In Joy and in Sorrow

Chapter 1: Home Sweet Home

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Douglas Claremonte reluctantly left his office at the church where he was one of two assistant pastors.  He had not been able to complete all the work he had hoped to finish.  He glanced at his watch.  Quarter to five, he whistled.  He had told Mrs. Danzig he would be at her house at four-thirty to pick up Deborah, his three-year-old daughter.  Unexpectedly Gary Miner, a member of the congregation, had dropped in with a personal problem saying he desperately needed help with it immediately, and Douglas always placed the welfare of the people of the church ahead of his own needs.

Walking to his car Douglas’ thoughts turned to his wife and daughter.  A smile formed on his lips. Tomorrow he would have a late night at the church teaching a course on dealing with discouragement that he had designed recently, after several parishioners had to deal with difficult circumstances in the past year.  So he hoped to have a quiet evening with his wife and daughter.

Twenty minutes later he knocked on Mrs. Danzig’s door.  Deborah came running to him throwing her arms around his legs.  He picked her up, hugged her and kissed her cheeks.  How’s my girl? he asked smiling at her.

Oh, Daddy, Mrs. Danz and I’ve had so much fun.  We went to the livry, didn’t we, Mrs. Danz?

We sure did, sweetheart.  Tell your daddy what you got at the library today.

Well, she placed a finger near her temple, as if to have to think about it.  We listened to a story, and guess what?  I got to take out a book about bugs and spiders.

You got a book about spiders and bugs?  That’s great, sweetheart.  He turned to Mrs. Danzig who had started out to fetch Deborah’s things.  Sorry to have come this late, he called after her.  I hope it wasn’t inconvenient for you.  A parishioner came at the last minutes for a bit of a serious chat.

Not to worry, Mrs. Danzig," shouted back.  She came with Deborah’s coat and small backpack.  Mrs. Danzig was a middle age widow and a member of the church.  She had struggled to make ends meet since her husband’s accident, and Douglas and his wife were happy to be able to help out with the money they paid her for looking after Deborah.  It had been an easy decision to make when the question of daycare had come up.  Mrs. Danzig was kind, trustworthy, believed in structure and in providing a rich environment. Most of all she loved Deborah and Deborah loved her.

The drive the rest of the way home was slower now, as the traffic had thickened.  Happy to arrive at their driveway he helped his daughter from the car.  He had no sooner opened the door to their modest home when Deborah took him by the hand, smiled at him with her big, blue eyes and begged, Can you read me a story, Daddy?  Please can you?

What do you say we make supper for Mommy and us, and I’ll tell you a story while we work?  Don’t you think that would be a lot of fun too?  He gently stroked her blonde hair and smiled down at her.

Yeah, maybe we should just have a conbersation and make supper for Mommy, Daddy, she countered trying to be a big girl.

A conversation is a great idea, sweetheart.  What shall we talk about?

How about spiders and bugs? her bright eyes smiled up at him.

Let’s talk about spiders first, while you set the table, and I make a Caesar salad and chicken strips.

Okay, Daddy, you make the best chicken strips in the whole, wide world.

Douglas smiled and gave his little girl a quick hug.  Like always, he read the instructions on the box of precooked chicken strips, arranged eight on a rack and placed the rack in the oven.  Then he lifted plates and glasses from the cupboards for Deborah to set the table and began to work on making the salad.

Danielle Claremonte looked around her grade six classroom.  She smiled.  She loved teaching.  The room was bright.  Student work decorated the greater part of two walls.  Teacher-made materials designed to ignite interest and challenge students’ thinking were featured on a third wall.  Four research centers as well as three computers for individuals and one station for a small group were conspicuously placed around the room.  Sets of books appeared to be everywhere.  The whiteboards on both sides of the smartboard were wiped clean, but on one the outline of the next morning’s activities were posted.

Are you ready to go home, Danielle? Danielle turned to look at the petite brunette who had come into the room and placed a folder on one of the two small teacher desks.

I’m ready, Claire.

Good!  I’d say we’re ready for tomorrow’s onslaught.  Let the little troopers come.  We’ve planned for every minute of their day.  They won’t have a second to think of mischief.

