"A New Family"
By Evie Owens
Charles, barely eight years old, was so sad. He just sat on the porch swing, pushing back and forth with his feet. Molly, his older sister, sat watching him. Her big brown eyes looked as though she were going to cry, too. When Charlie was happy, so was she. Why did Mom have to die? Why was everything so mixed up? Why did things have to change so much in their lives? They had been such a happy family: Mom, Dad, Charlie and her. Always they did fun things together, especially when Dad had his vacation. They would go swimming at the beach, camping in the woods, or traveling to places they'd never seen. Life was so much fun. Then at home there was always something fun to do. But last year Mom got sick. The doctor said it was a fast-growing, inoperable cancer and that she would live less than a year.
Oh, how awful it was to see Mom gradually die, especially when they couldn't do anything to help her except to try to make her as comfortable as possible. Mom loved the Lord. They all did. In Him she found the strength to endure her suffering. Never once did she complain. Somehow she helped her family through the ordeal by encouraging them not to lose faith. Yes, though she suffered so much, she never once failed to radiate the love of Jesus. Now she was home with Jesus forever and would be waiting for her family.
When Molly thought about her mother waiting for her in heaven, it made her feel much better. But how was she going to help Charlie through his grief? She was almost twelve, and Dad said she was the lady of the house now. Her mom had taught her how to cook, to clean, and even to sew a little, patching up rips and putting on buttons. She especially loved cooking, but many times they just ate out. Dad said he didn't want her to have to do all the cooking, and really, it was fun going out to different restaurants. She taught Charlie how to help her with many of the chores. He dried the dishes, set the table, emptied the trash, and helped with the laundry. They had good times together and laughed a lot, which made doing chores more fun, if chores can ever be fun!!
But now Charlie and Molly were just sitting on the porch waiting for Dad to come home from work. As if it wasn't obvious, Charlie told Molly he was thinking about Mom.
"Of course you are, Charlie, but let's not be too sad. Why don't we go dress up special? Dad is taking us out to dinner to a brand new restaurant, and he said he has a surprise for us." Molly took Charlie by the hand and led him into the house.
Charlie's face lit up when Molly mentioned a surprise. "Wonder what it is," he queried.
When they had changed into their good clothes, they went downstairs just as their dad was pulling into the driveway. As he walked into the house, there behind him was Uncle Fred. Boy, what a surprise! Molly and Charlie hugged Dad and then Uncle Fred. They hadn't seen him since the funeral. He was their bachelor uncle and lived in a distant city. The kids loved it when he could come visit them They always had so much fun. He taught them all kinds of things about outdoor life, and in the evening he was the best story teller in the world!
"Oh, Uncle Fred! We're so glad you could come," said Molly as she hugged him again.
"I'm glad, too, Little Missy," responded Uncle Fred, using his favorite pet name for her.
"Will you teach me how to clean a fish this time, Uncle Fred?" asked Charlie, brightening up.
"Sure thing, but give me a chance to rest up a bit first. It was a long trip," he said as he set his suitcase down by the stairs.
"Dad, this is the best surprise you could have given us. We both love Uncle Fred so much," said Molly.
"I know you do. That's why I contacted him and asked him if he would come and live with us. How would you like that?" asked Dad.
"Oh, boy! Do you mean it? That would be wonderful!" exclaimed Molly.
"You bet," said Charlie. The children helped Uncle Fred get settled in his room before going out to dinner. When they came home, the children asked Uncle Fred to tell them a story before bedtime. When he finished, Charlie went into his room, but Molly knelt by her bed and thanked the Lord for sending Uncle Fred to live with them. She knew it wouldn't be so lonely now. She finished praying and, wanting to keep Uncle Fred with her a little longer, she asked him why he was now able to come live with them
"I guess your dad didn't tell you, but I sold my business for a very nice price, so I really don't have to work anymore. I knew your dad could use some help here with your mom gone and all, and since I love being with you and Charlie anyway, it just seemed like the perfect time to accept your dad's invitation to come live with you."
Molly knew Uncle Fred loved the Lord, too, and she knew he liked to sing and play his violin, often accompanied by her dad on the piano. "Now, you and Dad can sing together and even play your instruments together at church and here at home. That will be so much fun, Uncle Fred!!"
"Plus," said Uncle Fred, "if you don't mind help from an ?old pro bachelor,' I can teach you how to cook some special dishes and how to save time with your housekeeping."
"Wow, that would be great!!" said Molly.
"Now, it's time for you to get to sleep, and I need to go tuck in your brother," said Uncle Fred as he switched out Molly's light.
Molly quickly fell to her knees again. "Thank you, Jesus, for being so good to us. Thank you for Dad. I love him so much. Thank you for my little brother Charlie. I know he will be much happier now with Uncle Fred here to keep us company and to help us while Dad works. Thank you that he wants to even help me around the house. Thank you, dear Lord, for making us a real family again. I love you!" With her heart full of happiness, Molly climbed into bed. Eagerly anticipating the next day, she fell instantly asleep.
