I've decided that I'm going to try and do one writing prompt everyday for a year. Starting today Feb 21 2014. What inspires this? Mostly I just started at BGSU and have decided to minor in creative writing. I think this will help me develop my writing skills. So I ask those who read this blog for a favor. Please leave comments on what can be improved in any story I write. You can't be to harsh or hurt my feelings. Trust me when I tell you that anything you have to say is nothing compared to how harsh I am on myself.
Secondly if you have any ideas on something you would like me to try and write about please feel free to leave that in the comments as well. I'll be needing as many ideas as possible.
Lastly for those who visit this blog to keep on my ancestor Elsie Heberling's novel. I will still try and post chapters when I can. Just keep an eye out. I will finish posting her novel and try and get her other stuff up as well. It just might take some time. Thank you for your support.
Friday, February 21, 2014
Monday, December 30, 2013
Judgemental Twit-By Susan Thomas
Lookin' down on me
from your high horse
Thinkin' your better
I can see your disapproving glares
It is clear you have made your judgement
My blood boils as you glare
You judge me
but no nothing about me
You have seated yourself
comfortably on God's throne
to pass your judgement on those around you
How dare you pass judgement
You know not my sins
You know not my life
You know not what it is to be responsible
for a child's life
You know not what it is to
support a spouse
You know not what it is to
put yourself second
in favor of all those that I love
So as I sit and contemplate
what to do
I have decided to do away with you
I care not for friends
who judge
who damage my self image
who make me feel bad for who I am
who think they are better
and that their faith is better
I care not for your company
so please do me a favor
and stay away from me forever
from your high horse
Thinkin' your better
I can see your disapproving glares
It is clear you have made your judgement
My blood boils as you glare
You judge me
but no nothing about me
You have seated yourself
comfortably on God's throne
to pass your judgement on those around you
How dare you pass judgement
You know not my sins
You know not my life
You know not what it is to be responsible
for a child's life
You know not what it is to
support a spouse
You know not what it is to
put yourself second
in favor of all those that I love
So as I sit and contemplate
what to do
I have decided to do away with you
I care not for friends
who judge
who damage my self image
who make me feel bad for who I am
who think they are better
and that their faith is better
I care not for your company
so please do me a favor
and stay away from me forever
Friday, August 16, 2013
The Bible isn't-by Susan Thomas
The Bible isn't an excusefor your oppinons and bigotry
The Bible isn't a permission slip to judge
groups of people you don't agree with
The Bible isn't for picking and choosing
what you like and don't like
The Bible isn't there to support your hate
of a group simply because they make you uncomfortable
The Bible isn't a reason to act superior
just because you accept it's message does not make you a better person
Believing in the bible doesn't mean
you can do whatever you want
The Bible is for forgiveness
you don't get to choose who deserves forgiveness and who doesn't
This gift is for everyone
The Bible is for Love
like it or not God love's everyone
others are just more resistant. That doesn't meant god doesn't love them.
The Bible is for acceptance
Yes people make stupid choices and sin
but it is quite clear that God accepts everyone if they accept him in return
The Bible is a pathway
A hard pathway to follow.
Some claim to believe but do they follow the path the bible has laid out?
The Bible is a message
It's message is for everyone
It's a message that can be taken several different ways
but it is for everyone not just for those who think they are better!
The Bible is Grace
Grace that we don't deserve or understand
but somehow the bible tells us of an amazing grace for all
The Bible is for everyone
The Bible is for the outwardly good people
but it's also for all the sinners.
Especially the sinners.
Judging the sinners and saying they are unworthy is not Biblical
In short the bible is many things.
Unfortunately what it is commonly used for isn't it's purpose.
If you use the bible in a way that benefits you
and hurts others.
Chances are you've missed it's message.
Try taking a harder look
Friday, July 26, 2013
The Nonexistent War- by Susan Thomas
Finally a young man comes along and takes notice of they young woman. This man doesn't believe in God because he feels personally that you have to choose between what science says and what a fairy tale book says. He can't just let a woman insult a group of people because of what some unproven fairy tale book says. So he speaks up.
"Mam. What proof do you have that someone who is gay well go to hell?"
The woman stops and looks down at the man. She smiles and puts her sign down and walks up to the young man.
"Well the bible has a lot to say about that subject. Here are some verses on the subject," Then she proceeded to rattle off a bunch of verses from the bible,"Leviticus 18:21-22, Leviticus 20:13, Romans 1:26-27, 1 Timothy 1:8-10."
