Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: Cyber Communication (email, IM’s, etc) (11/04/10)
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TITLE: Oh, the Fun of Monday Mornings | Previous Challenge Entry
By Leah Nichols
11/10/10 -
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ADD TO MY FAVORITES
I step up and take my drink, sipping to check its perfection. “Ah, Christmas in a cup,” I murmur to myself. No better way to enjoy the holidays when you have to work.
Squeezing around the long line of people, I slip out the door and head toward the office, only a block from the coffee chain's flagship store. I consider myself blessed to have such excellent coffee so close to my job.
A few minutes later I wiggle the mouse as I settle into my office chair. Better check my email first. I type in my password and wait, as the list of messages quickly quadruples. “Oh, wonderful,” I mutter out loud.
The bold titles stand out on the bright screen.
U.S. Government Lottery – You Win! “Yeah, right.” -Delete-
Dear Sir, Your Assistance Requested -Delete- "Like I'm really going to send money to someone I don't know."
I scroll through the emails, finger poised on the delete button. Spam abounds after the weekend. Oh, the fun of Monday mornings.
LOW PRICES! on medz u need! “I'm sure you think you know what meds I need.” -Delete-
Sponsor a child in need! Just pennies a day. Haunting eyes stare out of the side of the screen, with the email partially open in the right panel. The African child, clothed in rags, gazes at the camera with a morose expression. Dirty, obviously hungry, she holds out an empty bowl.
Like I'm really going to send money to someone I don't know, the words echo inside my head.
For some reason, however, I read the email. Annah has no family to care for her. Left on her own at age thirteen, she seeks any way she can find to simply fill her belly. A few cents a day would provide rice for Annah and other children in need. A few dollars a day would provide for her to go to school, give her clothes to wear, and allow for needed medical care. For the price of a daily coffee drink, you can help Annah have a better life. Will you partner with us, and make a difference this year in the life of a child?
Christmas comes in five days, and I have already purchased my gifts for family and friends. All I have left in my budget is the few dollars for my Christmas in a cup. To give that up would leave me with some dreary days over the next few weeks.
Inspired, I take a sip of my drink, relishing its delicious warmth. My finger hangs in the air over the mouse button, ready to delete the distracting message. I really have a lot of work to get done right now. I can always do something like that later on.
The email is still open on the screen. The child still stares with her sad eyes. I still have work to do.
Like I'm really going to send money to someone I don't know.
My finger presses down with a decided movement.
-Delete-
The next title pops up immediately. British Lottery: Your a winner! “I'd believe you if you could spell,” I mutter. -Delete-
Lowest Price Meds! -Delete-
Taking another sip of my wonderful drink, I continue. Oh, the fun of Monday mornings....
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It would be hard for me to write it without the giving, but yours is so much more honest.
Mona
I need to be careful that my money for the needy really gets to those with needs, 2. I need to care more, practically and unselfishly, for those with needs.
Amazing example of showing/not telling, getting me, the reader, involved by activating my thinking cap.
I loved the phrase 'Christmas in a cup' which was beautifully ironic. For what sort of a Christmas could a deprived child have, if someone were to relinquish that cup?
I once criticized my brother-in-law for one of his favorite hobbies, going to the shooting range with his rediculously large rifle, for which each bullet costs five dollars. But then, God immediately placed a mirror before my face, and I shrank.
Congratulations on your well-deserved placing.
I have to say that emails like that bother me if they are a scam. But if the heart is tugged, seeking a reputable children's charity would be good. Just random thoughts.
Good job! Congratulations, Your a Winner! :0)