THE STORY OF JOEL -Part 2

As Christmas approached, she started preparing Joel for the reality of the upcoming holiday. She'd say they would have a nice dinner with their Blake House friends and later walk a few blocks to take in the downtown view. She would explain that, with luck, they could be in their own home by March and they would have a private Christmas and presents then.

"I don't need Christmas and I don't need presents," Joel grumbled.

"Scrooge!" she quipped back.

She was proud of his effort to deal with his envy of other children's holiday excitement. He was so serious, though. She wished there was something she could do to give him a lighter heart and a happier Christmas.

On the Saturday before Christmas the families and staff were enjoying their holiday supper when Joan, the House counselor, called Joel's mom into her office.

"Do you have any plans tonight?" Joan asked.

"Joel and I are going to walk to the overpass to look at the downtown lights and decorations."

Joan pointed out the front window, "Maybe you'd prefer to ride instead of walk." Curbside sat a polished Town Car.

  "I don't understand," was all Joel's mom could get out before Joan continued.

To follow next week…

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Josée