Date: Wed, 31 Oct 2001 17:10:21 -0500
From: readersstop@netscape.net
Subject: TFAP Diary Notes - Denny 002 (LJB)(MM BB Bb 1st anal oral teen1b
    teen2b  slow)(58/56)

This is the second diary entry involving characters and events introduced
in the series "To Fulfill a Prophesy".  I strongly suggest reading the
series before these entries to allow understanding of the characters and
their relationship to each other.

TFAP Diary - 02 DENNY'S JOURNAL August 1 to 13

Tim is makin' me do this.  He says I got to keep a journal for the month of
August about everything I see and do.  It's my schooling project.  He says
I can write down what I think, what I see, what other people say and do.  I
think I better talk to Dad about trust and talkin' `bout things people tell
you.

Today is August 1.  It is a Monday.  I talked to Dad this morning and he
said I have to keep this dumb journal like Tim told me.  I just don't write
anything in it I wouldn't normally tell everyone.  That way there is no
problem with trust.

It is one week until we go on our boat trip.  I can hardly wait.  I really
liked the four days we spent on the boat during the July 4th celebrations.
Then it was tied to the dock the whole time.  This time we are all going to
have to work.  Only a few of the crew will remain on board to show us what
to do.  The rest of them get to go on vacation.  We go there for vacation
and they go somewhere else for vacation.  Isn't that strange ?

I guess things were kind of upset around here while we were sick.  We
weren't really sick, we were just recovering, but because people don't know
about how that works, everyone refers to it as `when you were sick'.
Everything is back to usual now.  Me and Gus and Matthew and Davey and
Kevin spend our mornings in the classroom with Tim.  It's always fun.  Tim
has us do lots of things and when we do them we learn stuff.  I can read
pretty good now and I know my times tables to 20 times 20.  Tim says I
don't need to know that much, but it was easy to learn.  I can long divide
too.  Kevin spent most of the morning working with all of us `cause Tim
spent the morning testing Devon.

It's funny what I learned from these times we have spent with Devon.  I was
really upset when Uncle Dean said one of the men who had hurt Davey was
coming to meet with us.  I didn't understand how Uncle Dean would allow
this to happen.  When he explained he wanted us to learn from this
experience I knew we had to trust his judgment and try what he asked.  We
learned.  We all learned.

Devon was not what any of us expected he would be.  When we first met him,
Davey and Jamie immediately sensed how lost he was.  It wasn't an act
`cause we would have known and I would have punished him.  It was what
Uncle Dean had said about people getting lost in themselves.  Devon no
longer knew who he was or what he was about.  As we listened to him, we all
knew Davey forgave him and decided to help him.  If Davey felt that way,
then the rest of us could not feel any differently.  Uncle Dean was right.
We have learned much dealing with Devon.

Saturday morning I stopped by Davey's room and suggested in my usual
special way he come into Dad's bedroom.  After he didn't catch me again we
were laying in bed and Dad reached under it and pulled out "a present from
Uncle Dean".  It was a really nice picture frame with pictures of Davey and
me in it.  It was to go on Dad's desk.  Dad asked Davey if he had read the
plaque on the back of the frame.  Davey read it over and over and then he
read it out loud.  "For my beloved Ted, to commemorate this special day,
September 9th., forever."

"How come Uncle Dean is giving you a gift with a date on it that hasn't
happened yet ?"  Davey asked.

"I have one of those downstairs for you Davey with a picture of Denny and
your Dad in it."  Uncle Dean said.  "And Denny, I have one for you with a
picture of Davey and your Dad.  They both have a similar plaque on them,
but I'm not going to give either of you yours until that day."  Davey and I
thought real hard about this puzzle.  This had something to do with Dad and
Davey and me on this certain date.

Jamie wandered in and Matthew with Kevin just after that.  They looked at
the clues and Kevin got a big smile on his face.

"Congratulations, Dad" he said, extending his hand which Dad shook.  Then
he said and did the same thing to Davey and then to me.  All of a sudden I
knew and Davey realized too.  We were getting adopted.  We were going to
become legally `Tanner".  Davey and I were so excited we hugged each other
and then we both hugged Dad and pretty soon we were all hugging each other.
It was really exciting.

