Papa had always been sort of set in his ways. Some might even say he’d become much too old-fashioned, but he took pride in being thrifty with a dollar.
My brother, Nick, walked up to Papa one afternoon and explained his dilemma, “My old, worn-out phone needs to be replaced. All of the guys at school own a way better one than mine.”
Looking up from his magazine, Papa firmly replied, “Ain’t broke yet!”
A few days later, Mama called out to her husband in a voice filled with distress. Her washing machine was on the fritz . . . again. Papa made a couple of quick fixes, and then told Mama, “Ain’t broke yet!”
Mama always told me, “Papa has always been a penny pincher, just like his dear ol’ Papa.”
A couple of weeks later, the zipper on my outdated winter coat was stuck. Running to Papa, I tried to convince him to buy me a new coat, “Papa, this old coat is just worn out. Don’t you think it’s time to buy me a new one?”
Papa took my coat. After fiddling with the zipper for a couple of minutes, he brought it back to me with a proud smile on his face, “Ain’t broke yet!”
The next morning, Papa was sitting at the breakfast table, and he was looking over the advertisements in the newspaper. A dashing, new pick-up truck caught his eye, and he imagined himself driving it down the street for everyone to see. With his usual humble confidence, he announced to the rest of us, “I am thinking of trading in the ol’ truck for a brand new one. She has quite a few miles on her.”
In unison, we all shouted, “Ain’t broke yet!”
“Ayuh,” my Mainer relatives would say. Thanks for the chuckle, Richard.
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Wow! Now I know how to talk like a Mainer. Well, at least when I say yes.
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I love your story telling and writing skills. An enjoyable read. Thank you.
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Thank you Suzette. I sometimes neglect my story writing. I appreciate the kind words of encouragement.
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My pleasure. Thank you !
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This made me smile! Thanks!🙂
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Wonderful Susan! This was the main intention of writing this story.
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This made me think of my thrifty dad…
He bought a used wrecker the local gas station had worn out. Then he replaced the engine and swapped the hoist for a flat bed. We used that truck on the farm for another 10 years until he quit farming.
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Fantastic! Your Dad had to enjoy rebuilding that wrecker into a useful farm vehicle.
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Reminded me of my family. Good laugh! A wife wanted a new car, as hers broke down alot. Husband said no! Very next day she pulls in driveway , car knocking, sputtering, blowing black smoke. She turns off the car, gets out, sees her husband cutting the lawn, on a brand new, John Deere, riding lawnmower. Neighbor says, she flung groceries in air, took off at a run, jumped mid air coming at him sideways, knocking him off the lawnmower. Neighbor said next day, husband delivered new Cadillac SRX with roses. 🤪
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Debra, this is too funny. I can just see the scene playing out in front of the house. Thanks for sharing.
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Anytime, loved your post.
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Hahaha, love ten story.
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We need to laugh a few times each day. I am pleased you enjoyed it. Blessings Crissy.
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Laughing is a good thing .
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what goes around, comes around…
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Ditto!!
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Delightful read, Mr. B. God’s peace!
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Thanks Nina for reading and sharing. We all need to laugh once in awhile.
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Haha! Twice in a while I say! 😂😂
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Nina, I am pleased you enjoyed the story. I need to write a few more of these. Peace be with you!
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Yes! Yes! Please do write more, Mr. B! I so appreciate how you are able to tell such a complete story—in so few words.
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