Jane’s world fell apart when she discovered her credit card had been completely depleted by her unemployed spouse Mark’s extravagant massage spending. With the intention of correcting him, I planned a memorable weekend escape that turned his expected rest into a demanding awakening to his responsibilities.
On a calm Saturday morning, my phone started to buzz. As soon as Jane’s name appeared on the screen, I quickly responded.
She sobbed, “Dad, I’m at my wits end.”
Jane, please inhale deeply. What’s wrong? With a knot of fear in my stomach, I asked.
“It’s Mark,” she whimpered. “He used my credit card and paid for massages the entire amount!”
I became enraged. “What did he do? while you’re carrying a child and working nonstop?
“Yes,” she sobbed. “When I attempted to buy the baby some basics, my card was declined. When I looked into my account, I saw four $250 transactions. everything about his massages.
My anger sprang up. How could he have been so careless? With my keys in my hand, I said, “I’ll be there in an hour.”
As I drove, I thought about Jane’s struggles and remembered what she had told me months before about Mark losing his job. They had moved into a little apartment from their large house.
Jane had sold off a large portion of their possessions, including her jewels, in order to make ends meet. She went into full-time labor when she was pregnant. It was impossible to understand Mark’s recklessness.
When I got there, I saw Jane, obviously tired and upset, crying. “Probably at another massage,” she said sourly.
I led her over to the couch. “We need a thorough discussion. Describe everything in detail.
She wiped her eyes and took a long breath. “Dad, I’ve been pushing myself to the very limit. While I hoped he would stop giving me massages, he continued. He says they take away his “stress.” Dad, what about my stress? While I was pregnant, I was the one making money for the two of us.
I felt so bad for her. “You are entirely correct. This needs to stop. It will be difficult, but I have a plan.
Jane’s eyes were filled with uncertainty and hope. “I’m prepared for everything. I have to stop doing this.
Good, I said, my determination becoming more resolute. “We’re going to teach him something he won’t forget.”
Jane wiped her eyes again. “What are you going to do?”
“We’re going to our family cabin,” I revealed. He anticipates a quiet weekend, but I have a busy schedule for him. He must understand what true strain and effort entail.
Jane’s face softened, but she still seemed uncertain. “Do you believe this will succeed?”
“I think so,” I declared. “He must recognize the importance of money and his responsibility to provide for his family. Perhaps he needs this reality check.
Jane nodded gradually. “All right, Dad. You have my trust.
I gave her a strong hug. “Jane, everything will work out. Together, we’ll manage this. This is not how he can carry on, Mark has to recognize. There must be change.
She let out a long breath. “Hopefully you’re correct.”
I gave her a pat to reassure her. “I’m positive. Let’s get this plan started.
For the following hour, we looked through credit card accounts and planned how we were going to face Mark. I left with a renewed resolve to support my daughter and make things right. I was prepared to take action and the strategy was in motion.
Mark got out of the car and relaxed as they arrived at the cabin. Stretching, he said, “This place looks perfect for unwinding.”
I let out a small laugh. Mark, hold that thought. There are plans for a different weekend.
Mark furrowed his brow. “Explain what you mean.”
I gave the list to him. The following is your schedule: wall painting, yard mowing, fence fixing, and roof repairs. It’s time you get some actual work experience.
Mark gulped. How come? I assumed our purpose here was to unwind!
“This is a wake-up call for you,” I said firmly. “You have to understand the worth of hard work and the struggles Jane faces on a daily basis.”
Mark complained, but gave in grudgingly. Okay, but this doesn’t sit well with me.
Repairing roofs was Mark’s first real labor, and it clearly challenged him. He muttered, “This is tougher than it appears.”
“Hello, welcome to real work,” I answered. “Go on.”
With the more difficult tools, Mark’s frustration increased as we moved on to fence repairs. He yelled, “I can’t handle this.”
“Study,” I urged. “Jane had to learn how to take care of you both while she was expecting.”
Mark continued, flushed with embarrassment and frustration. His speed decreased as the day went on, exhaustion taking hold, perspiration pouring down his back, and blisters growing on his hands.
“You wanted to relax, don’t you?” I watched as he painted unsteadily. “This is what it means to be responsible.”
When the day was over, Mark fell asleep on the couch, exhausted. “This is a lot to handle,” he mumbled.
“Excessive?” I shot back. “Jane, who is expecting a baby, does this every day.”
The following morning, I got Mark up early. It’s time to get back to work, I declared.
Mark moaned, then got up. The second day was considerably harder, requiring constant work from sunrise until sunset.
At the end of the weekend, a dejected Mark took a seat. “I had no idea how difficult this could be,” he muttered to himself.
I gave him an envelope. “Open it,” I said to it.
Perplexed, he gave in. There was a $1000 check inside. “What is this?” he asked, perplexed.
“Your weekend earnings,” I clarified. “That’s the amount you paid for massages. Use this to pay Jane back now.
Mark’s gaze expanded. “I… I realize now.”
Leaning in, I did. Mark, you’ve been spending money that my daughter has worked hard to earn on items that you cannot afford. She’s saving for your child, working nonstop, and is expecting. You need to start treating her like the partner she deserves.
Mark blushed, a mixture of realization and shame on his skin. He nodded and silently took the cheque. “Thank you very much, gentleman. Now that I understand.
When Mark got back home, he gave Jane the cheque and apologized sincere. His voice shaking, he said, “I’m so sorry, Jane.” “I commit to looking for work and making more of an effort at home. I’ll help ease your workload by taking on certain chores.
Jane nodded, tears in her eyes. “I’m grateful, Mark. That is very significant.
Over the next few weeks, Mark kept his word. He got a part-time job and started taking on more household duties. He had changed as a result of the cabin experience, which taught him the value of perseverance and family support.
As for me, I knew I had made the right choice, one that would benefit not only Jane but also their future family. Sometimes a hard lesson is necessary to bring about significant change.