Elly
and her grandmother have started decluttering Granny’s mobile home, getting
organized for their participation in the Sunset Acres rummage sale.
Of course, there wouldn’t be room for all the things
they’d sorted, but Elly had plans for some of her grandmother’s more valuable
treasures.
Elly took a sip of tea and cleared
her throat. “Uh, Granny. I was looking on eBay and found a Royal Doulton mug
just like yours.” She gestured across the room to a bright red container on the
kitchen window sill. “The seller was asking five hundred dollars for it. Can
you believe that?”
"Five hundred bucks?” Granny
laughed. “I guess there’s always some fool willing to throw away his money.”
She tilted her head and frowned. “I kinda like having ol’ Confucius standing
guard over my kitchen. Besides, it’s a good place to keep my collection of
silver swizzle sticks.”
Elly bit back a sigh and tried
another tactic.
“You know, I was thinking.” She
worked to keep impatience from her voice. “You’ve mentioned that the house
could use a new air conditioner and that the roof is in pretty bad shape.
Selling some of your things would be one way to raise money for that work.”
In truth, the trailer had been
neglected since Elly's grandfather’s death and needed extensive repairs. With the
limited income from Granny’s Social Security and her own joblessness, selling
some of Granny’s possessions was the only way Elly could think of to fund those
projects.
“I'm not sure about letting my
things go to complete strangers, but I promise I’ll give the eBay thing some
thought. Today’s rummage sale is a good start toward turning my treasures into
moolah,” Granny answered.
Elly smiled, happy that her
grandmother seemed to at least be considering her suggestions.
Granny pushed up from the table,
grabbed the back of a nearby chair, and limped to her walker. “Get your rear in
gear, honey. The sooner we get to the sale, the sooner we can start hauling in
the cash.”
Love your characterizations here. Elly is so considerate of Granny's feelings, not trying to railroad her, just suggesting options and letting Granny be in charge of Granny. A lot of younger people would not be so considerate. I love how Elly's being revealed. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jenna! I'm a new grandmother, and I hope my relationship with my granddaughter is as loving as the one between Granny and Elly.
DeleteI do enjoy how Elly is being tactful about Granny's possessions...my daughter just outright called me a "hoarder" once...lol
ReplyDeleteI put her in her place, though...ha-ha!
This story has captured my interest. Thanks for sharing.
Here's MY SWEET SATURDAY SAMPLE
Bad daughter! I'm glad to hear you stood up for yourself. In my story, Granny is grateful for her granddaughter's help, and she's delighted with the extra money that's coming in.
DeleteI love how she hobbles to the walker and then says "get your rear in gear." The contrast is hilarious! I'm really enjoying this story. ;c)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sarah. I like Granny a lot. She's a feisty lady.
DeleteI think my granddaughter gets impatient with me too. I love the relationship between the two of them.
ReplyDeleteI love a spunky granny! Great piece, Sandy. I like the relationship and am hoping there will be a reward that includes some income along with love.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you're enjoying Granny. So am I!
DeleteI wonder how much junk, oops sorry, stuff granny brings back that she buys
ReplyDeleteLindsay, it's funny you should mention that. Elly warns her ....
DeleteI really like the grandma and would love to read more to find out more about these two.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Iris B. I'll be posting more excerpts in the weeks to come.
DeleteI love the interactions between them, and the promise of a rummage sale. My so-called fiancé sells a lot of stuff on eBay himself, and he's always after me to sell some of the stuff I have in storage in his parents' basement, particularly my books. I've told him I'm not selling my books no matter what.
ReplyDeleteI'm the same way, Carrie-Anne. There are certain books that I just won't part with.
DeleteGreat excerpt! I'd definitely read on! :)
ReplyDelete