"Oh so because some ancient book that can't be accurate because of numersous translations and the sheer ididocy contained inside says so. Because this book says so someone who is gay doesn't have the right to be happy."
"The bible is true. You my friend need to open up your heart to the truth. You are a sinner and if you don't repent you will go to hell."
"So now you're threatening me. Why would I want to believe in a supreme being that seems to enjoy sending people to hell so much?"
The two continued to bicker. Their bickering began to gather an intrerested crowd. Who would win? Who acutally knew the truth? Or were they both stupid? Finally another young woman arrived and took notice of the argument.
She was normally the type to stay out of such arguments. The ever insisting war between religon and science. She was tired of it being shoved in her face. For some reason on this occasion she could not keep quiet. She had enough and lost her temper.
"Shut up the both of you! Do you have any idea how stupid you make yourselves sound?"
They both stared at her in shock.
"Really mam. Can you really say with confidence you believe in God? By looking at your current example I have doubts. Oh sure maybe you believe in him but you don't seem to be walking the path. What gives you the right to judge those who see things differently? Besides Jesus himself would embrace the homosexual with loving arms? Why do I think this? Simple becasue Jesus preached to those who were unaccepted by society. He preached to the rejected and lost. He don't go around in crowded public places condeming people to hell!"
The woman was silent and had a look of anger on her face.
"You sir are no better than she is. What makes you think you have to choose between science and the bible. You may want to sit down for this, but I am a christian who happens to believe that evolution and the big bang are possible. I also see nothing wrong with gay marriage. Do I believe it is a sin. Yes. The bible does say sexual immorailty is a sin, but if we are going to act on one then we must act on all. I don't see anyone giving up their right to divorce anytime soon. This also is a sin. My point being that this world is full of sin and everyone in it is a sinner. If we were to pick and choose like this woman over here we can make the bible stand for whatever we want. In fact I do believe Satan is very good at that. Eveyone must take a hard look and see what their own sin is before condemning another for theirs."
"That's all well and good but you cannot believe in both the bible and science. They contradict each other."said the young man.
"Really. Where did you read that? In science class perhaps? Science doesn't disprove God and the bible doesn't disprove science. There is no contradiction. In fact according to science you can't even test for God because it violates the scientific method. If you do that you really aren't much of a scientist. Science as I see it is possible ways God did it all. For example something had to get the Big Bang started. Something had to guide evolution so that we would turn out to be the amazing species that we are. To tell me it's all chance is bit too much for me to chew."
"Never heard it put that way before. I don't agree, but you aren't the problem. It's people like her!" he shouted angrily pointing at the woman.
The young woman took a deep breath and looked up. She could see the woman with the sign was about to loose it so she quickly said one last thing.
"You are only half right. You both are the problem. You are so fanatical about the truth you believe that when you come across someone who has a different view point you have to pounce. You make it your business to force people to choose between the two when in reality you don't have to choose. You with the sign claim to be a follower of Christ, but I see a person using God as an excuse for their own uncomfortable feeling towards a group of people. You sir are frustrated with people like her. The problem is that people like her are small in number and you project that view on to all of God's followers. You don't count the ones like me who usually stay silent and keep their heads down hoping for it all to go away. Because we never speak our voice is lost. Truth is this partially my fault as well for keeping my mouth shut for so long. But this imaginary war you two have going on needs to end. I suggest you deal with yourselves and figure out what you real issue is."
Monday, July 1, 2013
Nothing of Love Chapter 2 Part 3 By Elsie Heberling
It had been a hot and busy day, and Phillip was glad to return home at the regular time. He was tired. "He found Ruth in the kitchen, busy with preparations for dinner, and finding her so, knew that her mother was not there. "Hello," honey, I see you are busy."
"Oh, hello father, I didn't hear you come in, your dinner will be ready in a few minutes."
"That's alright, I'll rest till then, and read the evening paper." In the living room, he sat down wearily, and unfolded the newspaper, part of which he dropped to the floor beside his chair. It did not take long before his head dropped back against the chair, and he slept, while the paper he had been holding dropped from his hands. In a few minutes he was rudely awakened by Jennifer, who had entered.
"Father, why do you make things so untidy-every-where you go you leave a mess, you could read somewhere else, and if you want sleep, go to your room."
