The Big Test

As Life moved on, Natalie began to settle in and ease some of her nervousness about her marriage. However, there were still signs that bothered her. For instance, the twins were starting second grade, and they were so excited that they wanted to go buy school supplies, including a sturdy backpack, a 3-ring binder or multi-subject notebooks, college-ruled loose-leaf paper, color-coded folders for different subjects, and a pad of paper for taking notes. They also needed a pencil pouch and a small pencil sharpener. The list grew longer each day as they neared the start of school. They were heading into the big time for growing kids. They were interested in books like Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Charlotte's Web.

Sam, on the other hand, was talking about buying a new Rolex, a watch that now costs between five thousand and fifty thousand dollars, depending on the model. Natalie was nervous. He ought to be thinking of the children. Natalie had been so impoverished when she went to college that the only college she could afford was Kat City College. It was for poor kids, and she went there because she couldn't transfer to any other school. Her parents couldn't afford any other school.

Naturally, she wanted better for her twins. They should be able to go anywhere they wanted. If they made it to Harvard, they should be able to attend wherever their smart little brains earned them admission. Her philosophy was simple. The sky's the limit. No more scrimping or cutting corners. No more Walmart specials. She wanted the best for her babies.

As the days went by, Natalie wasn't sure how to approach the subject. Yes, Sam had worked hard and climbed back up, but his kids should be a priority. After their very tough beginning, there were no excuses. Natalie wanted to see what decisions Sam would make. She waited and kept her mouth shut because the decision about whether to get the Rolex had to come from him. Was he a different man now, or just the same person deep down? That's a thoughtful question! She sincerely hoped he would prioritize his family this time around.

Then Sam came home one day and told her he had been to Long's Jewelry and looked at a Rolex. He talked about buying a new Rolex.

"Long's Jeweler has the Day-Date thirty-six model priced from twenty-five to forty-five thousand dollars, with perpetual movement, waterproofing, a seventy-hour power reserve, and a blue-green dial with diamonds. I really want to replace the old one I pawned at Yakov's shop. I miss my status symbol, the Rolex. I do miss having one, Natalie. What do you think?" he said, staring at his wife, waiting for her reaction.

He didn't want to elaborate on his visit to the store, which smelled so cool and chic. The salesman at Long's had said, "This is the watch many men pined for after achieving business success." Sam liked that. When he said it, he remembered how his father always said, "Money is God," or was it "God is Money?" He couldn't remember, but it didn't matter now. Fearing he would buy the Rolex and leave the children out of his financial equation, he had to think again.

"Wow, Sam, that sounds wonderful! But do you think this is the top priority for what we need to buy for the twins in second grade this year?" she asked, gently trying to be diplomatic.

He didn't say anything else about the twins. His remarks and silence about the twins' education worried her, yet she remained quiet. She was nervous about what he would do about the Rolex.

The days went by, and the twins bought new outfits for their first day of second grade. Beth chose a pleated dress, like a big girl, along with a striped shirtdress and a matching cardigan. She wore ballet shoes, as many of the girls did. Bobby chose a pair of tan pants and a plaid shirt with just enough blue to match his eyes. He decided on a new pair of Air Jordan sneakers, which he proudly wore around the house for a few days before school began. They were all set.

The day before school started, Sam came home at five p.m. and announced that he had just been to Smith and Barney's, a major brokerage firm.

"I spoke to a broker named David Jacobson, who suggested that the best way to ensure the twins' college education is to open an account and contribute money each year, gradually building it up. This way, when the time comes, they'll have plenty of funds for their college expenses. I made an initial deposit of fifty thousand dollars today to get things going. I realized that, instead of splurging on a new Rolex, investing in the twins' education and future means so much more to us. It's a good start, Nat. On their birthday, I'll add another generous amount. If anyone asks about gift ideas, we can kindly direct them to the education fund at Smith and Barney. I'll also let my parents know about it. The fund will continue to grow, giving them the opportunity to attend whichever school they choose. What do you think?"

"This is one of the best ideas you have had. I am so pleased," she said, smiling like a proud mama. "Perfect idea," she repeated. Natalie stood, walked over to Sam, and planted a big kiss on his lips.

They shared a warm smile, and Sam's face lit up with happiness. She gently cupped his face in her hands, her eyes shining with pride. "You did such a wonderful thing, Sam," she said softly. Her face looked fresh and lively, with a touch of red lipstick and two gold hoop earrings swaying as she moved. She tenderly squeezed his cheeks, and he hugged her back with affection.

She was the love of his life, and he had nearly lost her. His devotion to his children grew even stronger each day, and his dedication to them deepened. Sam was determined not to give up. Natalie had brought something truly special into his life-a comforting and steady sense of family. She showed incredible courage, built from the many hardships she endured and her unwavering strength. She was a beautiful blend of gentleness and bravery.

Now she knew he was in for the lifetime award; he was thinking like a father, and his head was in the right place