З життя
For about an hour, I observed young would-be parents who had only just left sixth form.
For about an hour, I observed a pair of soon-to-be parents, barely out of sixth form.
Not long ago, I had an appointment with my gynaecologist. As usual, there was a queue, and the doctor was running late. Standing behind me was a pregnant girl, no more than eighteen years old, accompanied by the babys father, also around the same age. The parents paid no heed to the queue, acting just as they pleased. The young man was laughing loudly throughout the hallway, clearly thrilled at the thought of having a son.
Isnt it brilliant were having a boy? Hahahahaha
He must have repeated that a dozen times before a new idea struck him. Hang on, we havent picked a name yet! Lets name him after one of the doctors!
He began to pace the corridor, reading aloud the doctors names from the wall, making running commentary on each. His tour concluded, he plonked himself down next to his girlfriend, dissolving into giggles once again. An older woman passing by couldnt hold her tongue any longer:
Young man, do calm yourself down!
The boy turned with genuine surprise, glanced at her, and replied, Granny, are you pregnant too? Hahaha…
His girlfriend giggled softly, with the same silly look on her face. It took all my restraint not to cause a scene with the pregnant girl; I managed to hold my tongue. When they tired of that topic, the young man turned his attention to food.
Im starving! Honestly, Im famished and theres still half an hour to go in this queue.
Lets pop over for a pasty! We can come back after.
I dont fancy a pasty.
Youve become so fussy! Hahaha
Their incessant chatter was giving everyone a headache, but thankfully, the couple soon wandered offpasty or not, I couldnt say, but that hardly mattered. The important thing was that they left.
With some apprehension, I considered what sort of upbringing their child might receive. It worried me that their little one might grow up just as inconsiderate. I wanted to hope that the grandparents would step in, but given the behaviour in front of me, it seemed unlikely much would change for the next generation.
Witnessing moments like this reminds us that not every parent is prepared for the responsibility of raising a child. Sometimes, it takes a community to guide the young so the next generation might know better.
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A Grandson’s Request: An Uplifting Story “Gran, I need to ask you something—it’s really important. I need a lot of money.” He arrived in the evening—nervous, restless. Normally, Daniel popped round to see Lilian twice a week, happy to fetch her groceries or pop out the bins. Once, he even fixed her old sofa. Always calm, always confident—never like this. Lilian always worried—it was a strange world out there. “Daniel, love, can I ask—why do you need the money? And how much is ‘a lot’?” Her voice was steady, but her heart thumped. Daniel was her eldest grandson—a good lad, kind at heart. He’d finished school a year ago, working part-time while studying. His parents hadn’t voiced any concerns, but why would he need so much cash? “I can’t say yet, Gran, but I promise I’ll pay you back—just not all at once…” “You know I’m only on my pension,” said Lilian, torn, “How much exactly?” “One thousand pounds.” “Why not ask your parents?” Lilian asked absently, already guessing his answer. Daniel’s dad—her son-in-law—was strict, expected children to solve their own problems and not stick their noses where they didn’t belong. “They wouldn’t help,” Daniel replied, confirming her thoughts with a sigh. Had he got mixed up in something serious? Would giving him the money only make it worse? But what if not giving it made things even harder? She studied him with concern. “Gran, it’s nothing bad, I swear. I’ll pay you back in three months—promise! Don’t you trust me?” She probably should lend it, even if he never returned it. There ought to be someone in his life who has his back; someone he can trust—so he never loses faith in people. She did have that money set aside for emergencies. Perhaps this was the one. After all, Daniel had come to her. Funerals could wait—life was for the living. It’s family—family you must trust. They say if you lend money, be prepared to lose it. The young can be unpredictable… but Daniel had never let her down. “All right, I’ll lend you the money for three months, as you said. But wouldn’t it be better for your parents to know?” “Gran, you know I love you, and I always keep my promises. If you can’t help I’ll try to get a loan—after all, I do work.” The next day, Lilian went to the bank, withdrew the money and handed it to Daniel. He beamed, gave her a grateful hug, and dashed off: “Thank you, Gran, you’re the best. I’ll pay you back—I promise!” Lilian returned home, brewed herself a cup of tea, and pondered. So many times in her life she’d desperately needed help. Every time, someone came through. But now, these days, everyone looked out for themselves. Times were tough. A week later, Daniel popped in again, cheerful. “Gran, here’s the first bit back—I got an advance at work. Oh, and can I bring a friend round tomorrow?” “Of course, love. I’ll bake your favourite—poppyseed cake.” She smiled, relieved—whatever it was, she’d soon know. Daniel came that evening. Not alone. A slender young woman stood by his side. “Gran, this is Lisa. Lisa, meet my lovely Gran, Lilian.” Lisa blushed, “Hello, thank you so much, Mrs Taylor!” “Come in, both of you,” Lilian relaxed—they seemed good together. They sat and chatted over tea and cake. “Gran, I couldn’t tell you before. Lisa’s mum became suddenly very ill; there was no one else to help and Lisa was so worried—she made me promise not to explain why I needed the money. But it’s over now—her mum’s had the operation. The doctors say she’ll recover.” Daniel looked at Lisa, squeezing her hand. “Thank you—you’re so kind. I can’t thank you enough,” Lisa said, turning away to hide her tears. “I told you, everything’s all right, don’t cry,” Daniel smiled, “Come on, Gran, we’d better be off—getting late.” “Take care, dears, goodnight—may everything work out for you.” As they left, Lilian crossed herself (old habits die hard). Her grandson had grown up—a solid young man. She was glad she trusted him. It wasn’t really about the money; it brought them closer. Two months on, Daniel repaid her in full. “Just think, Gran. The doctor said if we hadn’t acted so quickly, it could have ended much worse. I didn’t know how I could help Lisa. I realise now—there’s always someone willing to step up when things are hard. And I’ll always look after you, Gran—you’re the best in the world!” Lilian ruffled his hair, as she had when he was little. “All right, off you go—and bring Lisa round soon!” “Of course,” Daniel grinned, hugging her. As she closed the door, Lilian remembered what her own gran used to say: “You must always look after your own. It’s the English way—never turn your back on family. Remember that!”
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For about an hour, I observed young would-be parents who had only just left sixth form.
For about an hour, I observed a pair of soon-to-be parents, barely out of sixth form. Not long ago, I...
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