Before he could answer, Ruth appeared in the doorway, hearing her sisters' unkind words. "Because, Jennifer, dinner is ready." Frowning at her sister, Ruth said, "Come father, I'm sorry I kept you waiting."
"It's alright, Ruth. I'm not that hungry." He had said nothing to Jennifer, but Paul had heard her remark, and caught her by the arm, holding her back, while Ruth and their father passed into the dining room. Then angrily, in a low voice, he warned, "Jen, if I ever hear you speak to father like that again, I'm going to make things very unpleasant for you."
Pulling herself free from his restraining hand, she said, "Oh, shut up, you are just like he is." Tossing her blond curls, Jennifer walked proudly into the dining room and seat herself at the table. Paul seated himself on the opposite side. At this point, Maggie came in and immediately sat down on the opposite end of the table from Philip, as she said, "You are a good girl, Ruth, to prepare such a fine dinner."
"It's alright, mother, only I should have been studying, we are having exams next week."
Jennifer was quick to speak. "Don't forget, Ruth, that mother works very hard, and needs your help."
"And what about you, Jen," Paul was still angry. "How much help did you contribute?"
"Mother," Jen pleaded, "make Paul leave me alone, he is always finding fault with me."
Philip's voice was sharp as he spoke. "Now that will do, children, we have heard quite enough." There was a silence during the remainder of their dinner, and leaving the table, Paul said quietly to Ruth, "You go to your studie's, sis, I'll help mother with the dishes."
In the course of cleaning the dinner things away, Paul questioned his mother. "Why is Jennifer so mean to father? She has become very disrespectful toward him."
His mother didn't look at him as she replied, "Just remember, Paul, respect is given to one who has earned it."
"Oh, mother...." Whatever protest the boy intended to make, was left unsaid. Paul tossed the dish towel impatiently on the table and left the work unfinished.
In his room, Philip DuFrow had tried reading his evening paper, but somehow nothing came clear. He had finished a whole column, and didn't know what he had read. His mind kept wandering to his children. What had happened to Jennifer? She used to be a cuddling little thing, always looking for someone to love her. And he had loved her, just as he had loved all his children, but recently she had turned to fault finding and unkindness.
At last, with a sick feeling, he realized that Jennifer had inherited her mothers' nature, only it had developed in her much earlier than in Maggie. What could he do? He didn't know. He had done fore his wife, everything possible. He had been kind and considerate, given her gifts and loved her, yet she had repulsed him. Maggie had become colder each year, growing further away from him. he rested his fade in his hands as he whispered,
"Oh, God, why must I be so lonely?"
Every Sunday morning found him in his usual places in the church, although he had definitely refused to occupy the pulpit another time. He had thought of discussing his marital trouble with Rev. Jarrett, but always had arrived at the same conclusion. He could not. After all, to Philip's nature, there was some things too deeply private for discussion with anyone, and he knew it would never change Maggie. An who would believe him? Outside her home, Maggie was the same patient, suffering martyr.
The following day, Philip was busy in the mill yard inspecting a new shipment of lumber that had arrived that morning, when he was approached by Jim Barton. After a lengthy discussion on door and window frames for the new building he was working on, Jim asked, "And how is Maggie?"
These two men had grown up together and had always been friends, always speaking in the most candid way.
"Maggie is fine, always busy."
"So I've noticed, but why?"
" I don't know, Jim, she doesn't need to do it. I guess it is just her passion for helping others, and her redeeming grace that she takes no pay for her services."
"But you permit her doing it."
"Oh, Jim, let's forget about Maggie, I beleive you and Bess know her well enough to know that Maggie does what she darn well pleases."
"Yes, we have recognized that for a long time, but I didn't mind telling you, that if she were my wife, I'd give her a damned good mauling and teach her where her duties were."
Sadly, Philip answered, "I could never do that, Jim, and you know it."
"Yes, I know, and that is the cause of it all. The truth is that Maggie does not understand a man like you, you are too much of a gentlemen. She needs a strong hand over her."
"Alright, Jim, but if it turns me into a wife beater, then count me out."
"So-it's your life. Now about those frames...when can you have them delivered?"
"Oh, hello father, I didn't hear you come in, your dinner will be ready in a few minutes."
"That's alright, I'll rest till then, and read the evening paper." In the living room, he sat down wearily, and unfolded the newspaper, part of which he dropped to the floor beside his chair. It did not take long before his head dropped back against the chair, and he slept, while the paper he had been holding dropped from his hands. In a few minutes he was rudely awakened by Jennifer, who had entered.