Danielle laughed baring straight, white teeth.  She brushed her hand along the side of her coal-black, wavy hair that fell nearly to her shoulders.  Her five-foot-eight frame turned most men’s heads.  Her face, while not exceptionally beautiful, was attractive and radiated warmth.  Her deep green eyes sparkled with energy and life.  Claire smiled at her watching the dimple form in Danielle’s left cheek as she began to laugh at Claire’s assessment of their plans.  While most found Danielle’s physical appearance pleasing, those who knew her found her inner beauty even more attractive.  They also thought of her as a fine teacher and a talented musician.

Yes, we’ve got them covered, Claire, although I wouldn’t be surprised if they came up with something we hadn’t anticipated.  And I’m worried about Joshua Banbridge.  For about a week now he’s seemed lost in thought and has tuned me out.  He’s usually so lively.  I know he’s unhappy, but he hasn’t wanted to tell me why.  I’ve tried to contact his mother again last night, but she wasn’t home.

How long do you wait before you make contact with a student’s parents? Claire asked, as the two young women left the room.

It depends.  If I think something serious maybe happening, I do it quickly, within hours, at most a day, sooner if I think it’s a question of safety.  What are your professors telling you about contacting parents?

We haven’t covered that yet, or if we did, I’ve missed that class.  I had missed one class when I had the flu, but the notes of that class I got from a friend didn’t include calling parents.  I’m six weeks from completing my coursework and getting my teaching license, but I’m not sure about that.  I get scared when I think about everything I still don’t know.  I’m just happy that I’m doing this last practicum with you.  I’ve learned so much from you already.

You’ll do just fine, Claire.  I remember my first year of teaching.  I think I worked fourteen hours a day just to keep my head above water.  There was so much to learn, even after I had completed all my five years of coursework.  Even now, with almost six years of teaching behind me, I learn new things all the time.  You’ll learn too, as you try different things and find that some things work well for you and others don’t.  And you’ll learn a lot from others, more experienced colleagues.  I did.

They had reached the parking lot.  Claire looked at her watch.  It was five twenty- three.  On most days Danielle gave Claire a ride home in her little compact car.  Claire rented and shared a small basement suite with a friend not far from where Danielle lived.  Claire’s friend, finishing her final practicum at a secondary school in another part of Regent City, drove Claire to Cottonwood Height Elementary School each morning in the old jalopy the two had purchased at the beginning of their practicums.  This evening Claire wanted to be dropped off at the shopping center along the way where she said she had arranged to meet her roommate.

Danielle was glad to be able to help Claire with transportation as well as with advice and preparation for a teaching job.  Danielle’s principal, Charles Nobrowski, had asked her at the beginning of the year to supervise a student teacher who needed to complete her final practicum.  At first Danielle had wondered if she was ready and experienced enough to take on such a responsibility.  But Charles had assured her he considered her to be a model teacher.

The thirty-six year old administrator, who had gone through a divorce a year earlier, was a respected educator.  He had asked Danielle to take on other challenges in the past two years, but none had been as extensive as the supervision of a teacher in the final months of her training.  Danielle had felt honored to be thought of so highly, but there had been times when she had felt uneasy when Charles singled her out.  While those feelings did still surface on occasion, she was glad that she had agreed to supervise Claire.  She liked the young future teacher and was pleased with her performance in the first half of her practicum.  When Claire completes her practicum in a few weeks, Danielle whispered watching Claire run from the car into the shopping center, she’ll make a fine teacher in some school.  I hope we’ll be able to keep in touch.  Maybe there’ll even be a job open for her with us.

It was after six when Danielle pulled into the driveway happy to be home.  She had only stopped when the front door flew open and Deborah came running out to greet her.  Douglas stood in the doorway waving to her.  His smile sent a shower of delight through her body.  I love you two, she whispered before she opened the car’s door to scoop her charging little girl up into her arms.  Approaching the house the smell of food greeted her.  Hi sweetheart, it smells good, she said.  What’s cooking?

Douglas kissed her tenderly.  We’ve made a salad and the world’s best chicken strips, and we’ve been waiting for you.  Deborah and I’ve missed you a lot.

And supper’s ready, Mommy, Deborah called out to her.

Later that evening, after Deborah was asleep, Douglas pulled Danielle close to him on the sofa.  He wrapped his strong arms around her and held her tight.  I’ve missed you, sweetheart, he murmured. He touched her hair and kissed the back of her neck sending a shower of pleasure through her.