Today is August 2.  It is a Tuesday.  I am going to write in my journal
after dinner or before bed every night.  Then it will be about the day I
have just had.  Yesterday afternoon we went horseback riding as a group.
It was really great.  Jim, the manager of the horses, has stopped going out
with us as long as Dale or Anson is there.  Both of them were there
yesterday and Dad was too.  We had a nice ride and Dad took us over an area
we had not ridden in before.  He knows everywhere on this whole estate.

Uncle Dean announced at dinner we are going to have a formal luncheon on
Friday afternoon.  This time it will be suits and ties instead of tuxedos.
Everyone is excited about it.  It is one of our practice meals where we
learn the correct way to do things when we eat.

Today was moving day.  My room was cleared out of the extra beds which have
been in it and Matthew's bed and furniture moved back in.  He was sleeping
with Tim while the four of us Guardians were using our room and the last
few nights he has been back in the room with me using one of the beds that
was placed there.  Now `our room' is back to normal.  Dad and Uncle Dean
have moved to the Master Suite.  It is the rooms Uncle Dean's parents use
to have.  They are just down the hall from us on the other side of the
staircases, across from the guest suite where Aunt Debra stays.  Jamie has
been moved back into his own room with his new king size bed.

Tim and Kevin have moved into Dad's previous suite, across the hall from
Matthew and me.  Brendan and Todd have gone to Kevin and Tim's former
bachelor suite.  Anson and Digger have moved to Uncle Dean's old suite and
Davey went to their former bachelor suite.  It was a really busy day with
the housekeeping staff moving things back and forth.  Jason and Dale got to
stay where they were and didn't have all their stuff moved around.  Davey
said he was going to ask Brian to stay overnight with him to celebrate
finally having his own bachelor suite.  Jamie seemed happy just to have his
own room back.

Dad took me and Davey and Kevin out this afternoon to lunch and then to do
some shopping.  Anson and Jason came with us too.  We all rode in the big
limousine and Tony was our driver.  He is one of the new drivers who live
over the garage.  They now drive most of the time when anyone has to go
somewhere.  Lunch was at Pizza Hut and we got to pick our pizza from the
buffet.  I ate four pieces, but Kevin and Davey had about eight or ten
each.  They were stuffed.  Anson and Jason must of had that many too.  Dad
said we better not need them to do anything today `cause they likely
wouldn't be able to move.  We went to one of the big shopping malls and
shopped in a bunch of stores.  Dad said he didn't come out to buy anything
special, just to have some time together like when we went on our camping
trip.

We found some new bathing suits in one of the stores and Dad made us get
some `everyday casual pants'.  He said we'd need them for school.  Kevin
and Davey picked out most of their own clothes, but Dad helped me so I
would get the right sizes.  I got to choose the colours I liked.

Today is August 3.  It is a Wednesday.  Tim read my journal this morning
and said I was doing a good job with it.  Writing this is not as hard as I
thought it would be.  Matthew is keeping one too and we are going to
compare them and see what we each though was interesting about the day
before.

Brian stayed over with Davey last night.  I can not help feeling how much
they love and care about each other.  I try not to snoop on them, but their
feelings are so strong, I can't stop picking them up.  I went to Mr. Chen
to ask him about it.  I don't think anyone else knows he is a seer.  Like
Davey and Jamie he can sense the thoughts and feeling of others, not as
plainly, but clear enough.  He has exercised his mind to be able to block
it out and he has offered to teach me how to do this too.

It is my afternoon to spend an hour with Devon.  He has changed.  His mind
is now clear and he is finding some purposes in his life.  Davey asked
Anson to help with him.  Anson was so very upset with the images he
associated with Devon it was necessary to expose him to the true person for
him to resolve them.  They have already become friendly and I think Anson
will be the role model Devon can identify with.  He has even gotten Brian
involved with Devon a little and they are all going out together some night
this week.