"Father, why do you make things so untidy-every-where you go you leave a mess, you could read somewhere else, and if you want sleep, go to your room."
Before he could answer, Ruth appeared in the doorway, hearing her sisters' unkind words. "Because, Jennifer, dinner is ready." Frowning at her sister, Ruth said, "Come father, I'm sorry I kept you waiting."
"It's alright, Ruth. I'm not that hungry." He had said nothing to Jennifer, but Paul had heard her remark, and caught her by the arm, holding her back, while Ruth and their father passed into the dining room. Then angrily, in a low voice, he warned, "Jen, if I ever hear you speak to father like that again, I'm going to make things very unpleasant for you."
Pulling herself free from his restraining hand, she said, "Oh, shut up, you are just like he is." Tossing her blond curls, Jennifer walked proudly into the dining room and seat herself at the table. Paul seated himself on the opposite side. At this point, Maggie came in and immediately sat down on the opposite end of the table from Philip, as she said, "You are a good girl, Ruth, to prepare such a fine dinner."
"It's alright, mother, only I should have been studying, we are having exams next week."
Jennifer was quick to speak. "Don't forget, Ruth, that mother works very hard, and needs your help."
"And what about you, Jen," Paul was still angry. "How much help did you contribute?"
"Mother," Jen pleaded, "make Paul leave me alone, he is always finding fault with me."
Philip's voice was sharp as he spoke. "Now that will do, children, we have heard quite enough." There was a silence during the remainder of their dinner, and leaving the table, Paul said quietly to Ruth, "You go to your studie's, sis, I'll help mother with the dishes."
In the course of cleaning the dinner things away, Paul questioned his mother. "Why is Jennifer so mean to father? She has become very disrespectful toward him."
His mother didn't look at him as she replied, "Just remember, Paul, respect is given to one who has earned it."
"Oh, mother...." Whatever protest the boy intended to make, was left unsaid. Paul tossed the dish towel impatiently on the table and left the work unfinished.
In his room, Philip DuFrow had tried reading his evening paper, but somehow nothing came clear. He had finished a whole column, and didn't know what he had read. His mind kept wandering to his children. What had happened to Jennifer? She used to be a cuddling little thing, always looking for someone to love her. And he had loved her, just as he had loved all his children, but recently she had turned to fault finding and unkindness.
At last, with a sick feeling, he realized that Jennifer had inherited her mothers' nature, only it had developed in her much earlier than in Maggie. What could he do? He didn't know. He had done fore his wife, everything possible. He had been kind and considerate, given her gifts and loved her, yet she had repulsed him. Maggie had become colder each year, growing further away from him. he rested his fade in his hands as he whispered,
"Oh, God, why must I be so lonely?"
Every Sunday morning found him in his usual places in the church, although he had definitely refused to occupy the pulpit another time. He had thought of discussing his marital trouble with Rev. Jarrett, but always had arrived at the same conclusion. He could not. After all, to Philip's nature, there was some things too deeply private for discussion with anyone, and he knew it would never change Maggie. An who would believe him? Outside her home, Maggie was the same patient, suffering martyr.
The following day, Philip was busy in the mill yard inspecting a new shipment of lumber that had arrived that morning, when he was approached by Jim Barton. After a lengthy discussion on door and window frames for the new building he was working on, Jim asked, "And how is Maggie?"
These two men had grown up together and had always been friends, always speaking in the most candid way.
"Maggie is fine, always busy."
"So I've noticed, but why?"
" I don't know, Jim, she doesn't need to do it. I guess it is just her passion for helping others, and her redeeming grace that she takes no pay for her services."
"But you permit her doing it."
"Oh, Jim, let's forget about Maggie, I beleive you and Bess know her well enough to know that Maggie does what she darn well pleases."
"Yes, we have recognized that for a long time, but I didn't mind telling you, that if she were my wife, I'd give her a damned good mauling and teach her where her duties were."
Sadly, Philip answered, "I could never do that, Jim, and you know it."
"Yes, I know, and that is the cause of it all. The truth is that Maggie does not understand a man like you, you are too much of a gentlemen. She needs a strong hand over her."
"Alright, Jim, but if it turns me into a wife beater, then count me out."
"So-it's your life. Now about those frames...when can you have them delivered?"
