The Hidden Happiness || Inkwell Prompt #61
After I left my previous job in September, I was convinced that a more interesting chance awaited me somewhere. This solution, on the other hand, did not work out. I just had a week left until Christmas, and I couldn't find any employment anywhere else. I was able to pay my rent and buy food while working on the side, but I didn't have enough money to pursue other interests.
Leslie was in the eighth grade at the time, so I was taken aback when she announced, over breakfast one morning, "I'm in the eighth grade."
"I understand that you don't have a job and that money is tight for you, Mom." You are under no obligation to purchase a Christmas gift for me. Please find employment before my birthday and we will come up with something unique.
I hugged her and told her, "Thank you, honey, that was a beautiful idea."
For the sake of keeping her from seeing my tears, I swiftly cleaned the table and went to the sink. Even though I was able to gather myself and transport her to school, I broke down as soon as she slammed the car door shut behind her.
Such a wonderful child is responsible for such a wonderful Christmas! I let out a yell. - If I had even fifty dollars extra, I'd spend it on things for her...
That evening, Leslie and I went to church together. In the meantime, she attended a meeting with her youth group, and I attended an adult service at the chapel. I had already concluded that I wasn't in the mood for advise like "look back at the joy surrounding you" by the time I got halfway into the reception area. As soon as I turned back, I dashed into the building with my friend Jody. She took my hand in hers and kissed it.
Can you tell me about your plans?
"I'm going home," I announced unexpectedly.
What exactly is the point? She was curious and inquired.
"Because I don't want to hear about how wonderful Christmas is," I said further.
"I understand," she said with a nod. It's not anything I'm interested in hearing about either. But isn't that the same reason why we should both leave? Will you kindly remain in your seat and sit close to me? While nobody is watching, let's hide on the balcony and scream about how much we loathe Christmas while no one is listening.
I agreed with him. We were like two Sunday school kids putting up a practical joke. When we reached the second floor, I took Jody's arm in mine.
During the course of listening to Bible passages about the birth of our Savior, my rage began to fade. It brought me peace of mind to think about how many years ago, the angels had conveyed the happy news. Christmas, after all, is always a time of excitement and hope for the future, whether there are presents under the tree or not! Jody had a crucial role in convincing me to stay.
As I reached for my jacket, Jody snatched my hand from under my arm.
"Please take this," she said as she handed me a piece of folded paper. "Thank you." Paying your bills, on the other hand, is not recommended. Spend the money on gifts for your daughter.
In the mail, there was a fifty-dollar payment for my trouble. The meaning of this sum struck me. I couldn't stop the tears from streaming down my face once more. I didn't tell Jody about my early morning prayer because I didn't want her to worry. Her plea was answered by the Almighty. He was concerned about my irrational desires, which he found amusing.
But, I complained, "I'm not sure when I'll be able to pay the debt back," I explained.
"And you're under no obligation to return it," Jody clarified. I only ask that when you are able to get back on your feet, you do the same thing for someone else.
This will be taken care of by me! "Thank you so much," I exclaimed, hurriedly adding my thanks.
We made our way down the steps in silence. When we arrived outside, I hugged her one more time and thanked her once more before saying our goodbyes. Jody's outstanding service and immediate generosity allowed me to relieve myself of a significant burden. I was looking forward to the vacation once again.
On the eve of Christmas, a cardboard box appeared on my front porch. Inside, there was a large turkey and plenty of sides for a filling meal, as well as some extra food for breakfast and lunch the following days. Desserts were also offered for purchase. Leslie gasped in amazement as we pulled out more and more chocolates from the package. Our entire dinner table was crammed with food at the same time it was completely empty.
What exactly are we going to do with all of this information? Leslie was interested in learning more.
"It's not something we're going to eat," I agreed.
There's no way a turkey will fit in a refrigerator! Leslie was overjoyed by the news.
When we looked at each other, we knew exactly what to do. We were on the verge of saying the same thing at the same time:
Let's go all out for this!
We were acquainted with a large family that, like us, was struggling with unemployment and a lack of financial resources. In addition to repacking the box and adding additional supplies, we put the entire bag of chocolates we'd received the day before on top of it.
I've had an inspiration! I ran to my room and came back with a couple of stuffed animals, figurines, and an old board game.
"These are for the kids," she added as she placed them on top of the serving platter.
We wrapped the box with cling film and tied it together with multi-colored ribbons. Following that, we carefully transferred her to the car and drove to a different location.
"Would you be interested in driving a short distance while I wait?" Leslie was interested in learning more.
She was out of breath when she jumped into the car a few minutes later.
It turned out just wonderful! After ringing the doorbell, I dashed out the door.
We were laughing the whole way home after our "box run." After the laughter had calmed down, we made cocoa and spoke about how wonderful it was to be able to distribute food. Leslie ultimately retired to her room.
It had only been a week since I had set a little stack of brightly colored toys beneath an artificial Christmas tree that had appeared lifeless. What a beautiful woman she has blossomed into! My modest gifts from my parents were then packed into Leslie's Christmas sock, which she had given to me as a gift.
The items were meticulously packaged by my mother, who wouldn't even give me an indication as to what was inside the boxes. It turns out that even grownups should be startled by Christmas, as she stated.
Mom, you're exactly correct in everything you say! It is absolutely correct!
The End
Thanks for reading, Have a great day!
Thanks for reading, Have a great day!
Hmmmm....this truly explained the prompt word happiness.
When you are not having sometimes, do not lose hope as you shall have what you desire in due time...
Thanks @coolo8. For me true happiness is saving someone else's life ... Providing financial and moral assistance to the poor and needy.
It might be said that happiness for this family was about loving, sharing and giving. At first it seemed that fifty dollars to buy a present was all important. But, as the story and the character evolved, sharing and giving was more important, and brought true joy the the mother and Leslie.
Thank you for sharing this story about happiness with us. We appreciate that you engage with other authors.
Thank you @theinkwell for your response. Happiness means something different to everyone. For some, money, stamps, etc. For some it's a child, for some it's just worship...
Wow so their Christmas they didn't plan for, had no hope of celebrating later turned to a glorious one.
Them distributing foods also is so kind of them.
Indeed happiness was restored.
Very uplifting tale of kindness and happiness. Sweet and heartwarming, too. Perfect use of the prompt 😊❤️🤔
The happiness of giving and sharing what has been received in a beautiful story. I loved it.
A hug
Speaking of a Christmas miracle.
I was relieved when I read that Leslie got her miracle after all hope to host her daughter to a wonderful Christmas looked impossible. And even after the miracle they were able to shared the love around.
Interesting story.