Today is August 4.  It is a Thursday.  Matthew, Gus and I helped Dad wash
his car this afternoon.  I didn't know why we were going to do that.  There
are four drivers now who are suppose to look after the cars.  When we got
out there those guys were already washing cars, but Dad must have told them
to leave his for us.  So we got buckets and soap and rags and a scrub brush
for the tires and we all went to work.  Dad is not very good using a hose.
When he tried to put water in our buckets he got it all over us.  Gus,
Matthew and I got soaked.  The Drivers were pointing and laughing at us.
It was like that all afternoon.  Matthew and I were on one side of the car
and Dad and Gus were on the other and every time he would rinse off his
side, water would run off the roof and the hood or trunk all over us.  It
turned out all right though.  After we were done we all went swimming, even
the new Drivers.  It was all a lot of fun.

Today is August 5.  It is a Friday.  We had a formal luncheon this
afternoon.  Aunt Debra had some other stuff she had to do, so she did not
come for this one.  Mrs. Taylor was the Hostess.  She met each of us at the
door and welcomed us.  We had to reply nicely to her and thank her for
inviting us.  A luncheon doesn't have as many servings as the formal
dinners, so you can take a chance and eat a little extra of what you like
and not be too full for dessert.  I liked the dessert the best.  It was
sherbet of all different colours mixed together like a rainbow and some
little pastries.  It was too bad I had to mind my manners, `cause I would
have liked to take some of those pastries home (that means back to my
room), but that wouldn't be polite.

Today is August 6.  It is a Saturday.  I don't think this is right.  It's
Saturday and I shouldn't have to write in my journal, but Dad is sitting
here with me and he says I need to say something about today.  He just
brought Matthew and me up to bed and now I have to write in my journal.  I
didn't have any school this morning, `CAUSE IT'S A WEEKEND, DAD.

There were no bananas at breakfast this morning, but then what's new.  At
lunch time a big bunch of them was in a bowl at our table.  Whoever is
doing this is rubbing my nose in it.  Someday they'll pay.  I haven't
decided what yet, but they'll pay.

We went to a show this afternoon.  There's a movie room here, in the
`castle', but Dad said we needed to get out for awhile, so eight of us went
to the show.  On the way, our car went into one of the neighbourhoods on
our way into the city and pulled up opposite a large, one story building.

"That's where Denny, Matthew and Gus will be going to school starting next
month."  Dad announced.  Matthew and I looked harder.  There was a big
playground, a baseball diamond, fenced yard and some play equipment.  It
looked okay.

"How come Gus will be going here ?"  Matthew asked.

"Gus and Len will be using the `castle' as residence and Gus will be coming
in with you guys."  Dad told us.  "Len wouldn't be at the same school as
him this year because he starts high school, so we all thought Gus would be
more comfortable with you guys."

"That's okay with me."  Gus said.  We drove on a couple more blocks and
stopped in front of a really big building that was three stories high.
Oddly enough it looked a lot like a castle too.

"This is the high school Jamie, Davey, Len and Kevin will attend."  Dad
informed us.  "We will be coming over here after our boat trip to register
them and have a look around."  Everybody looked, but didn't say anything.

We all liked the show.  There Dad.  Is that good enough ?

Today is August 7.  It is a Sunday.  Uncle Dean and Dad had some important
businessmen and their wives they were entertaining this afternoon, so we
stayed on the second floor or out on the estate.  It really isn't a problem
for any of us, we just don't use the front stairway.  Anson and Digger were
tied up in the front, so Jason, Brian and Dale kept track of us.

We went horseback riding with Dale and then we had a swim.  One of the
guests somehow got away from the group and came wandering into the pool
area.  He wasn't really old like some of them, he was only about Dale's
age.  Dale left the pool and wrapping a towel around himself went over to
direct the man.

"I'm afraid I got lost."  the guy said.  "Hey this is great.  Who are all
these fellas ?"

"Mr. McAdams' and Mr. Tanner's sons, their friends, some security staff."
Dale replied.  "I'm Dale Savage, Manager of Security.  Can I help you get
wherever you're going ?"

"I'm Peter Reynolds."  the man replied.  "I'm suppose to be here for the
reception.  My Father and Mother dragged me along at the last minute when I
arrived in town unexpectedly.  I see you don't need a suit to swim.  Could
I possibly join in ?  It's much more to my taste than sitting through
another hour of reception."  Dale thought for a minute.  He knew who the
man was from the security reports he had scanned in preparation for the
reception.

"Just a moment, Sir."  Dale responded.  "I'll just check in."  Dale turned
and looked at Jamie, who nodded.

