When a Help-Offering Precedes a Request.
Do you know someone so well that you feel safe in suggesting a helpful action before it is asked for? Even if your idea is not what is wanted, you know no offence will be experienced. Let me be clear. The person making the offer is not acting out of boldness or ignorance. They just understand their friend or family member that well.
Not very common you might think. You’re right, but what a blessing it is to have someone who is so well in tune with you. That’s the kind of relationship one hopes for between two lovers or between twins. Such a relationship you’d think is worth doing anything to keep.
In my novel, Baggage burdens. that is the connection that Josey has with her granddaughter, Jill. Josey has come to meet her granddaughter after years of separation. A couple months before completing her grade twelve year Jill has run away from home and needs a place to stay. Josey not only agrees to let her live in her house, but she also offers to try to salvage some of her courses from school to get her credits. Josey goes one step further by registering Jill in a summer course to be a step closer for Jill getting her diploma.
In the following passage the reader sees Jill’s gratitude.
By early August, Jill is very thankful for Josey’s rescuing deeds. They far exceed her wildest hopes. For the last five weeks, Jill has worked hard on her English course. Exams are finished. She aced that course. In celebration, she claims the upper veranda deck at her grandmother’s redbrick house in Brampton for her private sun-tanning haven. Singing wind chimes that hang from the soffit at the end of the deck sooth her spirit.
As her grandmother’s Santorini mobile souvenir comes into focus, she sees a light blue boat with white sails gliding in the late-morning breeze. Half a dozen glistening glass dolphins suspended from the bottom of the boat with an almost invisible tackle line dart about as if they’re playing in the sea. Eight silver, pencil-thin metal pipes dance around, ringing out their laughter like children on a summer beach.
“Ah, heaven! I could stay here forever,” says Jill. Hearing her words of joy urges Jill to praise her grandmother next time she visits.
Gram, you’re so wonderful. I thought my high school courses were lost. I don’t know how you did it, but I’m sure thankful you convinced my history and drama teachers to let me hand in my last three assignments. It was a lot of work to do in two weeks. I really couldn’t of handled any more. Now I’m free until September. It feels so good.
The review of her last two months leads Jill to appreciate her grandmother’s ability to do anything she sets her mind to. Neither her mother nor her father demonstrated that talent. If I could only be like Gram. Someday, maybe.
Within three weeks Jill decides she must move away.
Imagine what terrible event causes this action.
Imagine how great her distress.
“Any more questions?” Karen’s voice is calm.
Jill shakes her head and stands up.
Karen raises her voice a bit. “Good. Because I have a question.” Karen waits for Jill to sit down. “When do you plan to phone and tell your grandmother your plans?”
Jill’s silent.
“You are going to phone your grandmother, aren’t you?” Karen’s eyes narrow, piercing guilt.
Again Jill waits, then shakes her head and takes a deep breath. “I’m not,” she announces firmly.
“But, Jill, you can’t leave your grandmother in the dark.” Karen leans forward. “Not after all that she has done for you.”
“I have no choice—”
“But—”
Karen’s objection is cut short.
“And you can’t tell her where I’ve gone either.” Jill hopes the firmness of her voice continues to secure Karen’s support.
“But why? You know your grandmother has your best interests at heart.”
haiku capsule:
heavenly servant
knows the heart’s greatest wishes
dearest companion
Next blog: A Tough Read.
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