She wanted Douglas to continue, but she knew that something was bothering him.  What is it, Douglas?  Something’s on your mind.

He kissed the nape of her neck again, and she could feel him tightening his arms around her.  You know how I laughed at you some time ago when you told me you thought Florence Meash had her eyes on me.  I thought you were kidding me or you were imagining things.  After all I’m a happily married man.

Danielle turned to look into his blue eyes.  And you’re not so sure anymore?  What happened, Douglas?

He cleared his throat.  She’s been dropping in to see me at the office much more than necessary the past few weeks, always making what appeared to me an excuse rather than having a definite need to talk to me.  And the way she often looks and smiles at me is starting to make me uncomfortable.

What kind of things does she talk about when she comes around, and what would she like you to do for her?

Lately she’s suggested a couple times that I take over from Mark Spengler and accompany the single college and careers group on their ski trip this Saturday.

That’s only a couple days from now, but another day of spring skiing would be fun, Douglas.  There aren’t many weeks left in the ski season.  We could get ready, and Deborah would love it.  She did so well in her Tiny Tot group a couple weeks ago during Spring Break.  Do you remember how proud she was to make it all the way down the beginner slope at the end of the first day without falling down?

That’s just it.  Florence insists there’s no room for you and Deborah on the bus, and she expects me to be on the bus with her and the group. ‘Besides,’ she told me, ‘I want you to be my skiing partner.’ I couldn’t get over how she smiled when she told me that.

Do you want to go?  Danielle tried to pull away from him, but he held her too firmly and didn’t let her budge.

No, I don’t.  I’m not one of the singles, and it wouldn’t be right for many reasons.  It wouldn’t be fair to you or Mark who has worked on this trip from the planning stages, and it wouldn’t look good, even if Mark and you had no objections.

Danielle thought for a moment.  I hate to think badly about anyone, especially of one of our own congregation.  But to be honest, I think pretty Miss Meash is spoiled by her rich dad, and I find it hard to trust her around you.  She’s lucky I’m a Christian.  I might scratch her eyes out otherwise.

Douglas laughed, with a hand on each side of her heated cheeks he turned her face to him and kissed her passionately on the lips.  You’re too kind to hurt anyone, and I know you’ll be praying for Florence tonight.

And even more for you.  What did you tell her?

I told her Mark was the assistant pastor responsible for the youth and singles, that he had done most of the work arranging the trip, that he was looking forward to leading the group to the mountain, and that it wouldn’t be right for me to replace him.  But I should have been more truthful.  I should have also told her, that it wouldn’t be right for me, a married man and a pastor, to be the skiing partner of a single, very attractive young woman.

Danielle remained silent for a moment before she said, I know you hate to make anyone feel badly.  Sooner or later, though, you might have to be more direct with her.  What did she say to your answer?

She frowned and said, ‘I guess you’re right, but I wish we wouldn’t have to be so hung up on conventions.  You and I would look good skiing together.’

The nerve, Danielle hissed, but laughed the next moment.  There are a dozen young guys who’d give their eyeteeth to date her, but she has to go after forbidden fruit.

Oh, I’m fruitcake, am I? Douglas laughed and got up to make a cup of herbal tea for them.  Don’t move.  I’ll be right back, he called over his shoulder.

Danielle watched him go.  He really hasn’t got a clue how he affects us girls, she thought.  She loved the way he carried himself.  In fact she liked everything about him, his strong athletic body that was perfectly proportioned over his six-foot-three frame, his handsome face, the dark blue, sparkling eyes, the curly, black hair and the tanned, perfectly proportioned features of his face.  A sigh escaped her.  He could be in the movies, she moaned and added, I love you more than I dare to tell you.  But then you must know I do.

Joshua sat at a small desk with his homework in front of him, but for the last hour he hadn’t touched the pen that lay alongside his binder.  His thoughts were far from the room where he sat, a room Maria, his mother’s friend, had made up for him in her small house.  Maria’s husband was a salesman who traveled out of town a lot, and Maria had told Joshua’s mother who had looked for a babysitter that she would welcome Joshua staying with her while she had to be away.  With my man being on the road a lot, it’ll give me added security, she had said, and Josh is so easy to look after.