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Nothing of Love Chapter 2 Part 2 By Elsie Heberling
"Oh, mother says father does all this just to show off to the neighbors." And Jennifer, to show her disdain, walked away.
"Paul, did it ever occur to you that Jennifer is receiving the wrong impression of things?"
"Yes, and it worries me."
These two were thinking the same thoughts, yet neither one mentioned the possible source of their sister's misdirected ideas. They loved their mother, in spite of the fact that each day they withdrew a little further from her, and against which, they struggled. But young as they were, there was an awareness of an unpleasantness between their parents.
It was at the dinner table that evening when Maggie again brought up the subject of selling the home. "I know someone who will buy this place." Without looking up, Philip said matter-of-factly, "I know several people who would be happy to buy it, but it's not for sale."
"But we could get a very good price for it."
Philip was finding himself more easily stirred to anger of late. Now he didn't try to hide it, as he demanded.
"Maggie, why do we always have to disagree and discuss this subject, and especially at the dinner table! I've told you it is not going to be sold!"
Paul excused himself and left the table. "You didn't finish your dinner, Paul." "I'm not hungry, father." The boy went on to to his room and shut himself in. He stretched himself on the bed as he thought, "Why does mother always bring up these unpleasant subjects, why does she keep nagging father."
When their dinner was over, Philip decided to walk over to his father's home. He had not gone there very often recently, and now his parents were glad to see him, as was Susan and her husband, Todd Watson, who were staying a few days here.
His mother greeted him cheerily. "Why Philip, I was beginning to think you had forgotten your mother."
"I've been very busy, mother."
Todd said, "I guess all this new building keeps your place busy."
"You're right, Todd, the lumber business is growing."
Philip's family was aware of the long hours he spent at the yards and in the office, but did not realize that much of his absence from home was to keep away from Maggie's nagging.
Edward DuFrow now said to his son, "But is it worth risking your health for?"
"Never mind my health, father, I'm fine."
Nelda DuFrow looked at her son with tear-filmed eyes, knowing all too well the reason for his fatigue-lined face and thinner body. Her resentment against Maggie was growing, as she thought, "How could Maggie treat him so?" Philip was hard-working, and ambitious, he was kind and generous, and loved his wife and family. That Maggie could be jealous of her husband's success and popularity had never occurred to Nelda.
The following morning Nelda decided to call on Maggie. She didn't know what she could accomplish, but she had to try. The children were all in school, and she wanted to reach her daughter-in-law before she decided to go out on one of her mercy mission, as Maggie herself, called her frequent absences from Home.
"Well, Maggie, I'm glad I found you at home."
The younger woman did not look up as she continued her kitchen work. "And why should that surprise you?"
"I am not really surprised, Maggie, only you are away from home so often, I was not sure you would be here this morning. And that, my dear, is what I want to talk to you about."
Maggie did not hesitate in her work, but went on with her busy-ness. Mrs. DuFrow sensed the hostility in the other's voice as she answered. "All right, now what do you want to talk about?" Maggie seated herself as she looked at Philip's mother with wide blue eyess, as innocent as a childs.
But the older woman was not deterred, she had considered this course for some time, and now was determined to carry it through, much as she hated interfering in her children's private affairs. "It is just this, my dear girl. Philip's father and I are worried over the state of his health, and wondered if we couldn't do something about it." As she spoke, Nelda looked steadily at her son's wife
"What is wrong with his health, I've seen nothing different about him."
"That is just the trouble, Maggie, you are away from home so much of the time, you are neglecting your family."
"Oh, now, really mother, aren't you exaggerating? After all, the girls are old enough now to help, as a matter of fact, Ruth can cook as well as I, and they all get enough to eat, no one goes hungry."
A little hesitant, Nelda now replied, "Did it ever occur to you that there are other hungers besides the physical one. There is the spiritual hunger that is just as hurtful as a physical one."
Maggie's eye's opened wider as she said, "What in the world are you talking about?"
Slightly shamed at the other's not understanding, she decided to speak it all clear. "My dear Maggie, there is in man, as in all human beings, a hunger of mind and spirit, for the sustenance of kindness and understanding, free from nagging and quarrels, he needs respect and love. And yes, he needs the companionship and comfort that only a wife can give him."
Nelda DuFrow was angered when the only reply from Maggie was a derisive laugh. Nelda stood up. She said, "I suppose I am detaining you from one of your 'mercy missions', so I will leave now."
