Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Clothes (11/02/12)
-
TITLE: It was a Perfect Garment for Mattie | Previous Challenge Entry
By Deborah Sampson
11/06/12 -
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES
Their last stop for today was at the Goodwill store. Megan hoped they had something, last week there wasn’t anything they could use.
Mattie needed some new clothes. She about grew out of most of her things. Although never having a lot of money, Megan had finally managed to save some; it wasn’t easy with one income. Mattie was eleven years old but she was tall for her age.
Mattie was already searching through the racks of clothes. She found a shirt and a pair of jeans that might work. She was about to try them on when Mattie saw the dress.
“What a beautiful dress.” Mattie whispered to herself. It would be so wonderful to be able to wear it at the Jr. High School dance. All the girls were talking about what they were wearing. Maybe Sam would notice her in this.
The price on the dress was twelve dollars. More than mom could afford. She held the dress up to her. It was beautiful and looked like it would fit her. The little shrug that came with it made the dress.
Megan watched her daughter as she lovingly held the dress. She walked up, “Mattie, why don’t you try your shirt and jeans. Come show me, if you like them.”
When Mattie left, Megan picked up the dress; it was so pretty, she grabbed the price ticket. “Oh my goodness, Twelve dollars!”
Megan’s face fell, she couldn’t go that high. Mattie came out of the dressing room. The shirt and jeans fit her very well. The prices were good. “We will get these, Mattie.”
“Mom, could I try on the dress, I know we can’t afford it, but I’d be able to see if it fits and I’d know what it would feel like to wear something like this.”
Megan knew better, but the look on her daughter’s face made her say yes. “Come and show me honey, if it fits, I’d like to see too.”
“Hi Megan, I see a lot of people that I know shop here.” Allison picked up a stylish shirt as she spoke.
“Yes, they do. We come here once in a while too.” That was a fib, often would be more like it. Allison lived down the street and attended the same church as they did. She was a very sweet and sincere person.
Mattie emerged from the dressing room, her daughter had transformed before her very eyes. The dress fit like a dream and the wrap made it look divine.
“Oh Mattie, your gorgeous honey.” Tears formed in Megan’s eyes.
“My, Mattie, you are a cutie in that! You’d better snatch that one up my dear; you could even wear it to church.” Allison smiled at the two, as she moved around to the next isle.
Allison watched as they hugged, but she heard Meagan say, “Sorry honey, but not now.”
Allison felt the pain for Mattie. Megan worked hard to support them by herself. Her husband had died of Leukemia last year. It has been rough on them. Megan’s deep faith held them together, without it, it would have been grim.
A few minutes later, she saw the two of them walk to the front with their purchase.
Allison followed close behind. But she just had to make a little detour.
After school the next day, Megan and Mattie were walking up to their small house. On the door step laid a box.
“What’s this?” Megan eyed the box. “Let’s just see shall we?” As they walked into the house.
Megan reached for the note attached. She read, ‘God blessed me in so many ways, He led me to bless you today. Wear it, knowing you are loved’
Mattie was smiling as she twirled the lovely dress around. She was so happy with her gift.
Megan knew who the one was behind this blessing, but she knew that Allison would never admit to it.
Maybe someday Megan could do something kind like this, she silently thanked the good Lord and of course the one that made this gift possible too.
The dance was heavenly, but Megan laughed when Mattie told her about it, Sam had not noticed her once, but John did, and kept by her side the whole wonderful evening.
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
If you died today, are you absolutely certain that you would go to heaven? You can be right now. CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.
There were some tiny errors like your instead of you're. When you introduced Allison I needed to stop and reread to see if I missed her. I know you told about her in the next paragraph but you may want to mention who she is right away. A challenge buddy might help you catch these little things. If you need help finding one, feel free to PM.
I found this story delightful. You nailed the topic and created characters that many people can relate to, especially these days. I also enjoyed your message. God will prompt us to be his messenger and give someone what I would call an I love you from Jesus. It's so important for us to act on those nudgings. Something that may seem trivial to us could be huge for someone else. You did a fine job with this and I'm eager to read more of your work. :)