Stephen's Heart Muscle
Stephen watched from his family porch as Miss Ellie pulled her old wagon up to the driveway. Her car was old and squealed in protest coming up the drive, but Miss Ellie was old, too.
At age 10 Stephen was a smart child and observant. He remembered how Miss Ellie and Gabe always went places together and came back laughing and smiling from church or simple outings. One day last year Miss Ellie came home alone. No one really spoke about it, but Gabe was gone. He'd heard his Mom talking in the kitchen not long after on the phone and she baked a bunch of food and took it next door. Many cars came to Miss Ellie's place and for a few days, people filed in and out with food and flowers. Since then, Miss Ellie rarely left her house and only to shop. No one came to visit and when she did come out of the house, her face looked sad.
When she got out of her wagon, he saw her struggle with bags of groceries and a big bag of dog food for the aging dog, Jake. Stephen loved Jake, but Jake looked tired, too.
Stephen hopped off the porch and ran to Miss Ellie, who struggled with the bag of dog food.
"Here, Miss Ellie. Let me help you! I have lots of muscle and I can carry your groceries."
Miss Ellie looked down at the sandy haired child and smiled. Her eyes misted and her wrinkled hands released the awkward bag.
"Thank you, Stephen, that's very kind of you."
He laughed in embarrassment and ran with the bag up her steps. He returned for the rest of the bags and helped her put them away.
"You know, I can help you whenever you need help, Miss Ellie. I'm getting stronger every day!"
"Stephen, that is such a wonderful offer. I will ask you next time I need help. You know, Gabe said he would watch over me when God took him home and I think you are his messenger today."
She gave him a hug and pushed a few dollars in his hands before he left.
Oh, Miss Ellie, this won't cost you anything, I was made strong to help people and you just have to call.
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@wandrnrose7 Loved this sweet and touching story! 😍
And also your depiction of Gabe's death and funeral from Stephen's perspective (the second paragraph). (:
Reminds us all of how we can be a blessing to others in need around us.
Hey, @wandrnrose7.
Very tender and sweet. I'm glad Stephen is a young man of integrity and decency. I'm glad he knows who he is and what he can do to help others. We could use quite a few more Stephens.
I really enjoyed this. It's melancholy, but hopeful. I hope I'm not the first to go so that my wife doesn't have to endure that alone, though she does have my boys, and I believe one or the other would take her in, or move in with her. It's not something I often think about, though. I'm hoping we have plenty of time left, but I suppose most of us think that way. Life can change in the blink of an eye.
It sounds like this was an easy story to write, based on one of the other comments. Those, for me, are always the best kind. :)
I'm so happy you enjoyed this little story. I am glad you have sons who could help out and no, we don't know when life can change. Thanks for commenting such a nice comment. Have a great day!
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Aww... So sweet of Stephen...
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Thank you for dropping by with the prompt delivery! Have a great evening.
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Thank you so much for reading and for commenting @joeylim ... I'm glad that you liked it. It was an easy story to write for some reason.
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