Joshua’s mother had brought home a new boyfriend some time before that, and the two had planned to go on a short trip to Vegas.  They had left almost three weeks earlier, and Joshua hadn’t heard anything from his mother since then.  He had noticed that his mother’s new boyfriend drank a lot, and that he got angry easily when he was drunk.  It was one of several reasons why he was afraid for his mother who had told him that she would be back in just one week.

In fact, Joshua despised, Jack, his mother’s new boyfriend.  He thought the man bullied her and the way he spoke to him left him no doubt that Jack had no use for him.  I hate him, he thought, I hope Mom will dump him soon.  He didn’t mind Maria and her husband, but they were often not home until late at night.  On many days he hadn’t seen much of them when he had stayed there previously.  Maria had looked after him several times, although never this long.  He wondered what it would be like if his father was still alive.  He had envied many times boys who had their dad at their soccer games to cheer them on.  When I grow up, I’ll never leave my kids alone, he mumbled.

Chapter 2: Joshua’s Plight

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Danielle was in her classroom early the next morning.  She sat down at her desk to finish marking an assignment that had come due the previous day.  She had three left to mark when the door opened and Joshua entered slowly and silently.  Joshua! she called out, what in the world are you doing here at this time of the morning?  It’s not even eight yet.

Sorry, Mrs. Claremonte.  Can I stay in?  It’s raining outside.

Of course you can, but why are you here so early

Joshua mumbled something Danielle couldn’t understand.  She got up and walked to his desk.  He turned his head away from her, but not in time to keep Danielle from seeing the tear that had escaped his eye.

Joshua, I know something is hurting you, and I’ll find out about it sooner or later anyway.  So you might as well tell me what’s happened. I want to help.

He turned to face her then.  The look of pain in his face shocked her.  I don’t know where my mother is, he murmured.

Danielle sat down besides the boy.  She placed a consoling hand on his shoulder and listened to him telling her how he came to stay with Maria Morenos.  "Maria went to work at Parkway early today, because she wants to get off early so she can meet her husband who’s out of town.  She’s going away for the weekend.  That’s why she dropped me off just now.  Danielle was shocked to learn that Joshua was expected to stay alone in Maria’s house for the weekend.  She decided to call Maria at her place of work before classes started to find out exactly what was to become of Joshua while she was away.  Poor kid, she thought, he must be petrified not having heard from his mother.

Douglas was surprised but pleased to receive a call from Danielle shortly after twelve.  He and Mark Spengler had finished going over the details of the ski trip planned for the next day for the young adults of the church, the trip that Mark would supervise.  It’s good to hear from you, sweetheart, he said seating himself at his desk.  I hope everything’s fine. You sound upset.

Danielle quickly relayed Joshua’s story to him and her phone call to Maria Morenos.  Mrs. Morenos told me she’s been trying to get in touch with Joshua’s mother, but hasn’t had any success.  She told me she only agreed to look after Joshua for a week, and it’s been almost three since Joshua’s mother had left with her boyfriend.  Maria’s going to meet her husband for three days and isn’t sure what to do with Joshua.  She’s thinking to call the government’s Child Protection Office, but is worried it would upset the boy and his mother when she gets back.  But she doesn’t know what else to do.  It’s either that or let Joshua stay in the house by himself for all those days.  She is afraid to do that too.  I told her I’d talk to you and get back to her.  Sweetheart, we can look after him for a few days, can’t we?

That’s quite a responsibility, Danielle.  What do you know about the boy and his family?  And what do you think his mother will say, if she comes back in the next few days and finds out Joshua is with us?  She didn’t give us permission.  Have you met her?

I know little about his mother and his family other than what’s in the school records and what I’ve told you.  I’ve met his mother four short times.  She seemed to be a nice person.  But I know this boy needs help, and he deserves a break.

Douglas remained silent for a moment before he spoke.  His own childhood flashed in front of his eyes. You’re right, sweetheart.  We’ve got two empty bedrooms.  It would be selfish not to help out.  Bring him home.  We’ll spoil him for a weekend and pray his mother is safe and will not mind Joshua being with us.

Danielle let out a sigh of relief as soon as she had hung up the phone.  Quickly she dialed again to call Maria.  She appeared to be relieved not to have to go to the trouble to make other arrangements for Joshua.  I’ll call you, when I get back, and I’ll leave a message on my answering machine in case Joshua’s mother calls, Maria told Danielle. That way she’ll know where to find Josh.

