I was a mother of four children, working at a low-paid job. Money was always valuable, but we had a roof over our heads, food on the table, and clothes in the wardrobe. I always tell myself to be brave and strong. I hope all my efforts would be worthwhile, as long as my children can grow up healthily. It was Christmas time. We drove downtown to see the Christmas lights, and enjoyed a special dinner, but the big excitement for the kids was the fun of Christmas shopping at the mall. This was a tradition of my family, so they all looked forward to the coming of the season of goodwill. They talked and planned for weeks ahead of time, asking each other what they wanted for Christmas.
The big day arrived and we started out early. I gave each of the four kids a twenty -dollar bill and asked them to search for gifts. Then everyone scattered (分散开) with the bill. I sat at a table in a café waiting for my children and enjoying an instant of silence. It must be a happy day.
Back in the car driving home, everyone was excited about Christmas, laughing and asking each other about what they had bought. I noted Ginger, my younger daughter had only one small and flat bag with her. I could see enough through the plastic bag to tell that she had bought candy bars—fifty-cent candy bars! What did she do with that twenty-dollar bill I had given her? I was so angry. After getting home, I called her into my bedroom and closed the door. I couldn't hold back my anger and shouted at her, "What about the rest of the money? No one would be convinced all these candies are worth 20 dollars. What do you want to do with the rest of the money?"
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She was shocked at my reaction and burst into tears.
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My anger disappeared.
