Shelter Kid
By:
Jon Stewart
(© 2021 by the author)
The author retains all rights. No reproductions are allowed without the author's
consent. Comments are appreciated at...
Chapter 2
Josh smiled and thought how lucky he was. When they got home there was a message from Luke. He hoped Josh's grandmother’s funeral would be tomorrow, and was trying to make the arrangements. Luke didn't think a wake would be needed, but he did need to know where Josh had gone to church with his grandmother. Jon had Josh call Luke. "We went to St. Francis in Queens”, he said. Luke needed the address, but Josh didn't know so Luke asked about his Grandma's house. He knew the address and said they walked to church. It was only a couple of blocks. Luke tracked down St. Francis from there.
Luke called and got the pastor, Father Rick. He was very saddened to hear about Josh's Grandma's passing and the hard times that had befallen them.
Father Rick – "She was a wonderfully kind woman. Helped out at the church all the time doing the linens ... helped out with religious education classes, too ... the kids just loved her. I had occasion to sit in on a couple of her classes. She made God and Jesus seem like her best friends and transferred it to the kids. She even helped in the food pantry. Never took anything for herself, but towards the end when she was losing her house she asked for Josh; she said the boy was so skinny. She had Josh help out by serving mass too. Just a fine, fine woman, we've missed her terribly."
Luke – "Do you know if she had anything; insurance or a plot with her husband?"
Father Rick – "You know I think she has a plot right here in our cemetery. I'll check and get back to you. As far as insurance I have no idea. I think she cashed anything and everything trying to keep the house for the boy. We were all shocked when she had to move out. We would have helped in some way, but she never let on there was a problem. I can tell you this, the parish will do everything pro bono and first class. She was just a fine, fine woman. What arrangement has been made for the boy, Josh?"
Luke – "Well, the normal thing would have been to send him to the children's shelter, but I just couldn't do it. I called my dad and asked him to watch over Josh temporarily and he is there now. Dad said it took a little bit, but he is beginning to come around … acting more like a kid than his saddened grandmother's care giver. I know this is very short notice but I would love to have the burial tomorrow to have it behind Josh so as not to be hanging over his head at Christmas. Do you think I am crazy father?"
Farther Rick – "Wow, it will be a chore, but because everyone thought so highly of her, and as long as we have the plot she is to share with her husband, I’m sure we can do it. I know getting personal and bringing your father into the situation is not what social workers are trained to do. That was very kind of you. I agree for Mrs. Fitzgerald and for Josh and because you are going the extra yard, I think it is God's will that I at least try. It should be before Christmas. I have a bunch of people to call. I pray the people of St. Francis will feel as I do on this. Leave everything to me. I'll get back to you at the latest tomorrow morning – If we can pull this off, I'll plan mass for 3:00."
Luke - "Oh wow, thanks so much Father Rick – you are the best."
Father Rick - "No, I think Mrs. Fitzgerald is the best and you, young sir, are doing God's work – so I have to help you."
With that Father Rick went to work – Organist, song leader, florist, grave diggers, altar servers, ushers were all called. They all groaned at first, but when Farther Rick said Mrs. Fitzgerald’s name, they all quickly agreed and pro bono was not an issue. Somehow, she had touched them all; had done something to help, to make a real difference in their lives. Each one remembered and told Father Rick their story about Maggie Fitzgerald. When Father Rick brought up the pro bono aspect, they agreed and protested that they could not take any money for this kind woman's last moment.
Father Rick was elated. His last call finished at 8:00 that night. By the grace of God, they had accomplished a small miracle. He couldn't wait, so he called Luke on his cell phone. Luke was amazed and thanked the good priest profusely. Now he had work to do. The mortuary that serviced the shelter all too frequently, Luke thought, had to be informed. They asked if it was to be an open casket service. Luke thought on that and said, yes, if they could have the body ready for the 3:00 funeral mass. And the dress, he was asked? Luke thought they could provide one, and if necessary, he would pay for it. They agree and said they would deliver the casket at the appointed hour.
