First One Is The Hardest

In spite of all the trials, illness and personal grief, God is still good, all the time.
Family have lost a grandparent just before Thanksgiving. We need to give him thanks, even when we lose that special person in our life.

Short, easily staged drama written by the late and incredibly great dramatist, Betty Hamm.

Cast: 3

• Mom
• Kid1
• Kid2

Bible Reference: 1Chronicles 16:8

Set: blank

Sound: wireless mics if available

Song: none

Lighting: standard

SFX: none

Props:

• cell phone

Costumes: standard

Special Instructions:

• Woman is on the phone in a monologue following which she is joined by two children.
• Could be then holding a dish towel and drying dishes or sitting in chair with checklist.
• “//” in script reflects time for unseen sister on the phone to respond

Time: 5

Sample of script:

Mom talking on cell phone

Mom: Yeah, Mike emailed yesterday. He and Deb are not coming
//
I don’t know why. He just said they made other plans this year.
//
What do you want me to do Sue? Tell him he has to come? He is a grown up. He can decide how he wants to spend Thanksgiving.
//
Yeah well nothing this year is going to be the same. I already tried to make mom’s casserole. It was a disaster. You know she never wrote it down. I never realized how many things we would lose wither.
//
I know it will be tough but it will be ok.
//
No I am not calling Mike. If you want to know what I think, I don’t think he wants to sit through a dinner with dad asking every 10 minutes, “Where is mom?”
//
Bob said he would go pick up dad for me.
///
Honey, don’t cry. I know. I know. The first one is going to be the hardest.
//
Don’t say that. We still have a lot to be thankful for.
//
Well I do believe it. God is still good.
//
I don’t know why he took mom.
//
I don’t know why he left dad. But I still believe what He says.
//
No I am not naive. Look, I promise it will be alright.
//
I’ve got to go, the kids will be home any minute.
// I love you. Think positive thoughts and start making pies. Talk to you soon.

hangs up

Mom, looking upward: I don’t know why. It would help if you could give me a clue. I am thankful. I am. Help me be a grown up here. And please help my family through this Thanksgiving. Thank you for still loving me.

extended ending:

Kids: Mom, mom! We’re home!

Mom: In here guys. (kids come running in) How was today?

Kid 1: Great! We dissected frogs today. Did you know frogs eyes bounce?

Mom: No… and I don’t think I want to know how you know either.

Kid 2: You are just gross. You ok mom? You look sad.

Mom: I’m fine. I was just talking to Aunt Sue about Thanksgiving.