In the bustling city of Lagos, John Ben was a wealthy businessman known for his extreme stinginess. Despite his riches, John rarely spent money on his family. His wife, Mary, and their two children, David and Anna, struggled to make ends meet.
Mary, a kind-hearted woman, often faced the challenge of feeding her family with meager resources. One day, she opened the fridge to find it almost empty. There were a few vegetables past their prime and a couple of eggs. John had given her very little money for groceries that week, and Mary knew she had to make do with what she had.
She sighed softly, thinking of how to stretch the ingredients to make a meal for her hungry children. David, the eldest, came into the kitchen, his schoolbooks tucked under his arm.
“Mom, is there anything for dinner?” he asked with a hopeful look.
Mary smiled reassuringly. “Yes, sweetheart. I’ll figure something out.”
David nodded understandingly, though he could sense his mother’s worry. He knew times were tough, and his father’s reluctance to spend money only made things harder.
Later that evening, John returned from work, his mind preoccupied with business matters. Mary approached him tentatively.
“John, we’re running low on groceries again,” Mary said softly, hoping to discuss their financial situation.
John frowned slightly. “I gave you money last week, Mary. Can’t you manage with that?”
Mary bit her lip, hesitating before replying, “It’s not enough, John. The children need proper meals.”
John shook his head dismissively. “You need to be more careful with money, Mary. We can’t afford to waste it.”
Feeling a pang of disappointment, Mary nodded quietly. She knew arguing wouldn’t change anything. As John walked away, Mary’s heart sank. She knew she had to find a way to provide for her family, even if it meant making sacrifices.
The Worn-Out Clothes:
David and Anna were woken up by their parent, John and Mary. David was ten years old, and Anna was eight. They went to school every day, but there was one big problem: their clothes were old and worn-out. David’s pants had patches on the knees, and Anna’s dress was faded and too short.
At school, the other children had new, colorful clothes. David and Anna felt embarrassed and shy. They didn’t like to play with the other kids because they were afraid of being teased. Sometimes, their classmates would laugh at their clothes. David and Anna would look down at their shoes and wish they could disappear.
One day, Anna’s favorite toy, a little stuffed bear named Teddy, broke. She loved Teddy more than anything. Teddy’s arm was torn, and some stuffing was coming out. Anna took Teddy to her father, John, and asked him to buy her a new toy.
“Please, Daddy, can I have a new Teddy?” Anna asked with big, hopeful eyes.
John shook his head. “No, Anna. Toys cost money, and we can’t waste money on unnecessary things.”
Anna’s heart sank. She loved Teddy, but now Teddy was broken. She hugged the bear tightly and cried. Mary, her mother, watched with a heavy heart. She wanted to help her children, but she knew John was strict about money. He always said they needed to save and not spend on things they didn’t need.
Mary tried to mend Teddy, but she was not very good at sewing. The arm looked funny, but at least Teddy was still together. Anna thanked her mother and gave her a hug, but she still felt sad.
At school, David and Anna’s teacher noticed their worn-out clothes and Anna’s sad face. She asked Mary if everything was okay. Mary nodded and tried to smile, but the teacher could see the worry in her eyes.
That night, Mary talked to John. “John, the children need new clothes. They feel embarrassed at school. And Anna’s toy broke. She was so heartbroken. Can’t we do something for them?”
John sighed. “Mary, we have to save money. Clothes and toys are not as important as food and bills.”
“But, John,” Mary said gently, “the children are growing up. They need to feel good about themselves. It’s not just about clothes or toys. It’s about their happiness and confidence.”
John looked at Mary and saw the sadness in her eyes. He thought about David and Anna and how they must feel every day at school. Slowly, he began to wonder why his wife don’t understand.
The Secret Job:
The next day, after dropping David and Anna off at school, Mary made a decision. She would find a job. It wasn’t an easy choice, but she was determined to contribute to their household income. She needed something flexible, something that wouldn’t interfere too much with taking care of her children and managing the household.
Mary spent the following days searching for job opportunities, visiting local businesses and offices. She hoped to find something that would pay enough to cover their expenses without John’s knowledge. She knew he wouldn’t approve, but she couldn’t let that stop her from doing what was necessary for David and Anna.
As Mary continued her search, she couldn’t shake the feeling of apprehension. What if John found out? How would he react? Despite her fe*rs, she knew she had to be brave for her family’s sake.
