Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Singing (10/31/05)
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TITLE: An Unforgettable Sunday Morning | Previous Challenge Entry
By Karen Frantz
11/03/05 -
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There was a chill in the air on that cool, crisp, bright day in late November.
Sammy shivered and pulled his jacket up closer to his neck. He peered over the old iron gate that was connected to both sides of the fence. The huge, old, weather-beaten house did look haunted.
Sammy shivered again. He had been told that old Mrs. Niles was crazy, and that she hated people, especially little boys, but Sammy remembered what his Sunday school teacher said, “God says we are to love our neighbor and help those in need.” Sammy was sure Mrs. Niles needed help. He had never seen her before, but he was sure he could love her too.
He placed his hands on the cold, iron gate and pushed it open. That old gate screeched and clanked as Sammy pushed it open. He slowly walked up the sidewalk. As he walked up the steps his legs began to shake. When he reached the front door he was shaking all over. He closed his eyes and whispered a silent plea, “Please, God don’t let Old Mrs. Niles hurt me.” Then Sammy lifted his cold shaky hand and rapped lightly on the door, nothing happened. He waited what seemed like a long time. Then he rapped one more time, a little harder. Sammy thought, “Maybe she’s not at home.” When all of a sudden the big old wooden door swung open, and there stood a little old lady with a shawl wrapped around her shoulders she stared at Sammy and yelled, “Who are you and what are you doing on my property?” Sammy trembled and swallowed hard, “Uh, my name is Sammy, I live two houses down, and I think we’re neighbors.” He said with a little chuckle. “Yeah, I guess we are, but what is it you want.” She huffed. “Well, I was wondering if you had something I could do for you, like rake your leaves or oil the hinges on that old gate.” Sammy said. “No! Go home and don’t come back.” She yelled, and slammed the door. Sammy shuffled off the porch and he felt sad. Then he had an idea.
The next morning, bright and early, Sammy was over at Mrs. Niles, raking leaves and he even oiled the old gate. He knew she was watching him through her windows. Around noon he heard the big door swing open and old Mrs. Niles walked out on the porch. “Hey, you there, boy, what are you doing?” She snapped. “I’m helping you. By the way, tomorrow is Sunday would you come to church with me?” He asked. “Come in out of the cold wind and we’ll talk.” Sammy was really scared. What was she going to do? He stepped inside the old house. Mrs. Niles came towards him. His heart was pounding. She reached over took his hand and led him to a small kitchen. Then she fixed Sammy a bowl of the best soup he had ever tasted. They talked for awhile and then Sammy said, “Bye, Mrs. Niles, thanks for the soup. It sure was good and I’ll see you tomorrow morning at 11:00.” “I’m not sure I can make it.” Mrs. Niles snapped.
The next morning Sammy watched for Mrs. Niles, but she didn’t come. The service started and Sammy kept looking. They began singing ‘Amazing Grace’ when the door opened, in walked old Mrs. Niles. Everything stopped, all eyes were on her. She walked down the aisle to where Sammy’s family was sitting. Sammy moved over, handed Mrs. Niles his hymnal and the music started to play. Sammy and all those around Mrs. Niles could not believe their ears. She sang like an angel. Everyone smiled as old Mrs. Niles’ melodious singing filled the church.
Sammy, now grown with a little boy of his own, thinks about old Mrs. Niles and how she is now singing with the angels.
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