Reaching the door, she turned, saying, "I hope you will think seriously of what I have said."
"Of course, how could I neglect such sage advice?"
Mrs. DuFrow found herself walking rapidly toward her home. She was agitated and distressed over her son's position, and greatly puzzled over Maggie. How could her nature change so drastically, or had it always been so, lying dormant in her consciousness until she had lived with reality, to stir it into the ugly thing it had become.
Grace Benson and Helen Bradley had met in the Wicker's grocery store that morning, and as friends, were discussing the Philip DuFrow family. Grace was saying, "I simply cannot agree with Rod that Maggie is not sincere with her ministering to others. Mrs. Johnston think she is an excellent nurse."
"I agree with you, Grace, but why does she want to do it?" She has her family to care for, and they are quite comfortably fixed."
"Oh, Helen, she doesn't do it for pay, and that is the reason I admire her."
"Well, Phil don't like her doing it, and have you noticed how he looks lately? If I were Maggie, I'd stay at home and care for my husband, first."
"Well, let's not judge dear Maggie, but Rod thinks she is a fraud."
"Oh, men, they always see things in a different light than we women. You know Rod thinks Phil is worried about Maggie."
"I don't think he needs to be worried in that direction," Grace said. The two friends walked together into the sun-warmed street.
"Paul, did it ever occur to you that Jennifer is receiving the wrong impression of things?"
"Yes, and it worries me."
These two were thinking the same thoughts, yet neither one mentioned the possible source of their sister's misdirected ideas. They loved their mother, in spite of the fact that each day they withdrew a little further from her, and against which, they struggled. But young as they were, there was an awareness of an unpleasantness between their parents.
It was at the dinner table that evening when Maggie again brought up the subject of selling the home. "I know someone who will buy this place." Without looking up, Philip said matter-of-factly, "I know several people who would be happy to buy it, but it's not for sale."
"But we could get a very good price for it."
Philip was finding himself more easily stirred to anger of late. Now he didn't try to hide it, as he demanded.
"Maggie, why do we always have to disagree and discuss this subject, and especially at the dinner table! I've told you it is not going to be sold!"
Paul excused himself and left the table. "You didn't finish your dinner, Paul." "I'm not hungry, father." The boy went on to to his room and shut himself in. He stretched himself on the bed as he thought, "Why does mother always bring up these unpleasant subjects, why does she keep nagging father."
When their dinner was over, Philip decided to walk over to his father's home. He had not gone there very often recently, and now his parents were glad to see him, as was Susan and her husband, Todd Watson, who were staying a few days here.
His mother greeted him cheerily. "Why Philip, I was beginning to think you had forgotten your mother."
"I've been very busy, mother."
Todd said, "I guess all this new building keeps your place busy."
"You're right, Todd, the lumber business is growing."
Philip's family was aware of the long hours he spent at the yards and in the office, but did not realize that much of his absence from home was to keep away from Maggie's nagging.
Edward DuFrow now said to his son, "But is it worth risking your health for?"
"Never mind my health, father, I'm fine."
Nelda DuFrow looked at her son with tear-filmed eyes, knowing all too well the reason for his fatigue-lined face and thinner body. Her resentment against Maggie was growing, as she thought, "How could Maggie treat him so?" Philip was hard-working, and ambitious, he was kind and generous, and loved his wife and family. That Maggie could be jealous of her husband's success and popularity had never occurred to Nelda.
The following morning Nelda decided to call on Maggie. She didn't know what she could accomplish, but she had to try. The children were all in school, and she wanted to reach her daughter-in-law before she decided to go out on one of her mercy mission, as Maggie herself, called her frequent absences from Home.
"Well, Maggie, I'm glad I found you at home."
The younger woman did not look up as she continued her kitchen work. "And why should that surprise you?"
"I am not really surprised, Maggie, only you are away from home so often, I was not sure you would be here this morning. And that, my dear, is what I want to talk to you about."
Maggie did not hesitate in her work, but went on with her busy-ness. Mrs. DuFrow sensed the hostility in the other's voice as she answered. "All right, now what do you want to talk about?" Maggie seated herself as she looked at Philip's mother with wide blue eyess, as innocent as a childs.
But the older woman was not deterred, she had considered this course for some time, and now was determined to carry it through, much as she hated interfering in her children's private affairs. "It is just this, my dear girl. Philip's father and I are worried over the state of his health, and wondered if we couldn't do something about it." As she spoke, Nelda looked steadily at her son's wife
"What is wrong with his health, I've seen nothing different about him."
