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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.
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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
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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
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