When we moved to Spain, former procrastinators, we’d been without a phone for six months when my parents came to visit. Daddy and I returned home from errands one day to find an unmarked truck in front of the house.
Sure enough, when we opened the front door, a man jumped up from a kitchen chair and begged, “Please, tell me where you want your phone – because THIS LADY”– he pointed to my mother – “will not let me go!”
Mother had answered the knock and immediately realized from his tool belt that this was the longed-for telephone man. She spoke no Spanish and was the only adult home. She’d often told me “You can’t do everything. Do what you can.” So she did.
She grabbed the Spanish dictionary from the shelf and looked up the word for “sit.” Then she pulled out a kitchen chair, and graciously motioned to the man, saying sweetly, “Senta.” He sat down.
Every time he stood up, Mother pointed to the chair and using her stern teacher voice, told him to “Senta!” He would sit again. She kept him there for 45 minutes until we arrived!
It was nice to have a phone. Even nicer to have a mom who modeled a “What CAN I do?” attitude.
I hope you enjoyed special moments with your loved ones this Mother’s Day or had some delightful “distant hugs” via phone call.
Do you have a personal hindrance? What CAN you do?
Thank you! I love this story, I will remember the wisdom here. Your wonderous mother was courageous- she was determined to protect and persist. She held the attention of that dear man with just one word for all that time. the word “sit” can also mean “Stay”, which is good for us all. We need to remember to stay- and to be as bold as your amazing Mother. We can each stay, be determined and Have Courage!
Linda, I appreciate your insight and application. Have a great week!
Oh, Beth! I remember Marion telling this story! Loved beinG reminded of it aGain….i can hear Mrs Betty encouraging this man to stay…Undoubtedly with a smile on her face! Love you! Hope your Mothers day was special-
Glad you enjoyed the grin, Missy! Hope your Mother’s Day was good too.