"That's fine."  he replied.  "And make it `Peter', please."  Dale went to
the telephone and called Dad.  He explained the situation, made his
recommendation and received instructions.  He returned to where Peter
waited.

"The dressing room is right over there, Peter."  Dale pointed to the
doorway.  "The reception will last about another hour and so will we."
Peter smiled and headed for the dressing room.  He was back in a few
minutes and for the next hour he swam and played with the group as if he
had been here all his life.  At the end of the hour he had learned and
could recognize everyone by name.

"If the deal being negotiated goes through, I will have to spend quite a
bit of time in this city."  Peter told Dale as he was being shown the way
back to the reception area when we were all done.  "One of the conditions
will have to be that I can come back and spend some time with all of you in
this marvelous place."

"I think everyone here will put in a good word toward that happening."
Dale told him.  They shook hands and Peter slipped through the entry door
and returned to the gathering.  I think we met a new friend.

Today is August 8.  It is a Monday.  No school this morning.  We're going
to be boating for the next 10 days.  We all had our duffel bags packed last
night and dragged them downstairs this morning to the front hall.  All
right, the older guys could carry theirs, but Matthew, Gus and I got them
there just as well dragging them.

After breakfast we collected in the front hall.  Dad, Uncle Dean, Mr. Chen,
Dale, Jason, Tim, Anson, Digger, Brian, Brendan, Kevin, Todd, Davey, Lenny,
Jamie, Gus, Matthew, Devon and me.  We were going in the four limousines,
but the drivers were not staying.

When we arrived the paddle wheeler looked just as big and wonderful as I
remembered.  Devon was the only person who had not seen it before and he
was so amazed he could hardly talk.  Our bags were removed from the
limousines and we were to carry them onboard.  When Gus, Matthew and I
started to drag ours up the walkway Jason grabbed one end of Matthew's,
Dale grabbed one end of mine and Anson grabbed Gus' and they helped us
carry them.  They're pretty great guys.

Gus, Matthew and I were assigned a cabin and everyone else was divided up.
Mr. Chen and Tim are the only ones with a cabin to themselves.  Davey,
Jamie, Kevin, Devon, Brian and Lenny were assigned bunks in the eight man
crew quarters.  The other two bunks belonged to the regular crew members
who were going with us.  They are the college students who are working here
for the summer and had been here with us over the Independence Day Holiday.

Today's assignments were made and Matthew, Gus and I didn't have any.
Jamie and Davey worked in the galley with Mr. Chen.  Kevin and Lenny were
in the engine room and Devon was on the bridge with the Captain.  He was
still so excited he couldn't stand still.  Most of the other guys were deck
crew.  About half an hour after we boarded, the boat left the dock and we
were underway.  It was fun watching the guys run around undoing the ropes
holding the boat to the dock and then running to get back on the boat as it
pulled away from the dock.

We stood at the very front of the boat.  It doesn't have a point in front
like other boats, it's round.  Dad says the paddle wheeler isn't built for
speed, it's built more for stability so it doesn't bounce or roll very
much.  It's for cruising, not for racing.

Gus, Matthew and I went all through the boat checking out all the places we
had discovered when we were here before.  Everything was pretty much the
same.  It was funny going through the dining room and seeing Mr. Chen
working in the galley (that's a boat's kitchen) with Jamie and Davey
helping him.  Davey was peeling potatoes with a machine that did most of
the work.  Jamie was cutting up vegetables.

In the engine room, the Engineer was showing a group how the engines worked
and what to do to start things up and stop things.  Kevin and Lenny were
there `cause they were on duty now, but the others would be working later
and he didn't want to have to teach each group, so he was doing it all at
once.  When we went up to the bridge (the place where they steer the boat)
and the Captain was showing Devon, Uncle Dean, Dad, Dale and Tim how things
were done.  Uncle Dean and Dad had done this before, so they would be
helping those who worked up there.  Devon was at the steering wheel and was
guiding the boat as the Captain directed him.  He looked very pleased about
what he was doing.

Dad said by the time the trip was over, each of us would know how to do
just about everything on the boat.  He said it was good for us to learn and
if we found it really interesting, we could learn about more things, like
navigation this winter and then next year we would be even more prepared
for a trip.

