哈蒂·梅·拉特里夫/HattieMaeRatliff
Onemorningmyoldestdaughter, Rhonda, rushedinmyfrontdoor“Mom, themostwonderfulthingjusthappened.”
Ismiled, rememberingRhonda'senthusiasmasayounggirl, , asawifeandmotheroftwo, shecouldstillenerclizearoom.
“Goodmorning, Rhonda, andagoodmorningtoyoutoo, sweetpea,”Isaid, pickingupmytwo-year-oldgranddaughter.“Let'.”Turningaround, Ilookedatmydaughter.“Areyoupregnant?”
“No, Mom,”, shesighedwithexcitement.“, thedirectorofSaintFrancisSchool, toldmethismorningthatananonymouspersonispayingGreg', they'repayinghistuitionforthewholeyear.”
Rhonda'seyesfilledwithtearsasshegrabbedmyhand.“Wasityou, Mom?Youanddad?”
“No, Iwishwecould, butitwasn'tus.”Isaid.
Rhondaandherhusband, , asnewlyweds, theysetofffortheirfirstteachingjobs, readytochangetheworld, onechildatatime, ifnecessary.
AfterRebekahwasborn, -time, stay-a-homemom, reservingherteachingforherownlittleone.
, , 'stuition.
Rhonda, stillholdingthenotefromtheschoolinherhand, said.“IjustwishIknewwhowassogenerous.”
“Rhonda, Ithinkthat, whoeverthebenefactoris, itmustbeimportanttothemtokeeptheiridentityprivate.”Givingherahug, Icontinued,“.”
“Mom, you'resuchapollyanna!'.”
Severalmonthslater, neartheendoftheschoolyear, -byesasRhondahuntedthroughherpurseforhermisplacedkeys.
“Shoot, Iforgottosignandreturnthis,”shesaid, , asmallpieceofpinkpaperfelltothefloor.
“What'sthis?”Iasked, pickingupthepaperandhandingittoRhonda.