At the shelter, Luke had a notice put up telling of the service. They often did that when someone passed while in their care. The people at the shelter said it made them feel a little more human and not looked down upon by society. Luke was good at healing these folks who had fallen on hard times and often found a way to get them on their feet again. He often said "There, but for the grace of God, go I." He called his dad and told him of the arrangements. Jon was equally amazed at the work of Father Rick, and of Luke, as well. Jon explained Josh had gotten new clothes during the day and he would have him there all spit-shined and polished. He agreed to meet Luke at the church at 2:30.
Jon and Josh had their pot pies. Josh did eat the second pie Jon had got for him. "See, I told you ... you could eat two." Jon said. "Yeah, well, if you keep feeding me like this, I'll get fat." " You have a far piece to go before that happens."
Then Jon explained about the funeral mass. He told Josh being the closest relative he would be first behind his Grandma's casket as she entered the church and as she left the church. At the burial he would be the last to lay a flower or a hand of dirt on the casket. He explained that it was okay to cry; most people did. It will only show everyone that you loved your Grandma. He said funerals and burials are a sad time, but only for the ones here on earth. He told Josh everything he had heard about his Grandma was that she was a special, kind, woman. Josh had tears in his eyes as Jon said “Now she will be in a better place with Jesus and not have to worry about banks and losing the house or any of the problems here on earth. And that she will watch him grow into a fine young man and be so happy that she was able to help him along the way.” Josh couldn't hold the tears back any longer and as the flood gates opened, he gave Jon the biggest hug he had ever given anyone in his life. Finally, he said "Thank you for explaining that to me. It'll make it easier for me tomorrow. Will you sit with me please?" "Of course. Luke and I will both be with you and I, for one, will consider it a special honor. You'll wear your new clothes and you'll take a shower before we go. You will be all spit and polished. Your Grandma will be bragging to Jesus – "See him there, the one in front of the church? That is my grandson. Isn't he special?" A little smile came over Josh's face and he asked "Do you think she really is proud of me?"
"Well, I'm just getting to know you and I certainly would be."
They watched a little TV and went up to bed. As Jon took his middle of the night piss, he heard Josh whimpering like last night. He went and shook him. Josh said "The bad dream wouldn't leave me alone."
"Well, come on with me then I'll keep you safe." And so again Jon took Josh to sleep with him. He held him tight, but not with his arm under his head.
During the night it had snowed, and was still at it in the morning. Jon's knees and back ached from the change in the weather. Yet he knew there was snow to be shoveled. It was 8:00 AM and time to get up. Jon went about his morning ritual. While in the shower he heard Josh knocking at the door.
"Can I please piss, please? I gotta go bad."
Jon - "Ok, come on in." Jon marveled at the sound of the waterfall coming out of Josh. "You know maybe if you took a leak at night before going to bed you wouldn't have such an urgency to go."
Josh - "But it wouldn't be as much fun!"
Jon - "Go amuse yourself with TV or something while I finish up. Then I'll make breakfast."
Josh - "I can make breakfast. Let me do it, please."
Jon - "Ok, anything to let me take my shower in peace. Do the bacon first, then the toast and coffee, finally the eggs. The eggs take the least amount of time. Got it?"
Josh - "Yup, I won't do your eggs until you are out."
Jon finished his shower and completed his morning routine and got dressed for the snow. He was glad Josh was here; he knew he would help with the shoveling and save his back some pain. In the kitchen, Josh, dressed in his new hoodie sweatshirt and tightie whitie briefs, was busy as a beaver. Jon had one of those Keurig coffee makers. Josh’s cup was done and Jon's was a push button away. Bacon was just about done and the toast had just popped up. He was enjoying making breakfast. Grandma never let him in her kitchen. It was new to him and a little bit of a challenge. Jon's instructions had served him well and he was feeling good at his accomplishment.
As Jon came in, "My oh my, Josh, it looks like you have things pretty well in hand here. Did you help your Grandma by making breakfast?"
"Grandma didn't like me messing with stuff in her kitchen. She was pretty protective of it. It was her place. I pretty much stayed out of her way, except to take out the garbage. She let me do that. I enjoyed doing this; it was fun. I hope it tastes okay."
"Well, let`s find out." Jon sat down to eat. A few minutes later, Jon said "Hey, that was good, Josh; you are a good cook and everything was nice and hot. That's not easy to do."
"Thanks Pops, all I did was follow your directions."
"Well, would you mind cleaning up and I'll get started on the snow."
