Fiction logo

Family First...

Isn't Always Easy

By LaShunta HPublished 3 years ago 6 min read
2

Time is something we can never get back.

Lida was sitting staring out of the window watching the rainfall. She watched as the trees and rain swooshed back and forth and sometimes a leaf or two would fall off of one of the trees. Lida was staring like she was hypnotized. She had nothing on her mind; the movements of nature relaxed her.

Relaxation was what Lida was longing for. Real relaxation was something she had not had in months.

Life has been hectic recently. Lida had become a caretaker for everyone around her. She took care of her mom, her sister, and her nieces. Deep down she wanted a break. She had no idea how to get one. She didn’t want to make anyone feel bad. Taking care of the family had become her thing and they were counting on her.

After her daydreaming session, Lida started her evening routine of cooking, cleaning, checking on everyone.

As she took the lasagna out of the oven she almost dropped it. Her niece Kiya had burst into the kitchen with her speed; she was always moving fast and her loud chipper voice. “Hey Aunt Lida, what are you up to?” Kiya shouted.

“Oh, you know just living the dream,” Lida replied.

Kiya jumped in and started setting the table and helping Lida with the rest of dinner.

When dinner was ready they all sat around the table chit-chatting about everyone's day.

Lida enjoyed evening time around the table. Her nieces always had something to chat about. As they were getting ready to get up from the table Lida’s oldest niece Sara said, “Hey guys I need to tell you all about something.”

Lida was a bit surprised they had all just spent an hour at the table, what did Sara forget to mention she thought.

Everyone took their places at the table again.

Sara cleared her throat several times.

Everyone giggled.

“Ok, you guys please do not panic, please hear me out,” Sara said

Everyone groaned.

“What in the hell is going on”, Lida thought.

Sara started to speak and Lida felt like she had y drifted off somewhere else.

Did she hear this all correct?

Sara is leaving college to go do what…

Lida came to and she could hear everyone screaming and asking Sara if she had lost her mind.

Sara had decided to leave college and travel.

Lida had halted all of her plans for the last 5 years to care for her family after her sister and mom both were diagnosed with cancer. Lida took loans out to help keep the family home and to help her nieces with private school and college for Sara. How could Sara think that leaving college to travel was a good idea?

Lida got up from the table and walked to her room. She was in no mood to talk to anyone. She could still hear her family going back and forth about Sara’s decision.

The next morning Lida woke up and was hoping she had dreamt that Sara was going to leave school.

She went to the kitchen to make her coffee and there on the kitchen table were a bunch of travel brochures for the states and overseas.

It was not a dream.

*******

Over the next few weeks Lida, Sara, and the rest of the family had several talks about Sara’s plans. Sara was adamant that for now the two years of college were enough.

Deep down Lida had thought once Sara was done she’d get a good job and help care for her mom and sisters. That would be a great plan to get Lida a break financially, mentally, and physically.

Lida was envious and upset.

Sara planned to leave the next month; not much notice.

Lida kept thinking she would never be able to get a break and enjoy more things for her own life. Yes it sounded selfish and yes she loved her family but she wanted to do things that did not always involve caring for everyone. And yes she felt guilty for feeling this way.

The closer the countdown for Sara to leave came there was more tension in the house. They all tried to be supportive but all felt Sara was not making the best choice.

The weekend before Sara left they had a family get-together. It was nice having extended family around to “celebrate” Sara’s new adventures.

Sunday night before Sara left she and Lida went to get ice cream at their favorite shop. They sat and talked and Lida started to realize how much she was going to miss Sara. They laughed and talked and the ride home was bittersweet for Lida. This would be their last treat together for a while.

They drove in silence and Sara said, “Aunt Lida open the glove compartment.”

Lida said, “Huh.”

Sara repeated for her to open the glove compartment.

Lida opened it and she saw an envelope with her name on it.

“What is this?” she asked.

“Open it up once I leave. I want you to know I am thankful for all you have done to take care of mom and all of us. You have never complained, you just did it.” Sara said.

Lida was so choked up, little did her niece know all she had done since she heard about Sara’s plans was complain. She felt horrible. She thanked Sara for the card.

They got home and Sara packed her car with her bags. They all said see you laters and hugged and cried. Sara planned to leave at the crack of dawn to meet her friends so they could hit the road.

The next morning Lida got up at 5 am and Sara was already gone. Lida sat at the kitchen table and cried. She was sitting and sulking when she remembered she had to open Sara’s card. She got to her room and opened the card:

Aunt Lida, I know it has not been easy. I know you have dreams for your life that you have put on hold. We want you to know that you do not need permission to enjoy your life. You can do fun things and it will be ok. Yes, we have all been talking about you LOL. Enough of the sappy stuff. Head out to the garage and you will find your surprise.

Love all of us.

Lida bolted to the garage and there she saw a lamp with a flashing green light with a tag that said: You have the green light to go and relax. Pack your bags you leave at 3 pm. Enjoy Hawaii.

Lida was speechless, tears fell from her cheeks. She sprinted into the house to pack her bags…

Aloha!

Feel free to share this story on your social media. I would appreciate it. Send me Tweet or a double tap on Instagram. Also if you feel inclined tips are always welcomed. Thank you again for reading my story.

family
2

About the Creator

LaShunta H

I love to write

I love people and diversity

I love sports- GO LAKERS (and yes I was a fan pre Lebron)

Reader insights

Be the first to share your insights about this piece.

How does it work?

Add your insights

Comments

There are no comments for this story

Be the first to respond and start the conversation.

Sign in to comment

    Find us on social media

    Miscellaneous links

    • Explore
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
    • Support

    © 2024 Creatd, Inc. All Rights Reserved.