A Time for Hope

“I found a job, but I’ll have to leave for a while.”

Elijah froze at his father’s words. Since the stock market had crashed in 1929, his family had struggled to make ends meet. His father had lost his job and had been unable to find work. His mother had been doing odd jobs to try to help the family make money, and the entire family had spent their hard-earned cash only when absolutely necessary, trying to keep the family fed and to not lose their home. To hear his father say he had a job was remarkable news, but no one wanted him to leave.

Elijah realized his mother must have already known the news because the eyes of both his mother and father were trained on him, waiting for his reaction.

“That’s great news, Dad,” Elijah managed to say. “What will you be doing?”

Looking relieved at his son’s reaction, his father began to explain. “I will be working at a park in Tennessee. Along with other men from around the country, I’ll help build needed walkways and bridges and make other improvements to the national park that is located there.”

Elijah’s eyes grew wide in surprise. “Tennessee! But, that’s so far away.”

“It’s far, but we are lucky I’ve found a job. You know that, son.”

Elijah knew this decision was necessary, but he also knew it was hard for his father. He did not want to make it any harder.

“I’ll miss you a lot, but I’m proud of you, Dad. Mom and I will hold down the fort here until you get home.”

When Elijah saw the relief that crossed his father’s face, he knew he had said the right thing. The Depression definitely wasn’t over, but for the first time in a long time, Elijah thought things might get better soon.