Once we moved away from the dock and away from the city, the river traffic
was cut down to a freighter moving the opposite way from us every now and
then as we moved steadily along the river.  Dad had told everyone it would
be three to six hours travel every day to reach a new destination and then
we would stay there overnight.  There would be no night time traveling.

With all the exploring we were doing we lost all track of the time.  Before
we knew it there was a bell clanging, calling us to lunch.  When we arrived
in the dining room, we found a buffet table with sandwiches, carrot and
celery sticks, pickles, salads and juices to drink.  We were all hungry and
Dad took us smaller guys out on the deck to eat our lunch in the open.  It
was like a big patio with umbrella covered tables and cushioned metal
chairs.

About three o'clock in the afternoon I felt the paddles slow down.  After
they had been running for awhile, making the swishing and humming sound,
you didn't notice the engines and paddles anymore, but as soon as it
changed, it immediately drew your attention.  We were coming into our first
overnight port.  Docking went very well and we only bumped the dock a
little bit.  Luckily, there was padding and no marks were left.  After we
were tied up (they called it moored) the Captain and Uncle Dean went to
check in with the Harbour Master.

The place we stopped was a little town and as we were docking and after we
were tied up a lot of the town people came down to the dock to have a look
at the boat.  This was the first time a boat like this one had come to this
dock and everyone was very excited and wanted to see as much as they could.
There were lots of kids who came too and we wanted to go ashore and talk
with them, so I went and asked Dale.  He said we could go if one of the
older boys and one of the security team would go with us.  We asked Kevin
and Jason and they both agreed.

We had a nice time visiting in the town.  The people were friendly and Gus,
Matthew and I got to go and play with a bunch of the kids at a nearby
playground.  Kevin met some of the older guys too.  They wanted to know
about the paddle wheeler and he told them everything he knew.  He told them
about working in the engine room on the way here and all the guys thought
it was `way kool'.  When it was time to go back to the boat I asked Jason
if each of us could invite one other person for dinner and to visit for
awhile.  He had a hand held radio and he checked, but I had already sent
Dad a message and knew he would agree.

We each invited someone to dinner and told them they had to have permission
from their parent.  I spent most of my time ashore with a guy named, Rob.
His whole name was Robert Stuart Claymore and I liked him as soon as I met
him.  Matthew and Gus liked him too, but they each had other kids they
wanted to invite.  Kevin invited a guy named Mike.  He turned out to be
Rob's older brother.

When we got back to the boat, we found Dad and Uncle Dean had also invited
guests for dinner.  The Mayor, Mr. Gough, Sheriff Mackie, the Harbour
Master, Mr. Quick and Rev. Mr. Darby, the Episcopalian Minister.  Dinner
was not dress up, it was come as you are, but we did have to wash our hands
and faces.

We showed our guests all around the boat.  Rob really liked our cabin.  It
has three beds in it.  Two as a bunk on one side and one by itself on the
other side.  The guys Matthew and Gus had invited were really interested
too.  They all thought just being out on deck at the front (bow) of the
boat was special.  We stood out there for quite a while and they had fun
waving to their friends on the dock.

Watching them look at everything and seeing how excited they were made me
think about how fortunate we were to have Uncle Dean and Dad and the many
privileges and life they provided for us which other kids do not have.  It
is upsetting to know everyone is far from being as fortunate as we are and
remembering how my life was before Davey and Dad and Uncle Dean became the
main parts of it.  I tried very hard for awhile to forget those times, but
now I realize it is because of them I can really appreciate what I have
been given and how good people have been to me.  To all of us.

"You're right."  Kevin said, coming up and putting his arm around my
shoulder.  I realized I had been thinking out loud to my brothers and knew
Davey and Jamie would have also heard me.  I found out later they were with
Uncle Dean and Dad and they gave them both a hug right then, in front of
everyone, from all of us, telling them what I had been thinking.

When it started to get dark the lights which outlined the boat were turned
on just like they had been at the July 4th Celebrations.  It was a really
nice night, warm with all the stars out and Dad let us stay up late.  Dale
and Jason walked Rob and Mike and the other guys home.  They all lived near
this area so they were only gone about an hour.  When they came back
something was wrong.  Rob and Mike were still with them and they went
directly to see Uncle Dean and Dad in the conference room without saying
anything to anyone else.

