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...

jstewart@tickiestories.us

Chapter 9

Pops made dinner. Josh said, "I want to call Father Rick at St. Francis, do you think now is a good time?"  

"Well, you will never know unless you try."

Josh found the number and dialed up the church.

Father Rick answered; "Hello, St. Francis"

"Hello Father, this is Josh Fitzgerald, I wanted to thank you for all you did for my grandma's funeral."

"Well, Josh, you grandmother was a fine woman. All of the people of St Francis thought very highly of her; it was our pleasure to be able to help out."

"I haven't been to many funerals but I think my grandma's was one of the nicest. Say Father, I have been thinking of all the homeless folks who came to the funeral and have an idea that you might be able to help me with."

"What is it, Josh?"

"Well, you saw those folks, most of them are good people and life has not been very fair to them. Most came that cold, wet, snowy day without a warm coat or boots. You know they have to be out of the shelter by 9:00 in the morning and not allowed back in till 6:00 at night. That's a long time to be out on the street trying to find a way to get food or work in the freezing cold. My Pops said a lot of people sometimes have two coats or even three coats. One stuck in the back of a closet, not their favorite anymore. So, I was hoping if you would let me ask the people of St. Francis to donate one of those coats to my friends at the shelter. Pops and I would take them to the shelter. We would ask St. Francis to collect them. What do ya think, Father."

"Well, I think you are just like your grandmother, always trying to help people. You can ask on Sunday at the 9:00, 10:30 and 12:00 masses. We'll be glad to collect the coats for you. Just before the end of mass we have announcements and I'll give you a little sign to go up to the podium and say what you have to say. I'll give you a little introduction, as well."

"Oh, wow, thanks so much, Father Rick, you're the best. I'll get Pops to be there early this Sunday. You made my day. Thanks again."

Father Rick said, "Thank you Josh, you are a very special young man to get involved like this. The world needs more Fitzgeralds. Good night now?”

"Good night, Father. Thank you again."

Josh yelled "Pops!! Pops!! I did it. Father Rick is going to let me ask for the coats at the Sunday masses. Can you take me there? Please, Pops."

It was all Josh talked about at dinner. Pops said his talk had to be professional, no stammering or a bunch of uh's.  It should be factual but not so many facts that they'll get bored; also keep it short about 2 to 4 minutes would be right but get your point across. The most important thing is to talk from your heart so you enlist an emotional response from the congregation and a little humor always helps to get and keep their attention. Last thing, always say ‘thank you’  to Father Rick, for giving you this opportunity and the congregation for listening.

"Wow, Pops maybe you should do this? You know so more about giving a speech."

"No sir, this is all you. I'm just the chauffer ... Really it was your idea and I think it's a great thing for you to do. I'll help you to do it but I won't do it for you. Is that clear?"

"You're right as always Pops, I think I can do this. I'll make notes during the week and pull it together on Saturday, maybe Billy can help. He's coming this weekend, too."

With dinner done, Josh hit the books, doing the easy remedial stuff first. He figured, he would work on the science term paper after supper. Jesse called, the tryout was gonna be Friday after school. Josh took the news with resignation. He promised his friend and he would keep his promise. He knew, if he shot like he did today he had no chance and would be laughed out of the building. But a promise is a promise.

Again, Pops helped Josh by looking up stuff for the term paper. About 10pm they finished. Josh texted Billy to find out how he was. Billy said he talked to the coach at school; explained about the weirdoes at the shelter and the coach said he could use the showers any time. Josh thought that was a great idea and congratulated Billy on it. Josh told Billy about his call to Father Rick and asked Billy if he could help him with his talk. Billy said ‘yeah, sure’. So, plans were set in motion. They both were tired so the texting didn't go on very long. Pops remembered his meds. Got his hug from Josh and kissed his forehead. During his midnight pee, Pops checked on Josh. Again, he was having the bad dream. Again, he brought him into his bed. Again, he calmed him and waited for him to return to restful sleep.

The same morning routine was followed. Josh said.  "Pops, thanks for getting me again last night. Jeez, I feel like a little kid having monster dreams."

"Well, maybe the problem is you haven't had a lot of time to be a little kid. But you are making progress."

"How so?"

"Well, you used to wake up crying and shaking uncontrollable. It would take an hour to calm you down. Now, when I have to get you out of bed, you aren't waking up. Although you are shaking it is more controlled and it only takes about 20 minutes to calm you down. The day will come when the dream will be gone."

"Think so, Pops?"

"Know so, son."

Josh met Jesse at homeroom, told him about his shooting practice. He was sure he wouldn't make the team. "Don't be so sure, you were always at your best when the game was on the line."

"Yeah, that was then, now is now."

"I have faith in you, and no matter what I am your friend"

One more day of practice with Pops got the same result. Maybe Josh made a couple more baskets but nothing significant.

To be continued...

Posted: 08/25/2021