Mommy, Grace.

”The rent’s due Scott, I don’t have time to waste.” she said.

”I don’t know why everything’s always a race with you Grace,” Scott said “ we’re switching from paper checks to electronic next week. I’m just waiting on the guy to come in and setup our servers.”
“I understand Scott. Trust me I get it, but Dana’s after school program ends early on Fridays and if I don’t have the rent check in the box before seven o’clock they’re going to charge me a late fee.” Grace responded.

”I see. There he is now. My man Dave! What’s up Man! Thanks for coming by and dropping off the office checks.” Scott said excitedly.

”Oh no problem big guy. Anything for Grace.” they both laughed.

(Snatch) Grace hurriedly took her check and headed for the door.

”Have a goodnight Scott. See you later Dan. I’m out!” She shouted while bursting through the doors keys in hand.

She ran down the stairs and rushed to the car slightly checking her phone to see the time.

“Oh my Gosh it’s 5:43p.m. There’s no way I’m going to make it uptown and to the office on-time. GOD please help me.” She sighed frustrated while driving down the road.
The sun was setting with a slight summer breeze that flowed through her cracked window. She decided to flip through the stations and turn on some Jazz.

Jazz reminded her of her childhood and kept her at ease. She chuckled as she reflected on the fact that she still had a modern style car and radio.

Approaching the stoplight she thought, “All of my friends have Teslas and smart radios and here I am driving a Honda Accord. After a while they gon’ start calling me ‘Grandma Grace.’

(Ring, Ring) (It was her mother)

”Grace, Grace. Where are you? Dana’s school just called me.” Grace’s mother Mabel asked frantically

“I know ma,” she said “They are calling me too, but what can I do? The checks were late again and the after school program ends early on Fridays. I’m overwhelmed Ma. I’m trying.”

”Well, where are you now? Your father and I can go pick her up.” she responded

”I just merged on to the highway. I’m like 30 minutes away. It’s ok mom. I didn’t want you and Dad to have to leave the house.” Grace stated.

”it’s alright. We were heading to the restaurant anyway. We will pick up Dana and you can come get her from our house.” She said

”Thank you mom. That way I can cash this check and pay the rent on time. You are a life saver.” Grace responded

”Anytime baby. You know Grace, you’re doing a great job. Your father and I are so proud of you. We know Henry passing took a lot out of you but you handle it with so much Grace. We know why the LORD JESUS had us to bestow upon you that name. I want you to remember something. We are here with you. You are never alone. And one thing I did when you and your brother were a lot younger was give myself grace gifts and grace time. I named it “Mommy, Grace” You should try it yourself. Don’t be so hard on yourself all the time. Give yourself, Mommy Grace. We love you.”

” Thank you mommy. I love y’all too. I will do just that” (To Be Cont’d)