Danielle glanced at the clock above the telephone in the small counseling room.  I need to talk to Joshua, she murmured rising form the chair.  She hadn’t made it to the staffroom yet.  Her lunch was still in its wrapper there in the fridge.  She found Joshua on the playground sitting on a swing where mostly younger children played.  He sat still with his head bowed.  To Danielle, who had seen him full of life and energy roughhousing it with the older boys, it was a pitiful sight.  It gripped her heart.  To think that until recently he’s always been in the thick of a bunch of kids playing, she thought.  She walked close to him before she spoke.  I’ve talked to Maria, Joshua.  I don’t want you to worry about the weekend.  And I’m sure your mom is okay too.  She hoped she would her son soon.

Joshua slowly looked up.  His face was tearstained.  I’ll be all right, he said slowly glancing at her trying to sound brave.

Danielle looked at him with compassion in her beautiful green eyes.  You’re coming home with me for the weekend.  We’ll pick up my daughter, Deborah, and stop at the shopping center to buy a few things for you, things you’ll need for the weekend.

Joshua just stared at her as if trying to make sure of what he had heard.  I’m going to your house? he finally asked unsure if he should believe what he had heard.  His bottom lip quivered.  Am I? he asked again.

She smiled down to him.  That’s right.  I want to make sure you’re going to get all your homework done, she teased.  Silently she wondered how he had managed to do as well as he had in the past weeks.  The school bell rang signaling the end of the lunch hour break.  I’ll see you inside in a minute, she said and turned slowly to go.  Before she reached the door she turned to glance back quickly.  Joshua was following her slowly.  He was kicking rock pebbles out of his way, but he looked at ease.  Good, she thought.  He wants to come.

Douglas decided to go to the conference room early.  He wanted to read over his notes again before the church board members arrived.  When he entered he noticed John Seaborn, the senior pastor, already sitting in his customary seat reading the notes he held in his right hand.  John smiled at him.  You came early too.  I bet you came to do a last minute review of your proposal, he said.

Yeah, I hope I’ll be persuasive enough.  I’ve trimmed the cost a bit more, but it’s still a substantial amount for the church to consider.

I wouldn’t worry.  They’ll love your idea.  I just read over your proposal again too. I’ve dropped a few hints with some of those who I thought might question the cost.  They all saw the merit in the program.  I’ve been going over the devotional topic I was going to bring to begin our meeting, but I’ve been getting a strong inclination to speak about something else.  By the way, you were wise to turn Florence down.  Mark told me about her little ploy.  She does a lot of good stuff for our single moms.  The charity work here at the church and in the community has benefited greatly from her involvement, but she can be terribly selfish and naïve sometimes too.  I’ll have to remember to pray more for her.  I also think I’ll have a few little chats with her to help her grow in an area or two.

Well, it wouldn’t have been right and certainly not fair to Mark.  I would’ve had to bow out at the last minute anyway.  We’re going to look after an eleven year old boy this weekend, I just found out.  Douglas proceeded to tell John about Joshua’s plight and Danielle’s plea.

It’s the Christian thing to do all right, John commented, but you should be really careful just the same.  What kind of person is his mother to leave the boy and run off to Vegas with a boyfriend?  And can you trust this Mrs. Morenos?  Will she take the boy back next week, if his mother doesn’t show up?  You’ll also want to consider what you’ll do if the lad needs medical attention for some reason.  Do you know if he’s got any allergies or needs medication?

Danielle has information on his health status from school records, but I did think about those things too, and then I remembered how the Bradfords took me in when I was seven, after my parents’ accident.  They were elderly, and they must have wondered about those things, but they took care of me anyway, and for years rather than for three days.  On top of that, while I was speaking to Danielle, that passage of Scripture where Jesus tells us that whatever we do for one of the least of his, we do for him flooded into my mind."

John smiled.  Let me know if Sarah and I can help in any way.  Our kids are out of the house.  They haven’t blessed us with grandkids yet.  We miss having children around us.  The house some days seems empty.  I love children’s laughter.

Several church board members entered at that moment.  Douglas turned to his notes.  He would propose shortly that the church get involved in an additional outreach program.  Some church families, and many families living in the area of the church, were facing significant hardships, and Douglas knew that many other church members were in a position to help.

