Steven

It seems stories are presenting themselves whether I want them to or not. So, I'm guessing the introduction to my family members will be presented as they do something or I remember something that might, well, sort of maybe, be story worthy.

Lyenochka, one of my favorite authors on FanStory wrote a short story titled, 'Spirit's Nudge'. If you haven't read it, you should. It's well worth your time. This story reminded me of a prayer my son, Steven lifted up while having lunch at Arby's.

Steven, Andrew, one of his older brothers, and I went to Arby's for lunch. Steven was probably around five years old at the time. Andrew was somewhere around twelve years old. My older boys were already living on their own. My husband, Brian, was off doing Army things. We were stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

As I placed our order at the Arby's counter, I repeatedly asked Steven, "Are you positive you don't want any curly fries? I'm not coming up here again for curly fries."

"Mom, no curly fries today."

"Are you positive?"

This conversation was repeated over and over again, numerous times, but I didn't order him curly fries.

After Steven quickly finished his sandwich, he asked, "Mom, can I have some curly fries?"

Not at all happy, because of our earlier conversation, I reminded him, "You said you didn't want curly fries. I told you then I wasn't getting you any later."

With his sad puppy dog eyes and a full pout, he continued asking, now almost begging for curly fries.

In full mom mode, I set my mind to making sure I didn't give in and was going to teach this child a lesson. I didn't back down.

A little later Steven changed his question, "Mom, can I have a quarter for a large gumball?"

"Okay." I gave him a quarter.

Steven went up to the gumball machine and got his bubble gum. He danced back to our table. His face glowing and eyes twinkling. "Mom! It has a star! I get free curly fries!"

I gave in and allowed him to go to the counter to get his curly fries.

When Steven returned to the table, Andrew asked, "How did you get that gumball? I've tried and tried and never got one with the star."

Steven held up a curly fry. "I prayed for it."

Andrew shook his head. "You can't pray for curly fries."

I agreed. "You shouldn't pray for curly fries."

"It worked." Steven enjoyed his curly fries as Andrew, and I shook our heads.