Payments

One thousand dollars! Peter stared at the bank statement showing his savings account balance. He couldn't believe it! The most money he ever had, struggling to save all he could. Coming to America a year ago now, in 1956 that was a lot of cash. Hope was everywhere, life looked pretty good to the young Polish immigrant. Bringing his small family to the US took all the courage he and his wife had, there were so many uncertainties to face.

They packed their fears in suitcases, praying to God for safe pass to a new life. Brave, good move. This balance now meant something special: Peter could take five hundred dollars to the car dealer, enough for down payment.

Buying a new car in America was a precious dream that kept Peter going during the hardest times. Now, he actually could. He looked out the kitchen window at his old car in the driveway, pondering the worn, clunky Pontiac for a long moment, noticing its fading factory green paint job. It was a good old car. His first car ever, it served them well. But, a new car, it meant so much, a symbol of success.

Peter looked past the car to his next door neighbor Ralph's front yard. He saw his wife and Helen, Ralph's wife, embracing. Helen looked distraught, sobbing. Later, Peter asked about it.. His wife Allison quietly replied, "The bank called. They're way behind. They'll likely have to leave soon."

Peter was silent, only staring into his bowl of cooling lentil soup. His mind flashed back a year, when they first met the Hendricks family. They had helped Peter and his wife so much those first few months, literally daily, with language, supplies, a thousand little things, always giving and patient.

Each family had two children, all became instant pals. Their new neighbors had been angels really, making their lives so much easier. The Kendricks were the first Black folks Peter had met, none in his birth town.

Five days later, Ralph stood stiffly at the bank steps. He dreaded the visit. He thought over what he would say. Laid off three months prior when his employer company got sold, he was thankfully called back to work in another month, the new owners just confirned. Ralph was hoping that great news would be enough for the mortgage officer. He took a long breath. He was a proud man.

The loan officer walked back with Ralph's file, sat down, and began flipping documents. A long, silent minute passed, the loan officer shuffling paper, checking, re-checking. "Mr. Kendricks, it appears your account is current, in fact, with the next month paid ahead." Ralph was stunned with what he heard. There's a mistake, he thought. Must be, he was two mortgage payments behind.

"What? Are you sure? That can't be.", Ralph asked. "Yes. Certain. Payment was received in cash four days ago, sir." The officer said the payment was taken by someone else, there was no other notation. Ralph walked out of the bank utterly bewildered. But blessed.

Peter saw his neighbor the next day, who recounted his amazing bank visit. "Honestly, man, it was no mistake. How do you explain it?" Peter shrugged, "Who knows? America. It's a great country." He glanced over at his green Pontiac. It was a good old car.