Grandpa,
I live in a lovely trailer park and have great neighbors. My husband is (deployed in the military). Yesterday the heat in my home went out. According to the repairman, I should have heat back on by tomorrow. My neighbor saw the repairman’s truck and came over to see if all were well. When she heard the problem, she offered I could stay with her until my heat is fixed. That means two days with my neighbor.
She is a widow and retired. She is meticulously clean and a great cook. Last night she made a wonderful dinner. This morning she out-did herself on breakfast and had a lunch made for me to bring to work with me. I am getting uncomfortable with all she is doing for me. I offered to pay her for the cost of food and she said it is not necessary.
I don’t want to be a leech, nor do I want her spending her money on me. Should I just leave money in her guest room? How much should I leave? I know we will share another fine dinner tonight and I am sure she will repeat this morning’s kindnesses. How do I pay her for two days’ worth of room and board without insulting her? I should tell you; she and I have never before socialized other than to say hello.
Grandpa says: To leave money in the guest room would be insulting. You can repay the favor with a gift of flowers or a live plant attached to a thank you note delivered to her door. Ask your husband to send her a thank you note as well. It would tickle her no end to get a thank you note from a deployed soldier. Then, invite her to breakfast on your day off from work. There are so many fine establishments where you and she could have a great time at little cost to you. Check out page five of The Voice for some ideas and maybe even coupons. I am thinking that she is reaching out for a friendship, someone with whom she can socialize. To become that friend with her would do you both a world of good. May God bless you both!
Grandpa,
I work in my prison’s dietary department. I do not eat pork, nor does my faith permit me to touch it. I work on the serving line so when pork is served, I have to serve it. I am being forced to violate my faith in order to do my prison sentence.
Grandpa says: Have you spoken with the prison chaplain? I am sending to you a leaflet explaining what Scriptures say about swine’s flesh. It explains Christ’s statement in Matt 15:11, which is often used to justify the eating of swine’s flesh. It should help bolster your argument. I would ask you to read Luke 15:11-32. Compare where you are at, and why, to the younger son. Can you see how you walked away from your father through your crime, and what you must learn before returning to him?
Got something stuck in your craw? Ask Grandpa. Address your letters to Ask Grandpa c/o The Voice, PO Box 123, Aurora, IL 60507 or send an E-mail to askgrandpa@thevoice.us.