When it came to be his turn to speak he stood up, let his eyes rest on each individual for a brief moment and then quoted Paul, Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal.  It was the first verse of the passage John had switched to at the last minute and used in his devotional twenty minutes earlier.  "I’m going to propose today that we continue to show by our actions that we are not sounding brass.  Jesus exhorts us to love our neighbors.  Love cannot be demonstrated except by action.  We all know of the hardships some of our own people and other families in our part of the city are facing.  I have prayed for many days now and asked how we might demonstrate our love for our God who exhorts us to help others.  We know some of our neighbors are in need.  I’ve asked myself what we are able to do right now.  What resources are we stewards of that would lighten the burden of many of these families?

"Let me be specific.  A breakfast program on three days, Monday, Wednesday and Friday from seven-thirty to nine is easily within our reach.  We have the space to operate a food bank for the same mornings from nine until noon out of the same facility.  In fact there is enough room to offer good, used children’s clothing and toys to those in need as well.  I have commitments from several stores that are willing to supply us with much of what we need to make a few breakfasts a month.  They will also donate to foodbanks day-old food stuffs like bread, in addition to vegetables, fruit, meat products and other staples before they completely outdate.  Many of our own people are willing to donate food and clothing as well.

The feedback of the questionnaire you had allowed me to do among our own people indicates our members would welcome an opportunity to donate nonperishable food items, children’s clothing and toys their own kids have outgrown.  However, there would still be a substantial startup cost and the need for a weekly budget for those items donations won’t provide.  As far as volunteers are concerned, more than we need have indicated they’d love to help.  I’d be inclined to use everyone in some capacity.  Many people are eager to serve in this way. It’s something most can do, if the time they have permits  Douglas finished with information supplying specific numbers of people he had calculated would benefit from the program, and the amount of money to which the church would need to commit.

To his surprise it was the board’s chairperson and head deacon, the man Douglas had thought would have the toughest questions for him and the most realistic objections, who quickly seized the opportunity to speak in support of the proposal Douglas had laid out.  You’ve done your homework well, Douglas, and we have the resources.  You have my support, he said.  The rest of the board members did not take long to indorse the proposal after the chairman finished speaking.  They speedily moved to give Douglas the green light to go ahead.

Danielle had reassured Joshua that she and her whole family looked forward to have him stay with them for a few days.  Still, the boy was quiet riding in the car, as they drove to pick up Deborah.  He had stared out of the car window and surveyed Deborah from head to foot when Danielle came back to the car with her at Mrs. Danzig’s house.  While Deborah kept looking at Joshua with big blue eyes, she too remained quiet on the way to the shopping center.

At six o’clock Douglas joined Danielle and the children at the restaurant’s dining room in the shopping center.  Joshua watched him pick Deborah up to hug her.  A moment later he saw him turn to Danielle placing an arm around her waist and kissing her lightly on her lips.  Douglas then turned to Joshua, held out his hand to him and said, And you’re Joshua.  I’m glad to meet you and hope you’ll have fun with us this weekend.  Joshua continued to look up at Douglas for a moment hesitating briefly before he placed his hand in Douglas’ hand.

I need to be back at the church before seven, but I’ve arranged to get off at nine, he said to Danielle.  I’ll bring dessert home, and we can end the day together with a treat.  Who’s for that?

Deborah threw up her hand and shouted, I am, Daddy.  Can you bring chocolate ice cream?  Please?

All right, ice cream it is, he smiled at her and turning to Danielle he said, I’m sorry, sweetheart, on short notice I could only get this hour off.  I’m really booked solid with appointments before the end of the evening.

And I’m thankful for this hour, sweetheart.  We’ll do a bit more shopping after we’ve eaten. Then we’ll go home and play some games until you get home.

Douglas thought it interesting, observing Joshua out of the corner of his eyes that the boy could not decide which of the menu items he wanted.  He suspected Joshua didn’t know what most items were.  He made a point, therefore, to describe each of the first four items on the dinner menu to Danielle who realized quickly what his intentions were.  After describing the veal cutlet entry, he said, "I’m going to have that.  They make very good veal cutlets here.  Before he touched on the next item on the menu, Joshua quietly asked if he too could have veal cutlets.

