Family

“I’m going out with my friends,” said Lil’ Rebel. “I’ll be home at nine o’clock.”

Lil’ Rebel slammed the front door behind her. Mother raced out the front door.

“You come back inside right now,” she said sternly.

“But I have plans,” said Lil’ Rebel.

“Well so do we,” said Mother. “Your grandparents are coming for dinner tonight.”

“But,” said Lil’ Rebel.

“No buts,” said Mother. “You march upstairs right now. You know, your grandparents are getting older and someday they just aren’t going to be here anymore.”

Mother finished preparing dinner and then went upstairs to Lil’ Rebel’s bedroom.

“It just seems to me like all you want to do is be with your friends anymore,” said Mother.

“That isn’t true,” said Lil’ Rebel. “I spend lots of time with Pattie helping her do her homework.”

“Yes,” said Mother. “But usually only when you have been grounded and we have asked you to help her. When is the last time you offered to spend time with your sister on your own?”

“I don’t know,” said Lil’ Rebel, getting noticeably agitated with the conversation.

“It has been awhile,” said Mother. “What is the big attraction with your friends these days anyway?”

“Nothing,” said Lil’ Rebel.

“Why won’t you even talk to me about things anymore?” asked Mother, sadly.

Lil’ Rebel said nothing. Mother walked out of the bedroom and went downstairs to set the table for dinner. Grandma and Grandpa arrived about an hour later. Lil’ Rebel had be called down several times before she actually came downstairs to see them.

That evening at dinner, Grandma looked pretty frail. She mumbled quite a bit and no-one could hardly understand her and she was very shaky. Grandpa explained to everyone just before they were leaving that Grandma had suffered from a minor stroke a few days before.

Lil’ Rebel took the news of Grandma’s stroke the hardest. She was very upset about seeing her Grandma mumble and shake.

“Grandma’s not well is she?” she asked her Mother just before going to bed.

“No,” said Mother. “She’s not but with proper care right now she will still be able to live a full life for a few more years yet.”

“Really,” said Lil’ Rebel.

“Yes,” said Mother. “Especially since they are going to be moving in with us so we can help Grandpa take care of her.”

“I promise that I will help you take care of her,” said Lil’ Rebel.

“What about your friends?” asked Mother.

“Family is more important to me than friends,” said Lil’ Rebel.

“I’m so glad to hear you say that,” said Mother, giving Lil’ Rebel a big hug and kiss.