Chapter 14 - THE TRUTH ABOUT THE $30,000
A week later, Daniel arrived with a folder of documents.
He had spoken with a financial counselor and reviewed the commitments he and Ashley had made.
The thirty thousand dollars they had committed came from several sources, including savings, family assistance, and borrowing.
They were now trying to determine what could be recovered and what obligations remained.
“I should never have assumed you would sell,” he said.
“No, you shouldn't have.”
“I kept telling myself that once we had the house, everything would work out. I thought you would understand because you love the children.”
“I do love them. That's why I won't teach them that love means taking what someone else has earned.”
He nodded.
Then he told me something I had not expected.
Ashley had originally suggested asking me for financial help. Daniel had agreed to have a conversation with me.
But when they saw the property they wanted, Ashley began contacting the agent and discussing possible sale arrangements before he had secured my agreement.
Daniel had gone along with it because he was afraid of disappointing her.
“I knew it was wrong,” he admitted. “But I kept thinking I could explain it later.”
“Later is where people hide the consequences they don't want to face today.”
He wiped his eyes.
“I am sorry, Mom.”
This time, I believed that he understood the damage.
But forgiveness was not the same as pretending nothing had happened.
“I will not give you money to cover this,” I told him. “You and Ashley need to work through the financial consequences yourselves.”
He nodded.
“I understand.”
“And if you ever need help making a budget, finding a counselor, or talking through a difficult decision, I will listen.”
He looked up.
“Thank you.”
May you like
It was the first time in weeks that we had spoken without either of us trying to control the other.
I hoped it was the beginning of something better.