A faint smile formed on his lips when Danielle replied, Of course you can.  When the orders arrived, Joshua greeted his plate with a huge smile, licked his lips and quickly began eating, as if it was his first meal in days.  Deborah, who had waited for her father to say grace, stared at Joshua, but to her parents’ surprise said nothing.  Oblivious to the three people watching him, Joshua devoured each morsel.  When he looked up he noticed that the others were far from finishing their meal.

Did you like the cutlets? Douglas asked smiling at him.

Joshua nodded, and when Douglas asked him if he still had room for a piece of apple pie, Joshua nodded even more vigorously.

Joshua eats fast, doesn’t he, Daddy? Deborah suddenly blurted out.  Mommy says you have to chew lots so your tummy can be happy.

Joshua stared at her as if trying to make up his mind what he might safely say to her, but before he spoke Danielle said, Well, Joshua had a gym class this afternoon, and I imagine he worked up a big appetite there.  People get hungry when they work hard, you know.  Joshua sat back and relaxed after Danielle had finished speaking, and after the waiter had brought him the pie he ate it exceedingly slowly, chewing each bite much more than necessary.

It was after eight when Danielle with the two children drove into their driveway.  She wondered what game she might suggest they play that would interest a girl of three and an eleven year old boy.  Deborah came to her rescue.  Mom, she pleaded as soon as their shoes were off, can Joshua read me a story?

Before Danielle could say anything Joshua said, Sure, find a book you like and I’ll read it to you.  I read to Earl, my grade two buddy every Tuesday and Thursday after recess.  Happily Deborah skipped out of the room and soon returned with three of her favorite books.  It didn’t take long before Danielle noticed that both reader and listener enjoyed themselves.  Joshua even began teasing by changing the actions of the story occasionally to Deborah’s unrestrained laughter and her quick defense of the correct version of the story.

Douglas could hear Deborah laugh when he opened the front door.  Looks like we’re off to a good start with Joshua, he thought.  Taking a peek into the living room he saw Deborah and Joshua sitting side by side with Joshua reading to her.  He smiled happily.  Deborah was laughing and in animated fashion she said, No, Joshua, Goldilocks didn’t eat the bears’ pickles.  She ate their porridge.  Just then she saw her father.  Daddy, she called out.  She ran to him and shouted, Joshua said Goldilocks ate the bears’ pickles.  And, Dad, did you bring chocolate ice cream?

I did, he reassured her and looking at Joshua asked, how about you, Joshua, would you like chocolate ice cream or would you rather have pickles?

Looking at Joshua now Douglas thought he looked like a different boy.  The youngster showed no longer signs of apprehension.  Danielle had described him as a polite boy with lots of energy and a sense of humor.  Douglas thought he could now detect some of those qualities in him.  He saw Joshua smile at him and say politely, I like pickles, but I love chocolate ice cream even more.

Joshua could not remember having had as much fun in the last few years as he had the next day, Saturday morning.  Douglas had asked him the night before to help him make breakfast.  And true to his word he had come to wake him up at seven-thirty.  The two first washed up, made themselves a cup of hot chocolate and then proceeded to mix a batter for waffles.  He placed Joshua in charge of watching the waffles on the electric waffle maker.  They sliced peaches together while they waited until each batch of waffles was ready to go in the oven to keep warm.  When all finished they shouted, Breakfast is ready to be served, and topped the hot waffles with syrup, peaches and whipped cream.  When Danielle and Deborah came to eat, there were enough finished for all to begin eating.  To top it all off, Douglas had shown Joshua how to make scrambled eggs with small cubes of ham mixed in that they served along with the waffles.  There’s enough cholesterol in our breakfast this morning to sink a battleship, Joshua, Douglas laughed.  That’s why we only make this once in a blue moon.  Then he explained to him about cholesterol.  Joshua’s face revealed how good it had made him feel when Douglas told Danielle and Deborah that he and Joshua had been partners making the breakfast.  Douglas went on to praise his quickness and ability to top the waffles with just the right amount of fruit and whipped cream.

Dad, can we keep Joshua? Deborah asked when she had seen the mountain of whipped cream on her waffle.  She had stuck her finger in it licking some of it off before Douglas had said grace.

