Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: CALENDAR (10/20/16)
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TITLE: An Open Hand | Previous Challenge Entry
By Cindy Duncan
10/27/16 -
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Monday, November 2
Since Monday seems to have a reputation of being the worst day of the week, it seems appropriate that I would receive the letter today. Apparently, our home is in foreclosure. It will be sold on the eighth of December, which is thirty-six days from today. And I had no idea.
Wednesday, November 4
The letter did not surprise John. As my husband, I thought that he should have shared the information with me, but he said he didn’t want to worry me. He had hoped to fix things before I found out. He didn’t.
Sunday, November 8
Thirty days left. In one month, someone else will own our home. According to the letter, the new owner will purchase it on the courthouse steps. What is that about? Could they not at least go inside when they take my house from me? It just seems to me that hot dogs should be sold outside the courthouse, not people’s homes.
Tuesday, November 10
I remember the day we bought this house. It was twelve years ago. It took literally every penny we had to close. In fact, the day before the closing we were rolling up all our loose change into those little paper rolls. We had to write our account number on the rolls. By the time we were finished, I had memorized the number, and I still know it now because of that day.
Friday, November 13
As the wife of a commissioned salesman, I’m no stranger to tough times. It’s feast or famine around here. There’s no big commission check coming this time, though, so I need to accept it. As I look around my house at all the stuff we’ve collected, I regret every purchase. If I had put all that money in the bank instead of spending it on things I didn’t need, would we be losing our house? Now where will I put it all?
Thursday, November 19
I have crossed off the days on my wall calendar with a red marker since I read the letter. I didn’t think about it at the time, but red is the color for danger, so it’s quite appropriate. I feel like danger is ahead. I wake up in the middle of the night wondering where I will be sleeping next month.
Thursday, November 26
Today was our last Thanksgiving in our home. We decided to go all out. I mean, really, one nice meal is not going to change anything. I watched my children play with their cousins, and I wondered when we should tell them. They may have to change schools, and leave their friends. I’m having a difficult time being thankful today. Forgive me, Lord.
Monday, November 30
As I turn the page on my red November, I realize there’s no point in decorating for Christmas. Now I’m really sad. And scared. I have begun making deals with God. If you let me keep my house, I’ll do this or that. I know this is wrong, but I can’t help it. I can’t let go. I love my house.
Saturday, December 5
I had a garage sale today, in a desperate attempt to raise some money. The lady at the mortgage company said if we pay the total amount we owe by the morning of the sale, we could stop this thing. So I made just over a hundred dollars. That makes us thirty eight hundred short.
Sunday, December 6
I went to the altar at church today. With only two days left, I gave our house to God. I realized I had been holding onto it with a clenched fist, and it wasn’t mine to begin with. It was his, and he could do anything he wanted with it, so I opened my hand and let it go. For the first time in five weeks, I felt calm. We’ll be okay either way.
Monday, December 7
I picked up some boxes today and began packing. Then John came home and handed me an envelope. “Remember years ago, when I loaned Matt some money? He’s never offered to pay me back, and I’ve never mentioned it, but today he walks over and hands me this. He said he’s sorry it took him so long.” I opened the envelope and counted four thousand dollars.
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