Write To Life     by Elana Horwitz

Mrs. Jealous

Elana Horwitz

originally published in Partners In Kindness

My children and I attended a neighbor's celebration. Mrs. Jealous was there too. I think of her this way because she always throws envious looks and comments my way. She made no effort to hide her unhappiness while my children enjoyed the party with friends they met there, munching on candy from bright bags that had been distributed. Of course, Mrs. Jealous' son had not received any special treats, never being at the right place at the right time, and the other children seemed uninterested in playing with him. I thought how unfair it was that my enjoyment of the party was being ruined because of this woman's sour attitude. Then I told myself to imagine how she might feel. I smiled as I asked her permission to share some of our extra candy with her son (my kids had agreed). She smiled back in surprise and appreciation.