Josh thought about that for a moment and said "There is no way to say this polite like, so I'll just spit it out. The priest at my old church told me it's not good for older folks to do that much snow shoveling. He said to make sure Grandma stayed inside and not go outside. What was good for her has to be good for you. Suppose you stay here and I'll get the snow."
Jon was taken aback by Josh. He certainly liked the idea of the boy helping with the snow. Nothing got his old back hurting faster than a snow shovel or using his snow blower. He smiled at Josh and said "Well you go get dressed. I haven't seen too many boys shoveling snow in just their bikini briefs. Then we'll both get on the snow."
Josh was gone like a flash and a minute later was standing in front of Jon with his new heavy jacket, his hoodie, and his new jeans and sneakers. "Ok Pops, where is the shovel?"
"There are several in the lean-to shed on the side of the house. The snow blower is in the shed in the back, but maybe you better let me start that for you. Hey, your feet are gonna freeze in those sneakers. Let me get you a pair of boots that are small on me. Maybe an extra pair of socks and you can get by."
Josh got another pair of socks and sat down to change his shoes. He thought, Jon was sure looking out for him. Jon brought out the boots and, sure enough, with the extra socks they were a good fit. Jon always seemed to come up with a trick to make something work or fit. He gave him a set of ski mittens that would keep his hands warm as well.
Jon said "There ya go, my little hero ... helping an old man out. Thanks Josh."
Josh just smiled and out the door he went.
Josh got a shovel and started on the drive way. There was at least 6" of heavy wet snow, really heavy to shovel.
About 15 minutes later, after cleaning up the kitchen Jon snuck out the back door and got the snow blower started. He was really glad he had gotten this new one that was self-propelled. The only problem with snow like this was the chute would clog up pretty often but it still beat shoveling.
He found Josh working on the drive way doggedly struggling with the heavy stuff but making steady progress. "Hey Josh, let’s see if this baby can make this job easier." He showed him the controls and how to operate the machine. "One thing, never ever put your hand in the chute or by the blade with it running. I once knew a fellow that got his hand chopped off doing that. Do you hear me?"
"Yes Sir" Josh retorted and took off with the blower. Sure enough, it clogged a few times and Jon came over to clear the chute with a stick. Working together with Josh doing most of the heavy stuff, they got the snow cleared, cleared off the van, and headed inside.
"Wow, thanks Josh, you are a big help."
Josh felt some real pride receiving Jon's compliment. He was a little embarrassed and looked down at his boots and then Jon's sneakers. "Hey I am wearing your boots and you are wearing sneakers. Thought you said my feet would freeze. What about yours?" He realized Jon had done what his Grandma would have done to keep him warm.
Jon said "Well, I forgot to get you boots when we were at the store yesterday so that was my fault. You were in all the heavy snow and doing all the hard work. You needed the boots more than I did. Please don't be mad, the important thing is your feet are warm and dry as are mine."
Josh replied, "How can I be mad – I just think you are too nice to me and you should take care of yourself."
Jon smiling - "Ok, I'm glad we are still friends. Why don't you go take a shower and get dressed so we can go to the funeral? I want you to be cleaned-up for your Grandma and I want her to see you in your new dress up clothes. I'll get changed, too, and then make us some lunch. I think we should leave a little early, the roads in New York City will be a mess from the snow."
Josh went over to the old guy and, just to be sure he knew he wasn't mad, gave him a hug. "Thanks for taking me, Pops."
Luke, due to the weather, decided to hire a bus for the folks from the shelter who wanted to go to Maggie's funeral. It wasn't easy to get but he found a company that had a school bus available. The bus held 50 people. He felt that would be more than enough. He scheduled the bus to be at the shelter a half hour early and people to be ready at 2:00 for the ride to Queens. When the bus arrived, he was surprised at all the folks who wanted to go. They all couldn't fit on the bus. He had to make an announcement that the bus only held 50 people and a fast count had the crowd at well over 100. After he told them he could only take 50. The shelter people gathered quickly and it was decided that the folks who had trouble walking would take the bus. The rest started walking immediately. He was told they might be a little late but they would be there for Maggie. They all seem to have a story of Maggie's kindness to them and they were going, bus or no bus. Luke asked about their route and told them he would send the bus back to get them. Luke was beside himself at the compassion and courage of these people. With little money – no place to call home – not knowing where their next meal was coming from; here they were walking from Manhattan to Queens in 6" of snow to pay their respects to Maggie Fitzgerald. Just amazing he thought to himself. They are a selfless lot certainly not without their problems, but in times like this he thought, they were the best the world had to offer.