Days turned into weeks, and Mary’s determination only grew stronger. She knew she was getting closer to finding a solution, to securing a better future for David and Anna. Little did she know, her journey was about to take an unexpected turn that would change their lives forever.
Mary looked at her children playing in the yard. They needed new clothes and school supplies, but money was tight.
One evening, after the children were asleep and John was reading in the living room, Mary quietly used her phone to search for jobs. She found an opening for a cleaner at an office nearby. The hours were early in the morning, so she could finish before the kids woke up.
The next morning, Mary told John she wanted to go for a walk before sunrise to get some fresh air. He nodded, thinking it was a good idea for her to have some time for herself.
Mary went to the office and met Mr. Smith, the manager. He was kind and showed her around. She would clean the desks, empty the trash bins, and vacuum the floors. Mary agreed to start the next day.
For the next few weeks, Mary woke up very early, cleaned the office, and came back home before anyone noticed. She saved her earnings carefully, dreaming about the things she would buy for the children.
One day, John asked her, “Mary, you seem tired lately. Is everything okay?”
Mary smiled and said, “I’m fine, John. Just trying to keep busy.”
But John was worried. He started to wonder what Mary was doing every morning. One day, he decided to follow her. He saw her enter the office building and realized she was working as a cleaner.
When Mary came home that day, John was waiting. “Mary, why didn’t you tell me?” he asked gently.
Mary looked down, feeling a bit ashámed. “I wanted to surprise you and the children. We need extra money for their things.”
The S!ck Child:
Mary woke up early every morning to go to work. She cleaned houses in the neighborhood. Every week, she earned some money. She didn’t tell anyone about this money. Mary felt bad for keeping it a secret, but she had a reason.
Mary used the hidden money to buy food for her family. She also bought clothes and small treats for her children, David and Anna. They always smiled and thanked her, not knowing how she got the money.
One day, David asked, “Mom, how do you always have enough money to buy us nice things?” Mary smiled and said, “It’s a secret, but I do it because I love you both.”
Mary felt a bit gu!lty for not telling the truth, but she knew it was necessary. She wanted to make sure her family had everything they needed. Mary promised herself that one day, she would tell them the truth. Until then, she kept working hard and taking care of her family with her hidden earnings.
One morning, David woke up feeling very s!ck. He had a high fever and couldn’t stop coughing. Mary was very worried about him. She knew that David needed to see a doctor.
Mary told John, her husband, “David is very s!ck. We need to take him to the hospital.” But John shook his head. “No, Mary,” he said firmly. “We can’t spend money on a doctor. He will get better on his own.”
Mary felt very upset. She knew that David needed help, but John was not listening. She watched David lying in bed, looking so weak and pale. She didn’t know what to do.
Mary thought about the money she had saved from her job. She had hidden it because she wanted to use it for emergencies. Now, she knew it was time to use that money. She decided she would take David to the hospital, no matter what John said.
Mary took a deep breath and gently told John, “I have some money saved. It’s enough to take David to the hospital. Please, let’s not wait any longer.” John looked surprised but finally agreed.
They took David to the hospital. The doctor gave him medicine and took good care of him. Slowly, David began to feel better. Mary was relieved and happy to see her son getting well again. She knew she had made the right decision, even if it meant going against John’s wishes.
The Emergency:
David’s health grew w0rse by the hour. He could hardly move, and his breathing was shallow. Mary felt a deep fear in her heart. She knew she had to act quickly to save her son. She took a deep breath, gathered her courage, and decided to use her secret savings again. Without wasting any more time, she bundled David up and rushed him to the hospital.
At the hospital, the doctor examined David carefully. His face was serious, and Mary felt a lump in her throat. “Your son needs immediate treatment,” the doctor said. “He is very !ll, and we must act fast.”
Mary’s heart sank. She knew the treatment would cost more money than she had. Her small earnings from her part-time job barely covered their basic needs. But there was no other choice. David’s life was on the line. Mary handed over all the money she had saved in secret, hoping it would be enough.
As the doctors and nurses started working on David, Mary sat in the waiting room, her hands shaking. She prayed silently for David’s recovery. She also worried about how she would manage without John’s help. John was the main breadwinner, and Mary didn’t know how he would react when he found out she had taken David to the hospital without telling him.