After breakfast Douglas took the family to the nearby aquatic center where they swam for an hour.  The wave pool was Joshua’s favorite.  He spent most of his time there going only now and then to dive off the low diving board.  He didn’t realize that the fun had only started, because Douglas coached an under-fourteen soccer team, and he was able to go along with him and practice with the boys from Douglas’ church team, even though he was younger than all the other boys.  When they arrived back at the house, Danielle had lunch ready.

Now Joshua was sitting at the kitchen nook doing homework for an hour, but even that seemed not to be a chore this day.  Douglas had to go to the church for part of the afternoon, but he had promised to be back by four-thirty for the two of them to get the barbecue ready for the evening meal.

It was difficult for Douglas to get Joshua out of his mind during the afternoon.  At one a young couple had made an appointment for marriage counseling.  He worked on the message he was to give Sunday evening after the couple had left until three-fifteen when he officiated a wedding.  Throughout the afternoon he had to force himself repeatedly to concentrate.  Joshua’s plight kept working on his heart.  How can a mother just up and leave her son and not keep in touch with him? he mumbled while quickly walking back to his office after the wedding vows had been said and the church had emptied.  It’s a wonder the boy has turned out so well.  He decided to drive home and take his family to Play Village, an amusement park on the outskirts of Regent City for an hour before they planned to barbecue for the evening meal.  On previous visits Deborah had been thrilled by the rides for little people, and Douglas was sure Joshua would enjoy some of the more scary rides and other attractions.  I might even be able to take him on the rollercoaster with me, he thought.

The weekend ended too quickly for the Claremote family. Deborah cried and hugged Joshua.  Douglas fought to keep his emotions in check.  All Joshua could say was, Thanks for everything, before his eyes began to water.  He ran out of the house.

At work Danielle had expected a call from Maria throughout the day, but by three-thirty she had not called.  Danielle had phoned twice at noon, but she had not reached Maria.  She finally took Joshua with her after school and drove to Maria’s house.  She found two notes taped to the front door.  One was addressed to Joshua’s mother.  Joshua took it out of the envelope, read it, and showed it to Danielle.  The note briefly told that Joshua was staying with his teacher and gave the Claremonte’s phone number.  The second note was for Danielle.

She quickly tore it open and read, I have decided to go with my husband on his business trip for the next ten days.  I had hoped that Joshua’s mother would have been back by now.  I had volunteered only to look after him for a few days, and my husband and I have decided not to continue to do so any longer.  Do whatever you think is best.  Danielle was shocked. She quickly realized that this family was no home for Joshua.  She turned to him. He had been anxiously waiting for her to say something.

Seeing his scared expression, she smiled at him and put a hand on his shoulder.  It looks like Maria has to be out of town for another week or so.  Let’s go home.  Silently she prayed, Lord, I ask for mercy for this boy, one of the lambs that needs your love.  Protect him and give us the wisdom to know what is best for us to do with him.  She turned away so that Joshua would not see the tears that had begun to trickle down her face.

Later, when the children were tucked in for the night, Danielle and Douglas sat down beside each other at the kitchen nook.  What do we do now, honey? she lamented questioning him.  She reached across and gripped his hand.

First we’ll pray for guidance and wisdom.  Then we’ll telephone our friend Norman Weismuller.  His department in Children and Family Services may be able to give us advice.  If nothing else he will be able to put us in touch with the right people.

I hate to have Joshua become a ward of the state.  He deserves to have a family he knows and that cares for him look after him.

We’ll do our best, sweetheart.  I’d like to keep him with us too, but we must make sure that whatever we do is sanctioned by the authorities.  They stopped thinking of what to do and began to pour out their hearts to God pleading for Joshua.

Danielle and Douglas had been able to make an appointment with Norman early the next afternoon.  Both had taken part of the afternoon off from work.  Driving to Norman’s office they were less anxious than they had been the previous night, when they had taken their new burden to the Lord and had left the outcome in his hands.

Norman welcomed them and offered them coffee.  He carefully listened as they related Joshua’s plight to him again.  When they had finished he asked about Joshua’s age and confirmed his mother’s name and address.  "And you’re both willing to take this boy in, at least until we can determine who will have custody in the long term, if his mother doesn’t turn up soon?  We’re extremely short at this time of foster care places.  I suggest I sign you both up as foster parents and place Joshua in your care temporarily.  We’ll have to do