About 15 minutes later, Dale and Jason came out of the conference room and
went into the lounge.  I left the others and went in after them.

 "What's going on ?"  Dale wanted to know when he saw me.

"That's what I want to know ?"  I answered.  He looked at me and that's all
it took.  As I looked into his eyes I knew everything which had happened in
the last hour.  I knew about the boys living with their alcoholic Aunt
because their parents were dead.  I knew about the drunken boyfriend who
had tried to give everyone a hard time when our guys took Rob and Mike
home.  I knew about him trying to hit Mike and Jason knocking him flat.
The meeting with Dad and Uncle Dean had resulted in the Sheriff being
called and asked to return to our boat.

"I need to see Rob and Mike."  I said and headed for the conference room.
Dale and Jason were right behind me telling me I shouldn't be going there.
When I got to the door I knocked and Uncle Dean came to the door.  He let
me in without any of us saying anything.  I went over to Rob and looked
deeply into his eyes and then I did the same to Mike.  Then I went and sat
out of the way.

When Sheriff Mackie arrived he listened to what Dale and Jason had to say.
He asked the boys some questions, but they didn't say much except to
confirm Jason was defending Mike when he hit the drunk boyfriend.  He
glanced at me sitting in the corner and it gave me an opportunity to have a
look into his eyes as well.

"There's not much I can do."  the Sheriff said.  "I would arrest him and
take these boys into protective custody if there was something solid I
could be sure would stand up in court.  I like these boys and would do just
about anything to help them, but there is a limit as to what I can do."

"You're afraid if the issue is pushed, your feelings for the boys will come
out and you'll be considered biased."  I said, startling everyone.  "Your
friendship with their father and mother was very strong, but the Aunt won't
give them up because they represent more on her county welfare cheque.  She
also thinks she can get control of their Trust when Mike turns 18."

"How do you know that ?"  the Sheriff questioned as everyone stared at me.

"Show him your back."  I instructed Mike.  He sat there staring at me.  "Go
on.  You have only friends here who wish to help you and Rob have a better
life."  Everyone's gaze turned to Mike.  After thinking about it for a
minute he stood up and unfastened his shirt.  Turning his back to everyone
he lowered his shirt and displayed a series of welts, bruises and
contusions.  "You'll find his butt and the backs of his legs look the same,
Sheriff."

"Who did this to you, Son ?"  the Sheriff asked.  Mike identified his Aunt
and her boyfriend.  I saw tears in the Sheriff's eyes.  "I had no idea.
You should have said something, Mike."

"I couldn't take the chance."  he replied.  "They might have started in on
Rob."

"I think maybe you had best take a couple of my security people with you
Sheriff."  Dad suggested.  "We wouldn't want you to be alone without
witnesses when you arrest them.  In fact, I think I'll go with you myself.
The boys can stay here with us tonight.  I assume you will be seeking
official custody of them."  The Sheriff nodded his head and he and Dad got
up and left, collecting Digger along the way.


Today is August 9.  It is a Tuesday.  Tim says I wrote so much about
yesterday I don't have to do any more writing for a couple days.  I will
anyway because I want to keep a record of this trip.

Rob and Mike spent the night with us.  We got out the sleeping bags and all
slept out on the front deck.  It was really great.  There was me, Matthew,
Gus, Rob, Mike, Kevin, Brendan, Todd, Davey, Lenny and Jamie.  Danny and
Greg, the college students working for the summer joined us as well.  Brian
and Devon came too, `cause they said they weren't staying in the crew's
quarters by themselves.  We didn't get to sleep until really late, but even
the lights on the boat didn't keep us awake when we finally settled down.

I woke up before everyone else, just like at home, but I didn't wake anyone
up.  Matthew was awake next and we went and crawled in bed with Dad and
Uncle Dean, just like at home.  Their bed is almost as big as the one at
home.  Dad said something about, "some things never changing", but I know
he was glad to see us.

Everyone was up and we were having breakfast by 8 o'clock.  Rob and Mike
seemed to be doing all right, but they were really nervous about what was
going to happen to them.  Before we finished eating the Sheriff arrived and
sat with the big guys to drink coffee.  After they all finished he came
over to where we were sitting.

