Seventy-Times-Seven Fund.

(nice story)

Jeff crumpled the list of monthly bills he had been working on for hours. He could pay most of them, but the medical expenses were way beyond his means. Why did all this have to happen? Jeff slumped over his desk, and clutched his hair with both hands. His wife, Cindy, rested quietly in the other room.

Jeff felt thankful that the doctors were able to remove all the cancer, but Cindy would still lose several months' work and their needed income. "Lord, I can never forgive Dad for not calling or even showing up at the hospital. Where is he when I need him the most?" Jeff muttered.

Jeff hurried the payments to the post office. One included a small token he had faithfully sent every month toward the huge medical bill and a promise to send more next month. He had to get back home to prepare a nice lunch for Cindy. How he loved her.

After lunch, Jeff and Cindy heard the mail carrier arrived. Jeff gathered the mail apprehensively. An envelope from the medical center fell to the floor. Jeff's heart sank. He gathered it up and opened it gingerly. It was from the accounts receivable department. It read:

"Because Cindy's expenses were all incurred here at the medical center, we were able to combine invoices from the physician's surgical department lab,radiology, and her hospital fees into a lump sum. We are aware of how you have tried faithfully to pay the tremendous expense.

"A new fund has been introduced to the medical center called Seventy-Times -Seven Fund. After reviewing your records, we are able to inform you that your bill has ben erased.

"Our best wishes and prayers for Cindy's complete recovery." Jeff dropped to the couch by his wife. "They forgave us the entire bill," he stammered. Cindy took his hand and gave a squeeze."Let's pray and thank God," she whispered.


After they prayed, Jeff felt a deep sense of guilt. How could he be forgiven if he didn't forgive one of the dearest people in his life, his dad? Cindy smiled and nodded toward the phone. Jeff picked up the receiver and dialed."Dad? It's Jeff."


Jeff's resentment melted away. He waited with an open heart. Sobs came from the other end of the line. His father explained how he simply couldn't handle being at the hospital around all that was involved. Over and over he said how sorry he was,. Jeff's father went on to tell how worried he had been but was too embarrassed to even call.

"It's okay, dad, I forgive you. Cindy and I both love you. Cindy's doing fine." he cleared his throat. "By the way, what are you doing for dinner tonight?"

-- Anita Corrine Donihue, "Twice Forgiven" (orig. subject)
Shared by Joe Gatuslao