"That is just the trouble, Maggie, you are away from home so much of the time, you are neglecting your family."
"Oh, now, really mother, aren't you exaggerating? After all, the girls are old enough now to help, as a matter of fact, Ruth can cook as well as I, and they all get enough to eat, no one goes hungry."
A little hesitant, Nelda now replied, "Did it ever occur to you that there are other hungers besides the physical one. There is the spiritual hunger that is just as hurtful as a physical one."
Maggie's eye's opened wider as she said, "What in the world are you talking about?"
Slightly shamed at the other's not understanding, she decided to speak it all clear. "My dear Maggie, there is in man, as in all human beings, a hunger of mind and spirit, for the sustenance of kindness and understanding, free from nagging and quarrels, he needs respect and love. And yes, he needs the companionship and comfort that only a wife can give him."
Nelda DuFrow was angered when the only reply from Maggie was a derisive laugh. Nelda stood up. She said, "I suppose I am detaining you from one of your 'mercy missions', so I will leave now."
Reaching the door, she turned, saying, "I hope you will think seriously of what I have said."
"Of course, how could I neglect such sage advice?"
Mrs. DuFrow found herself walking rapidly toward her home. She was agitated and distressed over her son's position, and greatly puzzled over Maggie. How could her nature change so drastically, or had it always been so, lying dormant in her consciousness until she had lived with reality, to stir it into the ugly thing it had become.
Grace Benson and Helen Bradley had met in the Wicker's grocery store that morning, and as friends, were discussing the Philip DuFrow family. Grace was saying, "I simply cannot agree with Rod that Maggie is not sincere with her ministering to others. Mrs. Johnston think she is an excellent nurse."
"I agree with you, Grace, but why does she want to do it?" She has her family to care for, and they are quite comfortably fixed."
"Oh, Helen, she doesn't do it for pay, and that is the reason I admire her."
"Well, Phil don't like her doing it, and have you noticed how he looks lately? If I were Maggie, I'd stay at home and care for my husband, first."
"Well, let's not judge dear Maggie, but Rod thinks she is a fraud."
"Oh, men, they always see things in a different light than we women. You know Rod thinks Phil is worried about Maggie."
"I don't think he needs to be worried in that direction," Grace said. The two friends walked together into the sun-warmed street.
Nothing of Love-Chapter 2-Part One-By Elsie Heberling
Nelda DuFrow looked searchingly at her son's unhappy face. "Are you not well, Phillip?"
"Of course I'm well, what made you think otherwise?"
"You don't look well. Perhaps you should see the doctor."
After a moments hesitation, he said, "I'll confess I'm tired. Maggie worries me by wanting to sell our home and move into town in one of those new apartments they are building."
His mother was astonished. "You mean she wants to give up her lovely house home to go into one of those?"
"Yes, mother, that is what I mean. She claims it would be less work for her, and she would have more time for her sick people."
"How utterly ridiculous! I hope, Philip you are not considering it."
"No, not seriously, but I want Maggie to be happy."
"And you believe that will make her happy?"
"I don't know, mother, I really don't know what will make her happy."
"I would dislike very much to have you sell your home."
"Don't worry, I shan't." As he walked away, his mother looked after him as he strode down the street. "So that is what worries him. No wonder he looks so tired." Nelda Dufrow had found her son's wife's actions very disconcerting on several occasions, but had refrained from criticism or comment, not wishing to interfere in any way with their lives. But now, she was feeling resentment against Maggie for her unreasonable actions. Phillip had worked hard to provide a nice home for his family, and was so proud of it, as most women would be. She didn't believe that talking to Maggie would be of any use. She had found her in the past, to be very stubborn. There would have to be another way.
As she pondered over a way to help her son, she thought about her daughter-in-law. "How could I have been so mistaken in a person." Yet there were many people who were mistaken about Maggie, who could be so sweet and kind when she wanted to impress someone, and for the most part, that was everyone outside her home. Never having learned the lesson to bear and forbear, she judged Phillip to be a weakling, and accordingly, learned to despise him.
Phillip Dufrow decided he would bear his discomfiture, his wife's taunts and neglect, and yes, his loneliness, in order to keep his family as contented and happy as possible. Meanwhile, she treated him in quiet contempt, while she always presented to the public a face with the expression of an injured saint.
