My child should never cry

Chapter 3 - Life is more beautiful when you have so many friends

It's a wonderful spring day, and men, women, and children are hanging out in the Stone's family courtyard; four men are preparing barbecues, while four women prepare food while chatting.

"It's so nice you thought about having the cookout today, Mary. It's really a beautiful spring day. It would be a shame to lose such a beautiful day and this beautiful sun by staying in the house," commented Julia Goodman, one of Mary's friends.

Julia is Arthur Goodman's wife, and he is one of the richest men in the little town of Rochester. Author owns a large number of stores selling expensive jewelry. He is a man with many relationships, including many relationships in Congress.

He is a simple and modest man even though he is extremely rich, proving that he has lived in this town and among these people for a long time. It is true that he has a huge house with many servants, a real palace, but he loves this city, his hometown.

But Arthur Goodman is also a true philanthropist. Even though he is very rich, he hasn't forgotten his hometown. He has provided funding for many humanitarian organizations that cater to the poor and sick. He has financed the construction of a home for old people left alone in the world or abandoned by their children. He named the home Hope for our Grandparents Sanctuary. He also funded several hospitals to create specialized medical centers for diseases and serious illnesses for children.

Moreover, along with some of his friends-wealthy lawyers, famous doctors, and directors of banks-he was able to build four hospitals in four towns that were in need of such medical centers.

Arthur Goodman is a good man involved in many activities that focus on helping people not as fortunate as he. Philanthropy was his idea. Beside his significant welfare, intelligent acts, and ambition, Arthur believes his life was helped by divinity. And, as a result, he believes that it's his duty to help the sick and needy.

His wife, Julia, is also a strong, good, and generous woman. She's also a beautiful woman, eleven years younger than Arthur. She's a good mother and a loving wife. A person well known in the city, she is director of photography in the stores owned by her husband. She appears on television and in magazines where she is introduced as a strong and ambitious woman.

"Yes, Julia, it would be a real shame."

Three tiny girls and a boy approach the ladies who are sitting in a gazebo. Angel comes near Mary and asks, "Mommy, can we go up to play with spiders?"

"No, darling. Don't get close to them. I don't want them all over the house and find them climbing over me at night while I am sleeping."

"Okay, mommy," said the girl a little upset. She runs to the front door and the other children follow her.

After a few moments, Julia yells to her son, "Easy not to fall while climbing the stairs, and Mathew beware!" She looks after her son, but the boy disappears into the house with the other kids.

"Let them play," said Mary.

Julia looks at Mary smiling and says, "Yes, let them play. Did you see the scar on his face? I thought I would die when he was hurt"

"Okay, worry then!" Both women where smiling. "Nice shoes, by the way."

"Thanks! I bought two pairs in Paris."

"Still won't be enough for your wardrobe," claimed Susan White. After Mary helped with her daughter, Susan became one of her best friends.

Julia looks at Susan. The woman is smiling. "You are so mean." She pushes her friend a little bit, and then continues to speak. "But you're right. By the way, I almost forgot. You are all welcome on Friday. It is Mathew's birthday." Without waiting for a response, she takes a glass from the tray offered by Mary and brings it to her lips. " What're you trying to do, Mary? Get me drunk to find out my deepest secrets?" said Julia smiling.