Meanwhile, John was at work. He didn’t know what was happening at home. When he came back that evening, he found the house empty and cold. Panic rose in his chest. He tried calling Mary, but she didn’t answer. After several tries, he finally reached her. Mary told him what had happened, and John rushed to the hospital.
When John arrived, he saw Mary sitting alone in the waiting room, looking exhausted and scared. He felt a mix of anger and worry. “Why didn’t you tell me?” he asked, his voice trembling.
Mary looked up at him with teárs in her eyes. “I didn’t want to bother you,” she said. “I thought I could handle it myself. David needed help right away, and I couldn’t wait.”
John felt a pang of gu!lt. He had been so focused on work that he hadn’t noticed how bad things had gotten. He sat down next to Mary and took her hand. “You should have told me,” he said gently. “We’re in this together.”
They waited together for what felt like hours. Finally, the doctor came out to talk to them. “David is stable now,” he said. “But he will need to stay in the hospital for a few days to recover fully.”
Mary felt a wave of relief wash over her. She thanked the doctor and then turned to John. “I used all my secret money to pay for the treatment,” she admitted. “I don’t know how we’ll manage now.”
John hugged her tightly. “We’ll figure it out,” he said. “The important thing is that David is going to be okay. We’ll find a way to make it work.”
The Apology:
The pale face and tired eyes of David child made John’s heart àche. He knew deep down that his own stinginess had put David in dnger.
John had always been careful with money. He is a businessman but he believed in saving every penny he could. When David first showed signs of !llness, Mary, John’s wife, had asked him to buy better medicine. John had insisted on buying the cheaper one, thinking it would be enough. Now, seeing David so s!ck, he realized how wrong he had been.
“Mary,” John said, his voice trembling, “I am so sorry. This is all my fault. If I had listened to you, David wouldn’t be this s!ck.”
Mary looked at him, her eyes filled with worry and exhaustion. “It’s too late for apologies, John,” she said softly. “We need to focus on getting David well.”
John nodded, feeling the weight of his guilt pressing down on him. He knew he had to do something to make things right. He couldn’t bear to see his son s”ffer because of his own mistakes.
The Apology
The next morning, John sat down with Mary and David. David was still weak, lying on the couch with a blanket wrapped around him. John took a deep breath, trying to find the right words.
Mary, David,” he began, “I want to apologize. I made a mistake. I was too stingy and I didn’t think about what was best for our family. I promise to change. I will take better care of all of you from now on.”
Mary listened, her face showing a mixture of hope and skepticism. She had heard promises from John before. He had always been tight with money, always thinking of saving for the future, never realizing that the present needed just as much attention. She wanted to believe him, but a part of her was doubtful.
“I hope you mean it this time, John,” she said, her voice calm but firm. “David needs us both right now, and we need to work together to make sure he gets better.”
John nodded, determined to prove himself. He spent the next few days by David’s side, helping Mary with the medicine and doing everything he could to make his son comfortable. He saw the toll it took on Mary, and he realized how much she had been handling on her own.
As David slowly started to recover, John knew he had to show Mary and the children that he was serious about changing. He gave Mary more money for groceries, allowing her to buy better food for the family. He bought new clothes for David and their daughter, Anna. The children were delighted with their new clothes, and Mary began to see a glimmer of hope.
John also made an effort to spend more time with his family. He realized that it wasn’t just about money; it was about being present and showing that he cared. One sunny Saturday, John decided to take the family out for a day in the park. They hadn’t had an outing like this in a long time, and everyone was excited.
They packed a picnic basket with sandwiches, fruit, and cookies. At the park, they spread out a blanket under a large oak tree. The children ran around, laughing and playing games. John and Mary sat on the blanket, watching them with smiles on their faces.
“Thank you, John,” Mary said, turning to him. “This is wonderful. The kids are so happy.”
John felt a warmth in his heart, seeing his family enjoying themselves. “I promise, Mary,” he said, “I will keep doing my best for all of you. I don’t want to make the same mistakes again.”
As the sun began to set, they packed up their things and headed home. The children were tired but happy, and Mary looked more relaxed than she had in a long time. John knew that he still had a lot to prove, but he felt hopeful. He was determined to be a better husband and father.
The gu!lt he had felt was not gone, but it had started to change into something else—a drive to make things right and to be the kind of man his family needed him to be. And with each day, as he showed them through his actions that he was committed to this change, the family began to heal.