The years passed quickly.
Paul Dufrow was now almost seventeen years of age, a quiet sensitive boy, who was anxious to start his last year of high school, then on to college. He knew there was something strange between his parents, but never commented on the situation. Often, when hearing his mother speak offensively to his father, and seeing his father turn away white faced, he would hurt with pity for the one he adored and worshiped. Paul was often angry with his mother, but never once did he speak out against her.
It was growing late in the summer and in three weeks they would all be back in school. Paul sat in the shade in the back yard on a garden chair, intent on his book, when Ruth quietly joined him.
It was several minutes before she spoke, then asked, "Paul do you want father to sell our home and move to Northwood?" The boy laid aside his book and at once replied, " No, I don't, I love this home, and so does father."
"Why do you suppose mother wants to live in an apartment? I think it would be awful."
Jennifer now joined them, and hearing their conversation at once said, "I do, I would like to live in a bigger town."
"You know nothing about it, Jennifer," Ruth reproved. "If we lived in an apartment, we would not have this lovely garden, or flowers, or the lily pond that father worked so hard to build."
With a toss of her blond head, she answered, "Who needs those things? I can do without them."
Paul was impatient with his young sister. "You should be ashamed, Jen, not everyone has it as nice as we have."
"Of course I'm well, what made you think otherwise?"
"You don't look well. Perhaps you should see the doctor."
After a moments hesitation, he said, "I'll confess I'm tired. Maggie worries me by wanting to sell our home and move into town in one of those new apartments they are building."
His mother was astonished. "You mean she wants to give up her lovely house home to go into one of those?"
"Yes, mother, that is what I mean. She claims it would be less work for her, and she would have more time for her sick people."
"How utterly ridiculous! I hope, Philip you are not considering it."
"No, not seriously, but I want Maggie to be happy."
"And you believe that will make her happy?"
"I don't know, mother, I really don't know what will make her happy."
"I would dislike very much to have you sell your home."
"Don't worry, I shan't." As he walked away, his mother looked after him as he strode down the street. "So that is what worries him. No wonder he looks so tired." Nelda Dufrow had found her son's wife's actions very disconcerting on several occasions, but had refrained from criticism or comment, not wishing to interfere in any way with their lives. But now, she was feeling resentment against Maggie for her unreasonable actions. Phillip had worked hard to provide a nice home for his family, and was so proud of it, as most women would be. She didn't believe that talking to Maggie would be of any use. She had found her in the past, to be very stubborn. There would have to be another way.
As she pondered over a way to help her son, she thought about her daughter-in-law. "How could I have been so mistaken in a person." Yet there were many people who were mistaken about Maggie, who could be so sweet and kind when she wanted to impress someone, and for the most part, that was everyone outside her home. Never having learned the lesson to bear and forbear, she judged Phillip to be a weakling, and accordingly, learned to despise him.
Phillip Dufrow decided he would bear his discomfiture, his wife's taunts and neglect, and yes, his loneliness, in order to keep his family as contented and happy as possible. Meanwhile, she treated him in quiet contempt, while she always presented to the public a face with the expression of an injured saint.
The years passed quickly.
Paul Dufrow was now almost seventeen years of age, a quiet sensitive boy, who was anxious to start his last year of high school, then on to college. He knew there was something strange between his parents, but never commented on the situation. Often, when hearing his mother speak offensively to his father, and seeing his father turn away white faced, he would hurt with pity for the one he adored and worshiped. Paul was often angry with his mother, but never once did he speak out against her.
It was growing late in the summer and in three weeks they would all be back in school. Paul sat in the shade in the back yard on a garden chair, intent on his book, when Ruth quietly joined him.
It was several minutes before she spoke, then asked, "Paul do you want father to sell our home and move to Northwood?" The boy laid aside his book and at once replied, " No, I don't, I love this home, and so does father."
"Why do you suppose mother wants to live in an apartment? I think it would be awful."
Jennifer now joined them, and hearing their conversation at once said, "I do, I would like to live in a bigger town."
"You know nothing about it, Jennifer," Ruth reproved. "If we lived in an apartment, we would not have this lovely garden, or flowers, or the lily pond that father worked so hard to build."
With a toss of her blond head, she answered, "Who needs those things? I can do without them."
Paul was impatient with his young sister. "You should be ashamed, Jen, not everyone has it as nice as we have."
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