its so yummy.”
“Dad, its Rina,” Shimal came with the phone. “Good morning Rina, How are you?” asked Ben.
“Good morning Ben. I am doing good. Hmm… I have a situation at work today and I couldn’t find my babysitter available today. She has plans with her family. I was wondering if you don’t have any bigger plans for the day, could I please drop my boys for the day, I will be back by 4 pm.” Oh, sure Rina, I am glad to help and your kids are amazing. My girls would love to take care of them.” Ben said.
“Hey girls, Rina would bring Sam and Tobby here. Could you please care for them”? asked Ben
“Yes Dad,” said Taniya. Her face lit with happiness.
“Hey Sally, we have a change of plan for the day. Rina is dropping her boys here, she has some important call from her work”.
“Come on Ben, why didn’t you tell her about our family plan for the day.” What about our picnic?” Sally started to feel her body burning with anger. When it comes to Rita, Ben is so sensitive, thought Sally. “Ben, she has her brothers, and other relatives living in this city. Why us?”
“Sally, she is an amazing lady. She has her handful with two jobs, and the toddlers. I wonder how she manages her jobs, groceries, bill payments, cooking, with those two boys. I heard she has a beautiful garden. We need to support her in her needs. How else can we teach our kids to show kindness, they are always learning from us, let them learn from what we practice.” Said Ben.
Taniya and Shimal rushed to welcome the boys when doorbell rang. Sally accompanied them and politely welcomed them home. “Thank you for having them Sally, I know it’s a last moment request. But the call from work was urgent and I couldn’t find an alternative, said Rina. “Don’t worry Rina and we are happy to be helpful,” said Sally. She handed over the bags for boys and drove to her work.
Sally went to her room. Ben followed and started comforting her. She wanted to yell at him for spoiling her day.
“Yesterday Robyn came and asked to donate towards fundraising for the autism kids. What do you think, Sally? How much should we donate” asked Ben.
Robyn is Ben’s sister. Everyone says that she is a generous person. She is available to support almost all church activities in cash and kind.
“Ben, she did not like it when we were going to help your Dad’s sister in her need, just because Robyn don’t like your aunt. Your aunt’s need to support her daughter was a genuine one. Now she needs us to donate so that she can keep her image in the community as a generous member. You can do whatever you feel like, yelled Sally and walked away.
She grabbed her keys. “I am going to do groceries. I need some fresh air”, said Sally and went towards her driveway. “What would Jesus really call Robyn when He sees her heart, murmured Sally. “the same name that Jesus would call you” snapped Ben. Sally was shocked to see Ben near her. She had an awkward feeling. “Lady Pharisee” – “I believe that would be the name Jesus would be calling ladies who don’t practice what they preach.” Ben said.
By Dincy
