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Shaina Straightens Things Out
by Ida Alexander
Part 1
Mrs. Foster hadn’t known how badly the world was treating her before Shaina came home for summer break. Not that she found out, even then. But at least Shaina presented the case in her most persuasive style.
Of course, Shaina didn’t plan to broach the subject right away, although she had thought of it often. She didn’t want to spoil her homecoming. Instead, she stored it in the back of her mind, ready to spring forth at just the right moment.
Mother wept openly and unashamedly when Shaina first arrived. Then, drying her tears of joy, she led Shaina to her bedroom for a little “surprise.”
Shaina squealed with joy at the sight of the new curtains, the matching rug, and the fresh paper and paint. “How did you ever get so much done, you wonderful mother, you?” she asked. “You always seem to find time and money for everything.”
Mrs. Foster shook her head. “I didn’t do half that I’d planned. I wanted to get you a new bedroom set—Breuner’s had them on sale, too. But I couldn’t quite manage it, somehow.” She smiled. “I’m glad you like the little I was able to do.”
“Like it? I love it!” Shaina threw her arms around her mother. “It’s like a new room, and just the styles and colors I like best. How do you find time for everything?”
“I don’t,” Mrs. Foster raised her hands. “I sometimes wish I had four hands. I think I’d find plenty to keep them busy—between all the things that must be done for ourselves as well as for others.”
“Oh, other people!” Shaina wrinkled her nose. “You take too much time with them. You have more than enough just looking out for the family, Mother. I’ve been thinking—”
Shaina held back a smile. What a perfect opportunity to deliver the little lecture she had planned! But suddenly the phone rang and Mother hurried to pick it up. I wonder why Mother’s eyes looked so funny, she thought. Almost as if I’d hurt her feelings. But someone’s got to set her straight. She’s gullible! People impose on her because she’s so kind. It’s simply got to stop!
Incorrigible parents
As the summer passed, Shaina couldn’t seem to find a single good opportunity to deliver her lecture. She told herself there was no hurry. With Mother and Father almost spoiling her with kindness, it seemed a shame to bring up a controversial subject. They’re wonderful parents, she thought. There’s no one like them in the whole wide world.
But that was the very reason they should look after themselves better. Shaina scowled at the thought of the loan Father had made to Jim Hogans. Father had planned to use the money for a new dress suit. But old Jim had been in a panic about some overdue rent, and Father had shelled out the money without blinking an eye. Dad needed that money, Shaina fumed. Who knows when Mr. Hogans will pay him back—if he ever does?
Mother, of course, was many times worse. It seemed she couldn’t pass another person’s problem without getting entangled in it. But I’ll soon change that, Shaina promised herself, shutting her mouth in a tight little line of resolve. I’ll change it—and soon!
But as week after week passed, no opportunity seemed to present itself. Of course, Shaina kept very busy with her friends. Between excursions to the beach or mountains, socials, picnics, and church activities, the summer seemed to fly on eagles’ wings. Sometimes Shaina felt guilty, but Mother and Father never seemed to mind. In fact, they almost encouraged the situation by often inviting Shaina’s friends to visit their own home. “We’ll keep the last week just for our family,” her mother told her. “In the meantime, Father and I feel it is important for you to nurture a wide circle of good Christian friends.”
An opportunity arises
Two months passed, and still Shaina had said nothing about the subject she felt was so important. In fact, she was so busy, she hardly thought about it. One evening, as Shaina and her friends sat talking and laughing on the back lawn, Mother came out with lemonade and cookies. Shaina noticed the pretty flush on her cheeks and the sparkle in her eyes, but she didn’t know what had caused it: While the young people were visiting, Mother had slipped across the street and taken some fruit to old Mr. Olsen, who had been fighting blood poisoning for a week. His gratitude—and the news that he was feeling well enough to eat a little—had filled her with joy.
Shaina also did not know until later that when she spent the day with a girlfriend, her mother had taken the opportunity to spend a few hours reading to blind Mrs. Webber. The old lady had complained and sulked like a child because Mother had not come sooner. She also filled many unpleasant minutes with bitter reproaches against nearly everyone she knew, especially her daughter-in-law, who stopped in each day to care for her needs. In spite of Mrs. Webber’s surly, ungrateful attitude, Mother had kept a smile on her face and promised to return as soon as possible.
Mrs. Webber was a difficult case, all right. In fact, she was the one Shaina particularly resented. When Shaina discovered that Mother was still spending time with the old woman, the girl bristled. How could Mother waste her time on such an old crab apple? How could she keep offering her flowers and kind words?
However, it was not Mrs. Webber who provided the opportunity for Shaina to speak the thoughts that had rankled in her mind for months. Instead, an incident involving Mrs. Ryan brought the quick words tumbling out, one over another, like buttons from a button bag.
Shaina had never suspected Mrs. Ryan of being a problem. She was a rosy, pleasant little woman who came once a week to clean the house and do the ironing. Shaina always had liked her. In fact, several times she had shared unwanted clothing with one of Mrs. Ryan’s half dozen children. Shaina knew that Mother gave Mrs. Ryan food and other things, as well. She never really minded that. But when Mother gave of herself, Shaina rebelled.
(Continued in Part 2.)
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