Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: Protector (05/16/24)
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TITLE: PROD AND PROTECT | Previous Challenge Entry
By Ann Menschel
05/22/24 -
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“Thank You, Father, for the day You gave us and the ways You work in our lives – even when we don’t realize it,” said Greg as he prayed.
“Amen,” Cynthia and Ethan chimed in.
Greg took a pork chop and handed the platter to Cynthia. “Ethan, please take some potatoes and pass them on. So, how was the field trip to the farm? Did your Mom behave?” Greg teased, glancing at Cynthia with a smile.
Ethan put a scoop on his plate and passed the bowl. “It started out a little rocky but got better,” Ethan answered.
“Rocky how?” Greg asked.
Ethan glanced at his mom. “Mom and I were late so we were the last ones on the bus. There were two seats left – one with my friend, Charlie, and the other by the strange, new kid.”
“There’s a new kid in your grade?”
“Yes, and he’s really different. He’s scrawny, wears weird clothes and talks with a funny accent.” Ethan glanced at his Mom. “Why didn’t you rescue me and sit by him – instead of sitting next to Charlie?”
“You and Charlie spend lots of time together. Isaiah, the ‘new kid’ needed someone to pay attention to him. Not an adult – but one of his classmates,” Cynthia explained.
Ethan rolled his eyes.
“Mom has a good point. So, was he as weird as you thought he would be?” asked Greg as he buttered his bread.
“Not really. He moved here from a very small town and is having trouble with the big school. I told him about our moving here three years ago and feeling the same way. Plus, he’s really funny. He told me a good joke.”
“Let’s hear it,” Cynthia chimed in, pouring gravy over her potatoes.
“Why couldn’t the bicycle stand up by itself?”
“I give. Why?” asked Greg.
“It was two-tired.”
Greg groaned. “Ethan, it appears you forgot to take green beans – you know, the ‘no thank you helping’. Cynthia, these meatballs are delicious. Great job.”
“Thanks,” she replied. Glancing at Ethan she grinned and suggested, “Tell Dad about the new skill you acquired today.”
Greg watched as Ethan put three green beans on his plate.
“Once again Mom didn’t come to my rescue. The farmer has a cow and showed us how he milks her every day. He even squirted a stream into a begging kitten’s mouth. He asked who would like to try milking her just as the cow moved and almost knocked him down. He patted on the back and waited.”
“Then what happened?” Greg asked.
“Mom loudly says, ‘I’m sure Ethan would love to learn to milk a cow’.”
“She threw you under the bus again so to speak,” quipped Greg.
“For sure,” Ethan agreed. “No way was I going to volunteer. How embarrassing would it be if I couldn’t do it right – with everyone watching.”
Cynthia looked at Ethan expectantly.
Ethan continued, “Okay, I decided to try to milk the cow. After a couple minutes and suggestions from the farmer I was able to get a bit of milk into the bucket. It was pretty fun.”
“Then several other kids were willing to give it a try,” Cynthia added.
“Sometimes we need a push to do something we can accomplish. I’m glad your Mom gave you that push,” said Greg.
Ethan glanced over at his Mom. “That wasn’t all she did.”
“Oh?” Greg asked.
“I was busy talking to the farmer and was the last kid back on the bus. The only seat open was next to Jared.”
“The kid who is always in trouble and has a nasty mouth?” asked Greg.
“Yeah, that kid.”
“What happened?”
“Mom moved and sat down next to Jared, giving me her spot. Jared scowled at her and called her a bad name. She just smiled and started asking him what he had enjoyed the most. I got to sit with a friend instead.”
“It sounds like Mom knew exactly what her role was today – to help you stretch with new experiences – but also to protect you when it was truly needed.”
Ethan looked over at Cynthia. “Thanks, Mom, for being there today – and knowing the right thing to do for me each time . . . So, what’s for dessert?”
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