A woman who was kicked out by her rich father at sixteen for taking up with a poor man ends up living on the streets with her four children after her husband died.
Steve Walton was far from thrilled when his butler told him that Pastor Morris was waiting to see him. He was tired after a long flight from Singapore and in no mood for the man’s lectures or pleas for support for the community.
He had the pastor shown in and waved an impatient hand at his greeting. “Get on with it, man!” he snapped. “What is it that you want this time?”
“Mr. Walton, I saw Susan,” the pastor said quietly, and Steve’s heart nearly stopped. His only daughter had left his house nearly fifteen years before, never to be seen again…
“Susan?” Steve cried anxiously. “Where? When? How is she?”
“I was in Los Angeles, helping out a friend who has a mission among the homeless and that’s where I saw her,” the pastor said.
“She was a volunteer? Did you tell her I’ve been looking for her?” asked Steve.
“No,” Pastor Morris said gently. “She wasn’t a volunteer, Mr. Walton. She’s homeless. She and her children are living in a car.”
Steve found himself so dizzy he had to sit down. “Homeless? My Susan? Children?” he gasped.
“I’m afraid so,” the pastor said. “And she wouldn’t even listen to me when I told her to come home.”
“But why?” asked Steve angrily. “She’s not with that loser anymore, is she?”
“Her husband passed away three years ago, Mr. Walton,” the pastor explained. “And she told me she wouldn’t bring her children into a house where their father is despised.”
Steve Walton felt that old familiar wave of rage sweep through him. Fifteen years later, Susan was still defying him! He remembered the scene in his study, and Susan’s steady eyes looking into his as he ranted.
“Pregnant at sixteen, and by the GARDNER!” he’d screamed. “Well, we are going to have THAT taken care of, and HE’S fired! You will never see that man again!”
“THAT is my baby, daddy,” Susan had said in a tremulous voice. “And HE is the man I love. I’m going to marry him.”
“You marry that man and you’re on your own, Susan, do you hear?” Steve shouted furiously. “No more money, nothing! You marry him and you get out of my house!”
Susan had looked at him with tears in her eyes. “I love you, daddy,” she’d said. Then she turned around and walked away. Even though Steve had set detectives to find her, no one had been able to trace her.
“How many children?” he asked Pastor Morris.
“Four,” the pastor said. “Three girls and a boy. Beautiful children.”
Steve picked up his phone and spat out orders for his plane to be readied. “Pastor, would you come with me to Los Angeles, take me to my little girl?” he asked quietly.
The pastor nodded, and within two hours, the two men were on board Steve’s private jet winging their way south. There was a limo waiting for them, and the pastor directed them to a parking lot outside a large mall.
At the furthest end of the lot, a pickup truck was parked, with a tent set up at the back. Pastor Morris had told Steve that when Susan’s husband died in a work accident, the insurance company had refused to pay out and the bank foreclosed on the mortgage.
Susan had piled the children and their few belongings into the old pickup. She worked at the mall as a cleaner. She and the children used the mall’s facilities and bought whatever was leftover at the restaurants at the end of the night.
Still, she had managed to keep the four children fed, clean, and in school. As the two men approached the truck, they heard cheerful voices and laughter. Then two children tumbled out of the back.
The biggest girl, about fourteen, was laughing as she tickled a boy of about seven. The children stopped and gaped at Steve and Pastor Morris. “Mom!” the girl yelled. “That old preacher friend of yours is here!”
A well-remembered voice asked from inside the tent, “Preacher Morris?” Then Susan climbed out and Steve could see the shock in her face when she saw him standing next to the pastor.
“Daddy?” she asked, and her eyes filled with tears.
Steve was shocked. His daughter was barely thirty-one, but she looked much older. Her face was worn and lined with worry and suffering, her hands coarsened by hard work.
“Susan,” Steve cried. “Look at you! Look at what HE did to my princess! I wanted so much for you! And you married that loser! What could he give you? Poverty?”
Susan shook her head and said, “He loved me, daddy, and he gave me 4 beautiful children. He died, and I had nowhere to go, but I’ve done what I can for my children. I will always love the father of my children, daddy, just like I’ve always loved you.”
Steve found that he had tears running down his face. “Forgive me, Susan,” he sobbed. “Please forgive me. Come home, I want you all to come home with me. Let me help you take care of the children!”
Steve found himself holding his weeping daughter and knew that everything was going to be alright. Susan introduced him to his three granddaughters, then she placed her hand on the boy’s shoulder. “And this,” she smiled, “is little Stevie!”
“You named him after me?” Steve asked, astounded. “After what I did?”
“I love you, daddy,” she said softly. “Don’t you know that?”
That afternoon, they all flew home to Texas. It was the beginning of a better life for all of them.
What can we learn from this story?
Love and accept your children unconditionally. Steve was furious with Susan for loving a poor man and made the biggest mistake of his life by losing his daughter.
Don’t judge people for their wealth or influence. Steve hated his son-in-law because he was poor, but he was a loving husband to Susan and a dedicated dad.
Share this story with your friends. It might brighten their day and inspire them.
Which vehicle has the right of way to turn first?
Navigating the roads can sometimes feel like solving a puzzle, especially when it comes to understanding right of way. In this article, we’ll dive into a common traffic dilemma: which car has the right of way when there are no signs to guide us. Let’s break it down in a fun and engaging way!
Testing Your Traffic Knowledge
Imagine you’re at an intersection without any traffic signs. You see two cars approaching: Car A (white) and Car B (red). At first glance, it might seem tricky to determine who has the right of way. So, which one do you think it is?
The Right of Way Dilemma
In situations like this, understanding the rules of the road is crucial. Here’s how we can analyze the scenario:
- Observe the Road Markings: The first thing to notice is the dotted lines on the ground. These markings often indicate lanes and help guide drivers on how to navigate the intersection safely.
- Identifying the Cars’ Positions: If Car A is behind the dotted line and Car B is already in the intersection, then Car A must yield to Car B. This is a fundamental principle of driving: the vehicle already in the intersection has the right of way.
Making the Right Decision
Now, let’s consider the question: Can both cars make the turn at the same time? The answer is a resounding no. Attempting to turn simultaneously poses a high risk of collision.
- Safety First: Always prioritize safety when driving. If you find yourself in this situation, it’s best to wait for the other vehicle to clear the intersection before proceeding.
What Would You Do?
Put yourself in the driver’s seat. If you were behind the wheel of Car A, what would you do? Would you speed up to try to make the turn, or would you patiently wait for Car B to pass?
- Patience is Key: In traffic situations, patience can prevent accidents. Even if you think you can fit through, it’s essential to assess the situation carefully.
Why Understanding Right of Way Matters
Understanding right of way isn’t just about following rules; it’s about ensuring everyone’s safety on the road. Here are a few reasons why this knowledge is essential:
- Prevents Accidents: Knowing who has the right of way can significantly reduce the risk of collisions.
- Promotes Smooth Traffic Flow: When drivers understand and respect right of way rules, traffic moves more efficiently.
- Builds Confidence: Being knowledgeable about traffic rules helps you feel more confident behind the wheel, allowing you to make quicker and safer decisions.
The Conclusion: Car B Has the Right of Way
To wrap it up, in our example, Car B (the red car) has the right of way. Car A (the white car) must wait until Car B has cleared the intersection before making its turn. This scenario highlights the importance of understanding traffic rules and being aware of your surroundings.
Did you enjoy this little challenge? Traffic scenarios are not just tests of knowledge; they help us become better, safer drivers. So why not share this challenge with your friends? It’s a fun way to spark discussions about road safety and improve everyone’s traffic knowledge!
Leave a Reply