Jon navigated through the snow slipping and sliding a bit and but they were making steady if slow progress. Just as it got to be 2:30 Jon got to the church, again, he had planned it pretty good. He parked in the little church lot and was looking for Luke when the school bus pulled up. Luke jumped out got the people assembled by the church steps. Jon and Josh hailed him. Luke told about the group that was walking and he was going back to get them. Jon said he could follow with the van in case they still didn't fit. Ten minutes out they met up with the tired and cold group trudging along in the snow. Their feet wet and cold. Luke packed the school bus, but still there was 8 that didn't fit. Jon said if they put the seats down in the van, he & Josh would get them there, even if he had to pile them one on top of each other. He had 3 on each row and 1 at the back door and 1 against the front seats. They sure were squeezed, but they were out of the snow, and getting warm. One old black fellow yelled out "OK folks, be on your best behavior now, and please no farting." That brought a howl from everyone. They all said hello to Josh and remarked on his fine new clothes. Josh was pleased but also sad because Grandma had said he should always share his good fortune with those who had less than he did. One of the riders was his friend Billy from the shelter. He had looked after Josh and helped him get food for his Grandma. When bigger boys tried to take what little Josh had, he stood up and protected him. Billy was a real friend.
They got to the church and there was quite a crowd gathered besides the shelter people. There were a group from the parish, as Father Rick had spread the word. Father Rick was outside greeting everyone. Thanking them all for coming, he especially extended a glad hand to the shelter folks, like Luke, amazed by their compassion. A few minutes after 3:00 the hearse arrived; the crowd hushed. Luke had arranged for 6 strong fellows from the shelter to act as pall bearers. Certainly, they weren't dressed in fine suits like the driver, but they handled Maggie's coffin like it was the Mona Lisa.
Father Rick nodded and the casket moved forward. Out of nowhere, a bag pipe played and what seemed like an angel's voice sang
"GENTLE WOMAN, QUIET LIGHT
MORNING STAR, SO STRONG AND BRIGHT
GENTLE MOTHER, PEACEFUL DOVE
TEACH US WISDOM, TEACH US LOVE"
The hymn played on, Father Rick kept the procession going forward, Josh followed flanked by Jon and Luke. Everyone was tearing up Josh turned to Jon and held his hand as tears ran down his face. At the head of the church, the coffin was opened and Josh saw his beloved Grandmother with a fine white dress and pearls around her neck. She had a peaceful smile on her face. Luke thought the mortuary had done a marvelous job. Father Rick said a very compassionate funeral mass. His homily was more like a eulogy except when he turned to Josh and told him how proud his grandmother was of him. Josh almost felt he could feel her close by like Jon had said, talking to Jesus. It got to be time for the eulogy and Luke got up and related some of the many stories of kindness that Maggie had done while in the shelter. He remarked what an amazing woman she had to be to have so many come to this service, many who had walked miles in the snow. The St. Francis parishioners were astonished to hear of that. Such was the gift of love that Maggie shared with all and he remarked that Josh was a very, very, lucky boy to have had her for his grandmother. When he was done the whole congregation was tearing up, even Father Rick. Speaking of the hardships that she endured and the loss of her house, Luke ended with the words he often thought, taught to him by his dad "There but for the grace of God, go I." The service pressed on, communion, and with it everyone had a chance to pass by Maggie and say good bye. Then the procession filed out of the church. Again, the bag pipes sounded and the angel's voice was heard.
"Precious Lord, take my hand
Lead me on, let me stand
I'm tired, I'm weak, I'm lone
Through the storm, through the night
Lead me on to the light
Take my hand precious Lord, Lead me home
When the darkness appears and the night draws near
And the day is past and gone
At the river I stand
Guide my feet, hold my hand
Take my hand precious Lord, Lead me home"
Josh held on to Jon the whole way. Here was a man he had just met but he relied on him now for so much support. The procession went to the grave site. It had been covered over to protect from the snow. Father Rick said a couple more prayers, told Josh and everyone that for sure Maggie Fitzgerald was in a better place with Jesus, and we had to be happy for her there without the troubles of this world. It would be harder for all of us to go on without her but (looking at Josh) said Maggie had made each of us a little stronger, just for knowing her. He also said that the ladies of the parish had prepared a little reception in the basement of the church. Then out of nowhere the bag pipe sounded. This time without the angel's voice but by now all knew the words.
