Dear Reader,
Every year I look forward to reading the Write a DearReader Contest entries, and this year didn't disappoint. The quality of writing was outstanding. Today's Honorable Mention piece was written by Elizabeth Cash. Thanks Elizabeth for sharing your story with us.
The Power of "Sure"
One weekend in the early 80's I decided to attend the EAA Airshow in Appleton, Wisconsin. After the first day, back in my motel room, I realized that I hadn't let my parents know where I was. They knew about the airshow, but we were a very close threesome and the fact that they didn't have the location where I was staying didn't sit well with me.
The motel I was staying at was clean and safe, but amenities were non-existent. Looking back, it seems odd, but as I mentioned before, this was the early 80's and there was no telephone in the room. Also, no smartphones or Internet, the only option for communication was a pay phone.
I made my way to the nearest booth, shut the folding door and dialed the operator. I gave her my parents number and asked for the call to be collect.
My father answered the phone and I heard the operator say, "I have a collect call from Elizabeth Cash, will you accept the charges?" My father's voice came across the miles and in his calm, reassuring voice, he said, "Sure."
We had a nice talk, I spoke with him, then with my mother, they took down my motel information and my father told me how happy he was that I had called.
My mind kept returning to that moment over and over again as the days, weeks, and months passed. I could not really understand why the conversation stuck with me, but I also knew that I found it comforting to repeat the words in my mind. And then one day, I knew why.
My father could have said a variety of things. He could have said, "Yes" and left it at that. He could have said, "Yes, operator, I'll accept the charges." He might have even asked where the call was coming from. But my dad did not say any of those things. He said, "Sure." with a tone of voice that left no question or doubt that he was willing.
I realized after a time what "sure" means to a loved one. It is unconditional. "Sure" indicates that there is no question that what is asked will be given. One dictionary definition is, "Assured or certain beyond question." My father was letting me know across the miles that he was there for me, that I could count on him, that no matter what I had to say at the end of that phone line, anytime or anywhere, he was there and ready.
I still think of those few moments frequently, a full forty years later. My parents have passed, and I am now the matriarch of a new generation. Sometimes when I overhear my daughter in her own calm and reassuring voice respond, "Sure" to one of my grandchildren, I feel secretly proud because I know what this word means and the impact it can have. Someday, when they are older and ready to hear, I will tell them all what I already know.
I know the Power of Sure.
-- Elizabeth Cash
Honorable Mention, 2021 Write a DearReader Contest
Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.
Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com
This month's Penguin Classics book is THE PENGUIN BOOK OF DRAGONS, edited by Scott G. Bruce. I have a copy of the book to share with a lucky reader, so start reading and enter for your chance to win.
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