Mother’s
Sacrifice
Manuel’s father had passed away a long time ago and now
he was living with his mother. Life used to be calm for
this family, but now it became quite difficult. His
father’s savings had to be used and now are no resources
left.
Manuel, even though, seeing the situation, kept having
the same life: he studied, played and had a lot of fun.
He was used to having everything he wanted at all times,
and started to complaint about everything: food, his
used clothes and shoes. He was demanding and unhappy
with what he had. His mother only had left her pension,
and didn’t know what to do in order to please her son.
She would then ask her neighbors since she didn’t have
enough money to buy good items for her son. She would
get funds lent to buy him fruit, a piece of meat, some
potatoes or sweets.
When Manuel at the table and ate everything on his
plate, his mother would feel happy for all her efforts.
He would then ask:
— Are you not going to eat, mom?
She would then make up an excuse:
— No, I am not hungry, son.
Sometimes she said she had already eaten or would
eat later. One day Manuel arrived home and found
his mother very sick in bed. He called a doctor who told
him:
— Your mother is very weak. She probably hasn’t been
eating for many days. She needs to eat more in order to
recover completely.
Manuel was very surprised with what the doctor said and
didn’t know what to say back to him. He then asked his
mother:
— Have you been eating, mom?
She didn’t say anything; a lonely tear come down her
squalid face. Manuel then realized what happened. He was
now aware of how much sacrifice his mother was doing for
him. He never realized this before! He then kneeled on
the floor and cried next to his mom:
— Forgive me, mom. I never realized our real financial
situation and your great generosity. I never felt
anything was missing at home! How did you manage to buy
everything you offered me?
One of her neighbors, who came to the house and
overheard the conversation, said:
— Your mom borrowed money so nothing would miss for you,
Manuel.
— Oh God! How could I be so blind? Mon, I will get a
job. I am old enough to be able to work. I know I will
not get much money, but that can help us. God will help
us mom, and we will be very happy together.
His mother smiled and said:
— God has already helped me son, and I consider myself
really happy for him giving me a son like you!
Aunt Celia
Translation:
Carolina Von Scharten
carolinavonscharten@yahoo.com