"GENTLE WOMAN, QUIET LIGHT
MORNING STAR, SO STRONG AND BRIGHT
GENTLE MOTHER, PEACEFUL DOVE
TEACH US WISDOM, TEACH US LOVE"
All walked past the coffin at the grave and put a rose on it, provided by the parish. Josh waited with Jon and Luke. As he put the flower on the coffin, Jon heard him say " I'm sorry, Grandma, I wasn't strong enough to help you get better. I love you, Grandma. I'll never forget you or all that you taught me. Please have Jesus help me to find a place where I can belong."
Then it was over to the reception. The ladies had prepared sandwiches and cakes with coffee, tea, and juices. The shelter folks tried to be polite but for many it was the first food they had seen this day. The parish ladies made sure they all got a bag of left overs to take with them. Josh spied his friend, Billy, and came over to him. Billy hugged his friend and said "Your Grandma would be proud seeing you all dressed up." Josh said "I have a foster grandfather; I call him Pops. He got me the clothes and made me dress up. Burned my other clothes; said they had bed bugs. I even got jeans and a hoodie and new sneakers and sexy underwear like all the rich guys had at school."
Billy – "Good for you, you deserve a break. Are you gonna be with him permanently?"
Josh – "I don't know, I sure would like to. He has been awful nice to me. Luke said it would only be temporary when he said I could stay with him. You know, he is Luke's dad. Maybe if I pray and ask really nice maybe it can become permanent. But hey, what about you? How's your mom doing? Is she off the drugs?"
Billy – "I hope so. She has been acting real good lately, and says she is clean and I should kill her if she ever goes back. I wouldn't, of course, but it's good to hear her say stuff like that. Luke has her fixed up on a job training program so I'm hoping we can get a place someday. You know the worst part is having to leave the shelter every day lugging your stuff around and then going back. It has been getting colder and colder."
Josh – "I feel so bad I wish I could help. It was so good of you to come to Grandma's funeral, thank you."
Billy – "Awe, it was nothing. Hey, thanks to your Grandma, I got out of the cold and had some fine eats, too."
Josh – "Will you do me a favor. Try on my jacket. I want to see how you'll look in it. Don't be mad if I give you something."
Billy – "What?"
Josh – "Just try it on."
Billy tried on the jacket and they went to the boy’s room to see it in the mirror.
Josh – "I think it fits you fine. Pops got it a little big for me. Do you like it?
Billy – “Yeah, of course, I like it, but it's yours and your Pops will be so mad at you if you give it away."
Josh – "I have my hoodie. It's real warm and you have been a real good friend. Please take it as a Christmas present. Please. Please."
Billy didn't know what to say. Josh was so insistent. Billy sure was out in the cold a lot. It was a real warm jacket. But how could he take it from the boy who has just been made an orphan. "No, I don't think I can take it, Josh. You don't know for sure where you are gonna be. How you are gonna live? I would love to have a jacket like this, it sure is warm. I mean, you finally got something good for yourself, and now you are giving it to me."
Josh had tears in his eyes; he so wanted to give Billy the jacket. He needed it more than he did. Somehow, he just knew Pops would take care of him. He prayed for it since he met Jon. He prayed for it today at the funeral mass. He almost heard his Grandma say stay with Pops, he is a good man. Then he got an idea.
Josh – "Billy, let's go ask Pops. If he says you can have it; will you keep it?"
Billy- "I guess so."
So, the two boys went to find Pops. Josh explained that Billy was out in the cold a lot; didn't have a warm coat, and he wanted to give his jacket to Billy for a Christmas present. He explained Billy has been a real good friend helping against some other boys who were being mean to Josh. But Billy said he couldn't take it; It was too much and Josh would need it himself.
Jon– "Well, I did get that jacket for you, Josh; so, you would have a warm coat."
