Mattie rarely spoke of such things with Emma Sue or John, but for some reason, when she was with James and Mary Margaret, talking about such things was acceptable. It made her feel alive and hopeful, quite opposite from what her heart knew the past several months.
This promising look to the future got Mattie through some very tough days. Even though the eight children had become close, there was still bickering and normal quarrels amongst them. And then there were the chores⦠oh, the chores! Mattie did laundry some days until she thought the skin of her hands would peel right off. And when she wasnât cleaning, she was cooking. Feeding ten people each day was time consuming and challenging. Money was scarce. It was all Emma Sue and John could do to offer one wholesome meal a day. Many times Mattie watched as the âparentsâ of the family did without so the many children could fill their stomachs. More and more, with each passing day, Mattie was beginning to realize the sacrifices this couple made to keep her and the others together. And little by little, her heart ached as she knew the reality of it all. How long was this going to last? The Gradys couldnât keep this large family with the way times were. She had heard Emma Sue and John discussing the matter many nights on the porch. She shuddered to think what would happen to her, or any one of the children, if they had to leave the Gradysâ home.
One quiet summer night, Mattie heard the Gradys mention her name in their talk. They thought, perhaps, they could find a new home for her since she was older and could help tend to housework. Someone would surely take her in.
Mattie could scarcely catch her breath. In fact, that night, Mattie didnât lie awake talking with John or brushing Mary Margaretâs hair. That night, she lay awake praying. Praying for a change that would make things all right. Praying for a miracle that would keep the family, her family now, together forever. But Mattie knew, sometimes⦠many times⦠people didnât get what they prayed for most. She could only hope this wasnât one of those times.
This promising look to the future got Mattie through some very tough days. Even though the eight children had become close, there was still bickering and normal quarrels amongst them. And then there were the chores⦠oh, the chores! Mattie did laundry some days until she thought the skin of her hands would peel right off. And when she wasnât cleaning, she was cooking. Feeding ten people each day was time consuming and challenging. Money was scarce. It was all Emma Sue and John could do to offer one wholesome meal a day. Many times Mattie watched as the âparentsâ of the family did without so the many children could fill their stomachs. More and more, with each passing day, Mattie was beginning to realize the sacrifices this couple made to keep her and the others together. And little by little, her heart ached as she knew the reality of it all. How long was this going to last? The Gradys couldnât keep this large family with the way times were. She had heard Emma Sue and John discussing the matter many nights on the porch. She shuddered to think what would happen to her, or any one of the children, if they had to leave the Gradysâ home.
One quiet summer night, Mattie heard the Gradys mention her name in their talk. They thought, perhaps, they could find a new home for her since she was older and could help tend to housework. Someone would surely take her in.
Mattie could scarcely catch her breath. In fact, that night, Mattie didnât lie awake talking with John or brushing Mary Margaretâs hair. That night, she lay awake praying. Praying for a change that would make things all right. Praying for a miracle that would keep the family, her family now, together forever. But Mattie knew, sometimes⦠many times⦠people didnât get what they prayed for most. She could only hope this wasnât one of those times.
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