Sacrifice Brings Blessings

Jarom came in from school feeling hot and tired. He sure could go for some butter cookies. It had been a long time since he had eaten butter. Just the sound of the word made his mouth water.

Jarom’s father was away at war in Europe. He was a military doctor working to help the wounded soldiers in the war. Jarom’s family had sacrificed great things—just like many others in the country—to help the men fighting the war.

Jarom looked out the window and saw his mother in the victory garden. She worked daily in the garden. It seemed to keep her mind off things.

They hadn’t received a letter from his dad for almost a month. The officer Jarom’s mother spoke with assured her that it wasn’t uncommon to go through a dry spell without letters or correspondence. That’s because he didn’t know Jarom’s dad. Jarom’s dad faithfully wrote a letter each week. Jarom went out to pull weeds with his mom.

“Hi, Jarom. I hope it was a good day,” said his mom.

“Good as ever,” replied Jarom. Just then, the mailman came up the street. “I have a deal for you, Mom,” said Jarom as he tried to cheer his mom up.

“What’s that?” asked Mom.

“If a letter comes in the mail from Dad, I’ll do the dishes for a week,” offered Jarom.

“It’s a deal,” said Mom. Jarom groaned as he saw the huge smile on the postman’s face. He had spoken too soon.