Josh – "I know Pops but I have my hoodie and the jacket fits Billy real well. He needs it more than me. Please say it's alright for me to give it to him. People at the shelter don't hardly get any Christmas presents. He's been my good friend; I really want to do this. Please say yes, Pops; please."
Jon didn't know what to say. He was amazed by the extreme generosity and compassion showed by the boy. Just about, literally giving the shirt off his back. Jon thought a bit ... this shouldn't be discouraged ... it's a good thing; I guess I can get him another jacket.
Jon – "Josh, as much as you and I want to help all these people; we can only help a little bit. I am not a rich man; if you keep doing this, we will be going hungry. But I guess we can help your friend, Billy. I guess this is a lucky day for you, Billy. I'm glad to see you are a real friend and wouldn't take advantage of Josh. You are a fine, young man and we really would like you to keep the jacket. What do you say Billy, I'll get Josh another one?"
Billy – "Oh wow, gosh, I don't know what to say. I never got a present like this. Thanks so much, Josh and thanks, too, Pops. I feel real good about Josh being with you. I know you will take care of him. And I won't let him give away any more of his stuff. You two just made my Christmas."
Josh and Billy hugged and Jon smiled knowing they had just turned a sad day into a good thing. Then the two boys went and hugged Jon almost knocking him down. Yes, he thought this was a good thing.
Luke came to tell Billy they were heading back to the shelter. "Hey where did you get that sharp jacket, buddy?”
Billy smiling from ear to ear – “It’s a Christmas present from my good friend, Josh. Pops said it was ok for him to give it to me"
Luke looked at Jon "Dad what are you..."
Jon – "Hush now, Luke, don't make a scene. It's just a jacket"
Luke – “But, Dad you can’t ... You don't have that much money."
Jon – "Now Luke, don't get folks upset. It was Josh's idea and a good one, and never mind about how much money I have."
Luke, seeing there was no talking about it - "Well, Billy it sure looks good on you. We better get ready to go back. We are going to take two trips with the bus. Dad, I think we'll also need your van. I don't want folks walking and risk getting frost bite. It is turning cold out there. The weather report said, 10 degrees tonight. I want to get these good folks to the shelter where they'll be warm."
Billy added – "That weather is not fit for man nor beast."
Josh and Billy wanted to visit as long as possible so they decided Billy would ride in the van and help Pops with directions. Jon decided to get the van warmed up really well before having folks go out in the cold. This time they fit nine shelter folks as Josh and Billy shared the front seat. The same old black fellow jumped in complimenting Jon about how clean and warm the van was. When everyone was loaded for the trip back to the shelter, they talked about the beautiful service and the songs. It made Josh a little sad and he teared up some. Billy saw and putting an arm around his shoulder; he squeezed his friend real tight. Billy whispered "I'll always be your friend, Josh." They exchanged smiles and their bond grew stronger. Then the old black fellow (Jesse was his name) congratulated everyone for being on their best behavior and especially not farting. Everyone laughed at that. The two boys nearly fell out of the seat from laughing so hard. The old guy said farting jokes always worked. Soon they dropped their passengers off back at the shelter. Josh and Billy said their good byes and promised to keep in touch.
Jon went back to the church to be sure Luke didn't need any more help. When they got there, Luke and the bus were in the parking lot. Luke said he was just about ready to return to the shelter. Everyone got on the bus. Josh got up on the bus and walked from the back to the front shaking hands and thanking them for honoring his Grandma so, by coming to the funeral. His eyes glistened a bit, they all said his Grandma was a special lady and in a much better place. As he was getting off the bus, he thought of Jessie, the old black fellow. “Jesse said to tell you were all real good on your best behavior and thanks for ..." The group all shouted “NOT FARTING“. Everyone laughed. Josh didn't feel quite so terrible getting in the van with Jon.
On the way home, Jon complimented Josh for giving his jacket to Billy.
Josh – "Well, it wasn't so hard to do. Billy is a good friend and wouldn't you help a friend, Pops?"
Jon _ "Yeah, but just about giving him the shirt off your back is still a little bit above and beyond. Not many folks would do that. I'm just saying it was a real good thing and I'm sure your Grandma is smiling and so proud of you. I know I am."
