Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: The Family Reunion (06/05/08)
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TITLE: HOW TO BE | Previous Challenge Entry
By Stella Walsh
06/07/08 -
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My brother, Pete, and his wife, Joan, leaned in closer to hear Sylvia’s latest tirade against one of her co-workers.
I could hear them clearly from where I stood near the window. Please, God. Will I have to listen to that all evening?
My family had gathered to celebrate my father’s birthday. Having recently committed myself to Christ, I was experiencing grave doubts about taking on the family so soon. I had no idea how to act. Or be. Should I remind them constantly of my new status? Should I correct them when they behaved in an unholy way?
“Do you know what the dimwit did next?” Sylvia continued, entertaining Pete and Joan with her story.
I wandered over to help with the table. On the way, I noticed my other sister, Cathy, sitting in the armchair in the corner. She held a glass of whiskey in her hand. Her head lay back on the chair and her eyes were closed. She had reminded us when she came in that her job at the agency was demanding and she wasn’t really with it today. She just wanted a drink and to be left alone.
“Ray, you’ve already had three drinks,” Mom, coming in from the kitchen to the dining area, chastised Dad as he headed for the liqueur cabinet again.
“Relax, Fran, that’s what a birthday is for,” he laughed loudly.
God, You said I’m supposed to honor my parents. I’ll need to discuss that with the pastor. I'm not exactly sure how to embrace that challenge.
Meanwhile, Sylvia and Pete had begun an argument about who had the most job perks and benefits.
God, should I remind them of putting gods before You?
I started placing cutlery around the table. I could feel the beginning of a headache.
Fabulous smells were coming from the kitchen. Pretty soon, Mom had the table covered with delicious dishes of food.
“Come on, everyone. I know you only came to eat your mother’s cooking. It’s not to see me,” Dad plopped down on a chair and placed another drink in front of his plate.
I cringed.
Please, Lord. Give me strength.
We all assembled around the table. Sylvia was reminding Pete that he hadn’t gone down south last year. Cathy reminded Mom to get the wine bottle from the fridge. Everybody passed around dishes and scooped out food. Without hesitation, they started eating.
I toyed with my fork and watched the others shove food into their mouths.
Please be with me, Lord.
“Ah, could we maybe ask a blessing before we eat,” I said quietly.
They all stopped in mid-chew and looked at me.
Mom smiled. “That would be nice, Debbie.”
The others lowered their forks and glanced around at each other. Slowly they swallowed their food and folded their hands in front of their faces.
I shifted on my seat. “Maybe we could hold hands.”
Sylvia and Pete looked at each other. For a moment I thought they would refuse. Then Pete reached over and took Sylvia’s hand. He laughed. “Why not?”
In a moment, we had all joined hands, except for Cathy and Dad. She sat with her eyes fixed on her wine glass. She reached for the glass and took a large gulp of wine. She set it down and reached over for Dad’s hand. She continued to look at the table. Dad snorted.
“Go ahead, Debbie,” Mom said.
I cleared my throat. I wasn’t sure how to begin, or what to say.
Help me, God.
“Dear, Heavenly Father,” I started.
What was I doing? I wasn’t even comfortable with my own private prayers yet.
I continued. “Thank you for this delicious meal. Thank you for this time together as a family.” I didn’t hear any snickers. “Thank you for all of your blessings,” I finished softly.
Quickly, everyone released hands and picked up their forks again. A quiet atmosphere settled over the table.
“That was nice, dear,” Mom said, smiling at me.
I picked up my fork and started to eat. God had never promised easy, but He had promised to be there. It was a start.
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A couple of thoughts for future reference... The cabinet for alcohol would generally be referred to as the "liquor cabinet." Also, as you did well with through most of this story, action verbs engage the reader most. I might suggest then...
"Fabulous smells (wafted?) were coming from the kitchen."
You had me right at the table with your family. Nice writing!