The Return to Stinginess:
John had made a promise to his family. He had told them he would stop being stingy and start spending money when needed. For a while, he kept his promise. He bought good food, fixed things around the house, and even took the family out for fun once in a while. Everyone was happy, and life seemed good.
But as time went by, John started to worry about money again. He thought about the future and all the things that could go wrong. Slowly, he returned to his old ways. He began to cut expenses again. He bought the cheapest groceries, even if they were not very good. He stopped fixing things around the house. He refused to take the family out, saying it was too expensive.
John’s wife, Mary, noticed the changes. She saw how John was slipping back into his old habits. One evening, she sat down with him to talk.
“John, we can’t live like this,” she said softly. “We need to spend money on things we need. We can save, but we also need to live.”
John shook his head. “Mary, we need to save every penny we can. Times are tough. We can’t afford to waste money.”
Mary sighed. She knew it was hard to change John’s mind once he had decided something. She hoped he would see reason soon.
The Family Struggles Again
As John became stingier, the family started to struggle again. The children noticed the changes too. They missed the good food and the fun outings. They felt sád and frûstrated.
One day, John’s son, Tim, came home from school with a note. The note said that the school was organizing a trip to the zoo. Tim was excited. He loved animals and wanted to go.
“Dad, can I go to the zoo trip? ” Tim asked, holding up the note.
John frowned. “No, Tim. We can’t afford that. You’ll have to stay at home.”
Tim’s face fell. He felt tears in his eyes but tried not to cry. He nodded and went to his room, feeling disappointed.
Mary saw the sadness in Tim’s eyes. She knew how much he wanted to go. She went to talk to John again.
“Let Tim go to the zoo. It will make him happy,” she pleaded.
But John was firm. “No, Mary. We need to save money. We can’t spend it on such things.”
The night Of Røbbery:
One day, John’s neighbor, Mr. Thompson, came to visit him. Mr. Thompson had some important news.
“John,” Mr. Thompson said, “I need to warn you about something. There have been many røbberies in our area lately. Thieves are breaking into houses and stealing money and valuables.”
John listened but didn’t seem worried. “Thanks for the warning, Mr. Thompson,” he said. “But I think my money is safe here. I have a good hiding spot.”
Mr. Thompson shook his head. “John, it’s not safe to keep large amounts of money at home. You should put your money in the bank. The bank is much safer.”
John smiled and said, “I appreciate your concern, but I don’t trust banks. I’ll keep my money where I can see it.”
Mr. Thompson sighed. “I hope you change your mind, John. It’s better to be safe than sorry.”
After Mr. Thompson left, John thought about what he said but decided to stick to his plan. He felt confident that his hiding place was secure. John owned a shop in the town. He worked hard every day and saved most of his earnings. John still preferred to keep his money in the shop, hidden in a secret spot. He believed it was safe there.
One dark, quiet night, a group of røbbers decided to target John’s shop. They had heard about the money he kept hidden inside. The rōbbers waited until the streets were empty and everyone was asleep.
Using tools to break the lock, the røbbers entered John’s shop. They moved quickly, searching every corner for the hidden money. The robbers turned the place upside down, knocking over shelves and breaking things in their path.
After some time, one of the røbbers found John’s secret hiding spot. There, they discovered the large amount of money John had saved. With greedy smiles, they took every last note and coin, stuffing them into bags.
When the røbbers had taken all they could, they left the shop in a terrible mess. Shelves were broken, products were scattered everywhere, and the lock was destroyed. The shop looked like a storm had hit it.
The next morning, John arrived at his shop and was shocked by what he saw. His heart sank as he looked around at the damàge. He quickly checked his hiding spot and found it empty. All his hard-earned money was gone.
John felt a deep sense of loss and regret. He realized he should have listened to Mr. Thompson’s warning about the robberies. He now understood that keeping large amounts of money at home or in his shop was too risky.
As he cleaned up the mess and tried to put his shop back in order, John made a decision. He would no longer keep his money hidden away. From now on, he would use the bank to protect his savings.
The night of the røbbery taught John a hard lesson. He learned the importance of keeping his money in a safe place and vowed to never make the same mistake again.
