Grandpa’s Old Chair

It was the annual cleaning day for the family. John and his mom were busy cleaning the house. They cleaned upstairs, downstairs, inside and outside until everything was spotless. Exhausted, they sank into the couch. Just then, John’s mom noticed an old chair that was faded and worn. That chair was for John’s grandpa, who had lived with them since John’s grandma had died.

“John, come and help me.” John’s mom sprang to her feet. “We’ll take the chair to the curb (路边). The garbage truck is picking up on our block tomorrow.”

As they attempted to move the chair, John’s grandpa made his way through the door. Seeing what was happening, he quickly tried to stop them. “No!” he protested. “You can’t take my chair.”

“But it’s so old...” John’s mom argued. “We’ll buy you a new one.”

“No,” he persisted, trying to push his chair back into place.

John’s mom finally let go of the chair and left the room. With a sigh of relief, the old man sank into his chair and closed his eyes.

“Grandpa, why won’t you let us get rid of the chair?” John asked.

“You don’t understand, John.” His grandpa shook his head and said, “I sat in this chair with your grandma right here when I asked her to marry me. And I sat in this chair the night your father was born. Many years later,” Grandpa’s voice broke, “I sat in this chair when the doctor called and told me that your grandma was ill. I was lost without her, but the chair gave me comfort and warmth.” The old man’s sadness seemed to grow as he recalled that fateful day.

“I understand now.” John looked at his grandpa and said, “This is not just any old chair. It is more like a friend.”

“Yes,” he nodded. “We’ve gone through a lot together.”

However, that night, when John and his grandpa were asleep, John’s mom and dad carried the chair outside. It was a starless night. Snow fell silently from the black sky and covered Grandpa’s chair in a blanket of white.

The next morning, John was woken by the garbage truck pulling up to the house.

Hearing this, John’s mom looked at his grandpa and slowly walked towards him.

Peter, a 5-year-old boy, showed such great interest in sea shells that he would rush to pick them up with his 3-year-old sister, Shirley. They screamed out their joy as Peter collected his treasure into his pockets. For Peter, sea shells lay shining on the peaceful beach, waiting for him, just like stars twinkling (闪烁) in the sky. As waves touched them, they seemed to be flowers blooming (绽放) in gentle wind.

One day, Peter was wandering through market with Shirley, win some shells in his pocket. Suddenly Peter found his younger sister was lagging (落后) behind. He stopped and looked back, finding Shirley was standing in front of a toy shop and was staring at something with great interest. The boy went back to her and asked, “What do you want?” Shirley pointed at the doll, wearing a smile on her innocent face. Peter held his younger sister’s tiny hand, walking into the shop. He tiptoed (踮起脚尖) to reach for the doll, and like a responsible elder brother, gave the precious doll to Shirley. Holding tightly the doll, the sister was very very happy.

The shopkeeper was watching everything and getting amused to see the matured (成熟的) behavior of the boy. Now the boy came to the counter and asked the shopkeeper, “How much does this doll cost, Sir?” The shopkeeper was a cool man, who had suffered from something in his life. So he asked the boy with love and affection, “Well, what can you pay?” Peter reached into his clothes for money that was intended for these two little guys’ breakfast. Having counted the money, Peter put it carefully on the counter, asking again, “Sir, is it enough for my little sister’s doll?” The amusing scene just in front of the shopkeeper eventually brought a smile on his face. Shaking his head slightly, he replied, “My boy, I am afraid it seems not to be enough.”

With his eyes fixed on Peter’s pocket, he wondered what Peter would do.

A dozen children ran around laughing and playing in my friend’s yard, while we parents sat chatting and sipping cool-summer drinks. The barbecue had been cleared away when our host announced a surprise. A huge truck backed up the long, narrow driveway, capturing everyone’s attention. Adults and children watched with curiosity as the driver got out, and slowly raised a huge, portable rock wall.

It was about twelve feet wide, made of gray plastic with indented (凹陷的) footholds that stretched straight up for what looked like at least a hundred feet. The enthusiastic kids swiftly lined up to give it a try, and scrambled to the top and rang the bell that hung at the highest point. There wasn’t really anything to be afraid of since they were belted into place. Three people could climb side by side and talk to each other, so gradually the adults tried it, too.

“Come on; let’s go get in line,” my husband Neil urged. “No, you go ahead without me.” I have a unique talent for seeing unthinkable danger in almost every situation. I watched everyone else having fun, though, and finally convinced myself to try it.

With all the nerve I could muster, I started the climb Concentrating on each foothold, I slowly made my way up. I avoided looking down to prevent any sudden panic, and within a few minutes I made it to the top and proudly rang the bell.

I enjoyed my success and the fabulous view of fields and farmland until I realized there was a line below me waiting for a turn. It was time to go down.

It was one thing to look out at the world in the distance, but it was a whole other thing to look straight down. I was paralyzed with fear. Taking another deep breath, I spotted a foothold about three feet away and slid my foot into it. Unfortunately, now I was spread out like a starfish across the wall. The children below recognized my fear and called up all sorts of recommendations.