Josh – “Pops, you have been so good to me. You got all those great clothes for me. Guys like Billy and all the people in the shelter have nothing and I mean nothing. Every day at 8:00 they have to get out and they have to stay out until 4:00. They are on the street trying to stay warm, trying to find work, trying to find food. I couldn't think of him out there like that and being so cold and me in your nice warm house and a warm jacket in a closet. Hey, he doesn't even have a closet. What kind of friend would be like that? My Grandma would be so mad at me and she would be right. You don't do that to anybody, least of all a friend."
Jon just smiled for sure. Josh had a very compassionate and generous heart.
Jon – “So Josh, what do you think you got from your Grandma. What do you think?"
Josh puzzled over that for a bit. Then said. "She gave me a bunch of love when I had no one to love me. When my mom and dad died, she was there and she always shared and made sure I had the best she could give. I love her so much for that"
Jon – "For sure that is special and she gave you other treasures that you can't buy in a store. She gave you a kind, compassionate and generous heart. Don't ever lose it, you may not ever be rich in money but if you keep your heart just as it is, you'll always be rich in love. Wasn't it something, all those people at the funeral? A bunch from the shelter walked miles through the snow just to say good bye to your Grandma. I sure would have liked to have met her. You know, the people at the church, the bag piper, the singer, and the grave diggers usually get paid for all that they do. But Luke said, for Maggie Fitzgerald, they did everything for free. Some even gave money for flowers and the food after. They all remembered something she did to help them and said this was a way to pay back. Always remember how great a woman, your Grandma was. Not great in money and riches like that, but great in treasures of love."
Josh - "Wow, I never really thought of it like that but you are right. Thanks Grandma. I'll try to make you proud."
Jon –"Hey, we are almost at the old-fashioned hamburger place. Can you go for a couple? We can get them to go and eat and relax at home."
Josh – "That sounds great. Thanks, Pops"
Jon ordered up two cheeseburgers for Josh and one for himself, as well as large fries and 10 minutes later they were home at the dining table. Jon poured a glass of wine for himself and asked Josh "Want a little wine? It's been a hard day, maybe it'll help to relax." Josh nodded.
Josh – "Thank you. Why are you so good to me?"
Jon – "I don't know that I am so good, Josh. For sure, however long our time together will be, I want it to be a good time in your life. You have had a couple bad breaks and yet, you are not mean or angry about it. You are caring and respectful to all people; no doubt the training of your Grandma. I respect that, and I am all alone in this old house. What kind of a friend would I be if I didn't share it with you.”?
They ate their cheeseburgers and drank the wine. They talked about the funeral some more, about how great the singer was. Josh said "At first I thought it was an angel. I never heard bag pipers before; not in person that was amazing. It made me cry, but I'm glad you told me what you did; that by crying I was showing how much I loved my Grandma and never to be ashamed of that. I wasn't. "
The more they talked after a bit Josh didn't seem quite so sad. Jon told him "Funerals were a real good thing; they give folks a chance to say good bye. They were a time to remember the good things about the person who died. They were a chance to show their love and let the sorrow they felt in their heart out. We all have to go sometime, son, you just don't want it to be a burden to others or have a lot of things undone. I think your Grandma was pretty well prepared. For sure, her most troubling thing would have been what would happen to you, but she trusted in Jesus." Jon, by explaining about the funeral and a little about life as he understood it, was helping Josh to heal. It wouldn't happen overnight but he planted the seeds. He knew the boy was strong with a good heart and in time the funeral would be a good memory, knowing so many people loved his Grandma.
They watched a little TV, actually a Netflix movie. They sat on the old couch. Josh huddled close to Jon. Way before the movie ended, Josh was asleep cuddling into Jon. Somehow, the old man found the strength to pick Josh up and carry him upstairs. He decided to have him sleep in with him. No need to have nightmares tonight that was for sure. He laid him on the bed and gently undressed him, shoes, socks, sweater, shirt, and pants. He looked so cute in his sexy boy briefs and tee shirt. Josh quickly covered him so he wouldn't get cold, took his pee and meds and got into bed. Josh started to stir but Jon quickly held him to keep the nightmares away. Josh returned to a peaceful sleep. Jon was worn out, too, by the day's events and was quickly asleep as well.
To be continued...
RE Posted: 10/03/2021