"Would you boys please join us in the conference room."  he said to Rob and
Mike.  "You might as well come too."  he told me.  "It seems you know as
much if not more about all this as anyone else does."  Dale followed me
into the conference room and sat next to me.  The Sheriff spoke directly to
Rob and Mike.

"Your Aunt and her friend are in my jail waiting to see the Judge
tomorrow."  he said.  "They are going to be going away for a very long
time.  You will not have to be concerned about them again."  Rob and Mike
seemed to be a little relieved by this information.  "Our next concern is
what to do with you boys.  I don't know if you will find this to your
liking, but I would like very much for you both to come and live with me
while you finish growing up.  I was a good friend to your parents and I
have watched you both grow up all your lives."

"What are your intentions, Sheriff ?"  I found myself asking.  "Are you
going to let these guys just live with you, or are you going to adopt them
and become a family ?"  This is one of those times I don't really know what
I'm doing, I just go along with what's happening.  The Sheriff seemed very
surprised and looked at me sort of blankly.

"Well, I don't know."  the Sheriff stuttered.  "I hadn't thought about it
that far ahead.  I would love to have the boys as my family, but I don't
know what their feelings about it might be."

"It doesn't need to be settled right now," Dad replied, "but these guys
need to know what possibilities are open.  Tell the Sheriff how you guys
feel about what has happened."  Mike and Rob were sitting on the couch
beside me.  Mike put his arm around his younger brother.

"I can remember back when you were at our house all the time, Sheriff."
Mike said.  "That was when our parents were alive.  I remember how much
they liked you and how good you always were to me and Rob.  He was just a
little guy then.  I think we would be very happy to be with you, if you
will have us.  We don't want to impose on you, but we really don't have
anywhere else we would like to go."

"You boys are no imposition at all."  Sheriff Mackie assured them.  "I
wanted to take you when you lost your parents, but there was just no way I
could.  Now, you can be where you belong.  With me."  He held out his arms
with a big smile on his face and both boys jumped up and hugged him as he
wrapped an arm around each of them.

I focused on the three of them for a minute and saw good lives for them in
the future.  The Sheriff would adopt Mike and Rob and raise them as his own
sons.  His influence would bring out the best from both of them and they
would grow to be good men who would play important roles in this
community's development.

It was getting on to the time we were scheduled to leave, so we all started
saying our `good byes'.  Rob and I talked for a few minutes and I gave him
my e-mail address and told him when he got settled to send me a note so we
could continue to write each other.  He promised he would.  The Sheriff
thanked Uncle Dean and Dad and Dale and Jason, saying that our visit had
been one of the best and luckiest events of the year and he was hopeful we
would all come to visit again.

By twelve noon we were underway.  I had kitchen duty this afternoon for the
dinner shift, so my playtime after lunch was short.  I worked with
Mr. Chen, Devon and Kevin.  We were having a sit down dinner tonight and I
had to set all the tables with silverware, napkins and dishes.  Then I had
to put salt and pepper shakers on the tables and dishes of butter.  Kevin
put the water glasses around even though I told him I could do it.

Dinner was meat and cheese lasagna with tossed salad.  Everyone said it was
really good and they were right.  Mr. Chen is a really good cook.  I was
surprised when after dinner he announced Devon had made the lasagna and
Kevin had prepared the salad.  It was just as good anyway.  Mr. Chen had
made dessert and it was a kind of chocolate cake with cherry filling in it
and a whipped cream icing.  When dinner was done there was not enough of
anything left to call leftovers, including the dessert.  That was the end
of my assignment for the day.  Other people had to do dishes, not me.

We have had a really busy first two days on our trip and I was looking
forward to crawling into my bunk tonight and having a good sleep.  I got
the top bunk.  Matthew sleeps under me and Gus has the single bed.  Before
bedtime, we played some games in the lounge.  The bigger guys got busy
playing poker again and Jason gave a group some pool lessons and took
$5. of Devon's money.  Devon wasn't the only one who didn't know better
than to play pool with Jason for money.  He took $5. from Danny and Greg,
too before they caught on to him hustling them.

"Never play pool for money with someone you don't know."  Jason told them
all.  "And don't play for money if you do know them either."

To be continued:
TFAP Diary - 03 Kevin's Day Journal   August 16th to 31st