Sunday, October 14, 2007@ 11:40 AM by DRUSILLA CHOO
Hi people, i came across this interesting story and here i am to share with those interested, a few minutes will do (:
In 1945, a twelve year old boy saw something in a shop window that set his heart racing. But the price - five dollars - was far beyond Reuben Earle's means. Five dollars would buy almost a week's groceries for his family.
Nevertheless, he opened the shop's weathered door and went inside. Standing proud and straight in his flour-sack shirt and washed-out trousers, he told the shopkeeper what he wanted, adding, "but i don't have the money right now. Can you please hold it for me for some time?"
"I'll try," the shopkeeper smiled. "Folks around here don't usually have that kind of money to spend on things. It should keep for a while."
Reuben respectfully touched his worn cap and walked out into the sunlight with the bay rippling in the freshening wind. There was a purpose in his loping stride. He would raise five dollars and not tell anybody.
Hearing the sound of hammering from a side street, Reuben had an idea. He ran towards the sound and stopped at a construction site. People built their goods in Bay Roberts, using nails purchased in Hessian sacks from a local factory. Sometimes the sacks were discarded in the flurry of building and Reuben knew he could sell them back to the factory for five cents a piece.
Everyday after chores and school, Reuben scoured the town, collecting the Hessian nail bags. On the day the two-room school was closed for summer, no other student was more delighted than Reuben. Now he'd have more time for his mission.
Finally spring burst into glorious green and Reuben's spirit erupted. The time has come! He ran into the barn, climbed to the hayloft and uncovered the tin can. He poured the coins and began to count. Then he counted again. He needed twenty cents more. Could there be any sacks left anywhere in town?
The shadows were lengthening as Reuben arrived at the factory. The sack buyer was about to lock up. "Mister! Please don't close up yet." The man turned and saw Reuben, dirty and sweat stained.
"Come back tomorrow, boy."
"Please, Mister. I've to sell the sacks now - please." The man could tell Reuben was close to tears.
"Why do you need this money so badly?"
"Its a secret."
The man took the sacks, reached into his pocket and put four coins in Reuben's hand. Reuben murmured a thank you and ran home. Then, clutching the tin can, he headed for the shop. "I've the money," he solemnly told the owner. The man went to the window and retrieved Reuben's treasure. He wiped the dust off and gently wrapped it in brown paper. Then, he placed the parcel in Reuben's hands. Racing home, Reuben burst through the front door. His mother was scrubbing the kitchen stove.
"Here, Mum! Here!" Reuben exclaimed as he ran to her side. He placed a small box in her work-roughened hand. She unwrapped it carefully to save paper. A blue-velvet jewel box appeared. Dora lifted the lid, tears beginning to blur her vision. In gold lettering on a small, almond-shaped brooch was the word "mother".
It was Mother's Day, 1946.
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