Keep knocking

A little boy sits beside his mother’s bed. He holds her hand as she fades away. She gathers the last bit of her strength. “My baby, no matter what happens to you, always remember how special you are.” Slowly she lets go of his hand. She’s gone. The boy’s life fades to darkness...

***

His mother had arranged for him to live with a distant uncle. He’d never met this uncle, but no one else wanted him. In fact, his mother had to plead with the man to take him in. Reluctantly he agreed. Although the boy was only 7 years old, he understood how unwanted he was when he walked into his new home. Sadly, this would never be a home for the boy. As the weeks passed on, the uncle’s contempt for the boy grew stronger. He didn’t hide his feelings. The boy felt guilty each time they had supper. He felt like he was stealing from his uncle. He ate as little as he could, trying to impose as little as possible. He wished he could take care of himself; he didn’t want to be a burden on anyone.

A few months after his mother’s death, a lady came to visit. She was there to take him away. His uncle didn’t want him anymore. He went to stay at a place with 17 other children. He was even less wanted there. He was a burden to this world! Everyone just wanted to throw him in the trash, but they had to pretend his life meant something. They had to pretend saving the boy was important.

By the time he reached the tender age of 9 he couldn’t stand it anymore. Each time he looked into their eyes, he felt unloved. They desperately didn’t want him. As darkness fell he slipped out of the house and started running down the street. Through his tears he promised himself to never again be a burden on anyone. He found a spot under a bridge to stay for the night. He thought back to his mother, about what she said before she died. Did she really mean it? Did she just want to make him feel good for the last time in his life? Was he really special? If so, why was she the only one who saw it? Was there anyone else in this world who would want him? As these thoughts raced through his mind, the little boy’s heart filled with anger. Why did she tell him he was special? Why didn’t she tell him the truth?

***

A few days later and the little boy’s stomach shoots with hunger pains. He desperately wants something to eat, but he doesn’t want to impose on anyone. He doesn’t want to look into someone’s eyes again and see what a burden he is. He has no choice. Somewhere deep inside him, he wants to believe someone wants him. He needs to believe he can belong somewhere. He walks down the road, spots a house that looks homely, and knocks on the door.

A week later the boy’s frail body is found under the bridge, starved to death.


_______________________


If the boy knocked on your door, would the story have ended differently? Do we make people feel wanted? Do we make people feel like they belong somewhere? Do we make people feel loved and appreciated?

If you feel like that little boy today, please don’t stop knocking. There is a place where you belong. You are special! I will open if you knock.