“Sometimes Mom Says No,” Friend, Mar. 1994, 30–31
Sometimes Mom Says No
Call unto me, and I will answer thee (Jer. 33:3).
After church on Sunday, Mom and I went to Grandma and Grandpa’s house for dinner, Grandma gave me some photographs of her parents when they were children. I wanted to go home right then and put them in my family photo album. But Mom said, “Let’s help with the dishes and visit for a while.” Sometimes Mom says no.
On Monday a schedule for art classes at the museum came in the mail, I told Mom that I wanted to take all the classes. She said, “You may take any one you want, but only one.” Sometimes Mom says no.
Tuesday it rained. Mom checked out a video from the library for me to watch after I got home from school. I watched it, then asked if we could get another video. She said, “The rain has stopped. Why don’t you go outside and play until dinnertime, instead.” Sometimes Mom says no.
On Fridays Mom lets me stay up half an hour past my bedtime. When I asked to stay up late on Wednesday, she said, “Absolutely not—you have school tomorrow.” Sometimes Mom says no.
On Thursday I had a bowl of popcorn and a glass of juice for my evening snack. When I asked for another helping, Mom said, “I think you’ve had enough.” Sometimes Mom says no.
There was no school on Friday. My friend Meg came over and played. She stayed for lunch, then had to go home. I asked Mom if I could have another friend come over because I was bored. Mom said, “It’s time for you to take a nap.” Sometimes Mom says no.
This morning Mom and I went to the bookstore to meet my favorite author. I took my copy of one of her books, and she autographed it for me. Then Mom and I looked all around the store. I asked Mom to buy me a zillion different books, but she said, “Maybe we can get one for your next birthday.” Sometimes Mom says no. I yelled, “I want one now! If you loved me, you’d buy me a book!”
Mom said, “I love you very much, but we can’t do and have everything we want. We have to make choices.”
“I know,” I said. “But can I have a hug and a kiss?”
This time Mom said yes!
Illustrated by Phyllis Luch