An Inspiration
It is hard not to admire a person who you see as kind, courteous, an individual of principal who stands up for his or her beliefs even if it means suffering in the end. When I caught a glimpse of such a rare person, I found I had to keep my eye out for that person to make sure I wasn’t dreaming. Do such quality individuals really exist? The woman I observed turned out to be what I had hoped, but only in the company of certain kinds of people. I couldn’t help desiring to try to uncap this bottled genie. The loss of her vibrancy could diminish the quality of life of the group that she lives and works in. Who can’t want to help a beautiful bird with an injured wing, a whimpering pup, a lonely purring kitten? And so her flashes of gracious loving humanity led to me to discovering what hobbled this special person.
In my novel, Baggage burdens. I’ve named this woman Jill.
I wonder, do her caring actions below motivate you to know more about her. Do her actions stir you to want to help her be free of the shackles that at times inhibit her true self?
“He said he wouldn’t drink anymore!” Jill’s outburst erupts as she fails to contain her fury.
Her mother doesn’t respond. Righteous anger forces the seventeen-year-old to her feet to face her father.
“He’d better go downstairs and call his AA buddy.” Jill summons her courage, then advances, intent to demonstrate her conviction and redirect her father downstairs.
Alice scrambles after her angry daughter. “Jill, don’t.”
“Don’t what? That was the deal. He said if he ever comes home drunk again, we could tell him he had to call his AA buddy. We could remind him of it. He agreed to that. Remember?” The volume of her voice rises.
Jill advances again toward the top of the stairs, planning to meet her father before he reaches the top step. Before she can act, her mother’s objection interrupts.
“Yes, but …”
Jill wheels around and faces her mother. “But what?”
Alice fails to explain how Jill’s provocative voice could ignite an emotional explosion and possibly a violent confrontation. The frustrated growling from the porch announces an intoxicated struggle to get out of outside clothes.
“Let me talk to him. Please go to your room.” Alice’s pleading voice weakens Jill’s resolve.
Grumbling continues to bounce off the porch walls.
“Let me help you,” insists the indignant girl. “We have to stand up to him. We’re stronger together.”
Jill sees a church bulletin announcement that excites her. She goes online and reads the topics for the weeklong conference. After studying the general sessions and afternoon and early evening special sessions, she checks off several. A day is set aside for touring, so Jill reviews the Chicago tourist sites. She tells no one that she is considering the conference. Other mothers who aren’t as involved with their families probably need and want this opportunity more, she rationalizes.
Sunday, a week before the deadline, Gloria Brewster, the Sunday school superintendent, encourages Jill to apply. “Your involvement in church and homeschooling demonstrates you have a high value for family and church life. Such commitment ensures you’ll find valuable ideas to bring back,” urges Gloria. “Give it a shot. What do you have to lose?”
Monday afternoon when Julie joins Jill for their regular workout in the basement, Jill asks, “Do you really think I have a chance? I mean, shouldn’t such an opportunity go to someone who is not that involved in the church? You know, to encourage more participation?”
Julie’s response is immediate. “I think the church wants to support someone who is a doer, who will take what they learn at the conference and make use of it. That fits you to a tee. You teach Sunday school and organize the Vacation Bible School first thing in July. You’re also on the fundraising committee for the Wellness Center. And didn’t you get Amber to submit a painting for the silent auction last year?”
“Actually, the last three years,” corrects Jill.
“See what I mean? You involve your children in the church too. That’s wonderful! I’ll bet that’s exactly who they are looking for.”
“I don’t know,” begins Jill.
“Speaking of involving your children, you also have Amber participating in the community drama club. And didn’t Sarah accept a small part in the summer play?”
“When Teeters Totter, yes. But it was such a small part,” answers Jill.
“Doesn’t matter. You invite others in to participate. That’s the important thing.”
haiku capsule:
a loving mother
moral, outspoken woman
backbone of a home
Nextblog: What Makes a Good Employee?
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