The Blame:
John sat on the porch, staring into the distance. His mind replayed the events of the robbery over and over. The thieves had taken everything—his money, his stock, and his sense of security. The shop he had worked so hard to build was now in ruins. He felt a deep pang of guilt and regret. He blamed himself for the robbery and the hardships his family was now facing.
He thought about his stinginess. He had always been cautious with money, never wanting to spend more than necessary. He had refused to invest in better security for the shop, thinking it was an unnecessary expense. Now, his frugality had cost him dearly and put his family in danger. John sighed heavily, feeling the weight of his mistakes.
One evening, as the family sat down for a modest dinner, John spoke up. “I want to rebuild the shop,” he said, his voice determined but tinged with sorrow. “I know I’ve made mistakes, and I’m sorry for the hardships I’ve caused. But I can’t give up now. I need to make things right.”
Mary looked at John with a mixture of concern and support. She had seen the toll the robbery had taken on him. Despite everything, she loved him and wanted to help. “We’ll get through this together,” she said softly. “I’ll help you rebuild the shop. We’ll find a way.”
The next day, John and Mary began the daunting task of rebuilding. They worked tirelessly, day and night, to restore the shop. They used what little savings they had left and borrowed money from friends and family. John put aside his frugality and invested in better security measures, determined to protect his livelihood and his family.
As they worked, they faced many challenges. The financial strain was immense, and the physical labor was exhausting. But they persevered, driven by their determination and the support of their loved ones. Slowly but surely, the shop began to take shape once again.
John’s neighbors and friends noticed his efforts and rallied around him. They offered their help, bringing supplies, lending a hand, and providing moral support. John was touched by their generosity and realized that he wasn’t alone in his struggle. The community stood with him, helping him rebuild not just his shop, but his faith in himself and others.
After months of hard work, the shop was finally ready to reopen. It wasn’t the grandest or the most well-stocked, but it was a symbol of resilience and determination. John stood outside the newly rebuilt shop, his heart swelling with pride and gratitude. He knew the road ahead would still be challenging, but he felt a renewed sense of hope.
On the day of the reopening, the community gathered to celebrate. John and Mary thanked everyone for their support and shared their story of perseverance. The shop, once a symbol of loss and hardship, now stood as a testament to their strength and the power of unity.
As the sun set on the day of the reopening, John looked at Mary and their children. “We’ve come a long way,” he said, his voice filled with emotion. “I couldn’t have done this without you. Thank you for believing in me and standing by my side.”
Mary smiled and hugged John tightly. “We’re a team,” she said. “We’ll always face our challenges together.”
John nodded, feeling a deep sense of gratitude and love. He had learned a valuable lesson from his mistakes.
What lessons did John learn from the hardships he faced, and how did they influence his outlook on life?
The Generosity:
John had a sudden change of heart one sunny morning. He realized that he wanted to be more generous with his family. It started with small things. He bought better food for the house. Instead of the usual plain bread and soup, he brought home fresh fruits, vegetables, and even some chocolates for the kids.
David and Anna noticed the change quickly. They were surprised but very happy. They jumped up and down with joy when they saw the new toys their father bought for them. Anna got a beautiful doll, and David got a set of colorful building blocks. They spent hours playing and laughing together.
Mary, John’s wife, felt a wave of relief wash over her. She had been worried about the tight budget for a long time. Seeing John change his ways and spend money on the family made her feel hopeful. She smiled more and joined in the children’s games, making the house feel warmer and happier.
John, on the other hand, felt a mix of emotions. He regretted his past stinginess and the hardships it had caused his family. He remembered all the times he had said no to small pleasures because he was too focused on saving money. Now, seeing the joy on his family’s faces, he understood that money should be spent on making memories and bringing happiness to those he loved.
Determined to make up for the past, John started planning family outings. They went to the park, had picnics, and even visited the zoo. Every trip brought them closer together. They laughed, talked, and enjoyed each other’s company more than ever before.
One evening, as they sat around the dining table, John made a promise. “From now on, I will always put our family first,” he said. “I will never let money come between us again.”
Mary nodded, tears of happiness in her eyes. David and Anna, though young, understood the importance of their father’s words. They hugged him tightly, feeling loved and secure.
The Ben family continued to live happily. They appreciated every moment they spent together and learned the true meaning of generosity. Their house was now filled with love, laughter, and the sweet sound of joy. They had learned an important lesson: that the love and happiness shared within a family were far more valuable than any amount of money.
…….. The End ….:::
