by Sioux Dallas
Anna took Sharlene’s hand and led her into the empty conference room. “I know you don’t know me, but I’m a good listener, and whatever you say will stay between the two of us. I’ve noticed that Marshall is not as strong as he was when I first met him.”
Sharlene took a deep breath and smiled weakly. “Marshall loves you so much. He loves all of you, but you’re special to him. He talks of you so much that I feel I’ve known you for a long time.”
She stood up and started pacing. “I had rheumatic fever when I was a little over a year old. My parents were told that my heart might be weak and to keep alert for symptoms of anything out of the ordinary. Nothing happened, but I was never permitted to participate in sports because I tired too easily. I was told, when I was older, that it might be dangerous for me to have a baby. When I was expecting my baby, my heart did act up a little, but not enough to be serious. I almost lost him during the eighth month and had to stay in bed for five weeks.” She sat down and hesitated,
“It was a difficult birth and Marshall was deprived of needed oxygen. The doctors diagnosed his problem as mild spina bifida. He was nine months old before he even tried to sit up. He didn’t have water on the brain, but he does have neurological problems. First he had a brace on his back, then had to use the wheelchair. We’ve taught him to think in a positive manner and enjoy what he has.”
“You’ve done wonderfully well. I am surprised though that such a young child has a service dog. I didn’t know they were provided for young children,” Anna commented
“They aren’t as a general rule. My father is a brain surgeon and he donated a very large sum of money with the stipulation that a dog be provided for his grandson. Not only to help him with the physical condition, but to be a companion and a protector.”
“He and Chuckles make a great team,” Anna grinned. “Sharlene, I’m not medically trained, but I truly don’t think you should blame yourself for Marshall’s problems. So what if you were in bed for several weeks before he was born. That was good. You had excellent care and it was just unfortunate that this happened. Not. Your. Fault. “Anna emphasized.
“Yes. That’s what my doctor said. Now I have to put on a happy face. I hear Marshall and the thundering herd approaching.”
Anna and Sharlene stepped out into the hall to see Chuckles pulling the wheelchair in a run with a happy boy yelling encouragement. “Mommie! You should see the cute puppies. I wanted one, but Tom told me that if I got one, Chuckles might think I didn’t love him much any more. I don’t want Chuckles to feel bad, so I’ll just visit them here.”
“That’s great,” Sharlene hugged him. “Chuckles has been your best friend and we need to think of his feelings.”
“Yes, he has been my best friend, but now I have a lot of new friends,” he yelled as he hugged Sharlene.
“Marshall,” his mother spoke softly, “none of us are hard of hearing. You’re practically screaming. I know you’re excited, but we can hear you just fine. Do you think you’re being good to Chuckles to run him all the time and expect him to pull you and the wheelchair?”
“I’m sorry, Chuckles. I do love you, but I enjoy going fast.” The dog wriggled and made his laughing face at Marshall.
The young people looked sadly at each other as Marshall began to have trouble holding his head up. “Mommie, I think I’m tired now. Can we go home and rest?”
“We sure can, darling. I’m sure your friends will be here to see you another time soon.”
“Take me to the car, Chuckles,” Marshall said wearily.
Chuckles headed for the front door. Tom and Tim asked Marshall if they could have another hug. While they did this, they tactfully lifted him in the back seat into his special seat and buckled him in. They folded his chair and placed it in the back of the car. Chuckles jumped in beside Marshall and waited patiently to go.
After Sharlene drove away, Anna spoke softly. “I don’t think Marshall looked well. He seems to get worse each time I see him.”
Mark agreed. “We noticed he was tired when we were showing him the puppies. That was one reason we suggested coming back though he wanted to stay. We even took him out of his chair and let him sit on the floor so the puppies could crawl over him and play. He had fun, but he obviously was too tired to enjoy it long.”
The told the staff they’d see them next Saturday. “Today is my last day for a while,” Anna told them. “I’m going to miss all of you and the animals.”
The other girls explained it was their last day also. “We have sure enjoyed doing what we could and we’ve learned a lot. We can hardly wait to return during vacations. Thank you for this opportunity,” Michelle said.
On the way home a tan Lincoln passed at great speed and almost struck them cutting in so close. “Wasn’t that Alex?” Mark asked irritated.
“It sure looked like him. Not having a license hasn’t stopped him from driving. Those kids with him may be from affluent families, but they act like gutter trash,” Jason bluntly stated.
“I hope they don’t cause an accident or kill an innocent person. What’s worse would be if they crippled someone for life,” Janell worried.
That night the news carried the story of a stolen tan Lincoln that had been abandoned miles away. The car had a deep gash along one side. No arrest had been made, but an investigation was underway.
“I hope Alex wasn’t involved, but from what you’ve told me, I’m afraid it was possible that it was him. Thank God no one was hurt or killed. Another day might be a different story.” Herb shook his head sadly.
Anna had one more practice session with her brothers.
The next Saturday, the twins took Hope to the school with them. Tom petted Hope and talked to her. “I’m glad we were given permission to bring you, girl. We’ve told everyone about you, your mother and grandmother. They all want to meet you. Isn’t that nice?” She gave him a doggie grin.
The girls went with the boys, not to work, but they’d been invited.
Hope proudly pranced on her leash and stopped right in front of Baron as if to say, “Okay, big boy, this is your lucky day. You get to meet me.”
“Be a lady, Hope. That’s big daddy there,” Tim laughed. “He’s sired a lot of good puppies that have helped a lot of people.” Baron’s sweet personality and big-muscled healthy body made him a valuable breeding dog.
The group laughed when Hope immediately dropped and showed submission as young dogs do to a mature dog. Baron just looked her over, yawned and went back to his spot on the grass.
The staff had a surprise party for the volunteers. Martin and Hercules were right up front. Several people attended with their assigned dog because everyone had learned to love these young people.
“Hi, kids. I’m glad you boys are going to stay and we’ll look forward to seeing you girls as often as you can visit. Thank you for telling us about Galena and Greatheart and showing us the pictures. Galena sure must have been something, but I’m happy with Hercules,” Martin stated.
The twins looked a little sad. Tom said, “We loved Galena with our whole heart because we grew up with her and grieved a long time when she died. We loved her daughter, Greatheart, and hated to leave her behind in Alaska. We had to do what was best for the dog. Now we have this bundle of joy and are thankful we’ve had such good, loving dogs.”
“Good, loving dogs happen when the owners love and care for them properly,” Jake said as he stopped by. Everyone turned to see what was causing the commotion at the door. Marshall and Chuckles burst through with whoops of laughter.
“I was afraid we’d be too late. Ohhh, Is that Hope? Come here you beautiful girl. I love you already just from hearing about you.” Hope obediently trotted to Marshall as if she understood. She laid her head in his lap and grinned up at him.
“Look! Hope and Chuckles are going to be friends,” Marshall yelled. The two dogs stood side by side looking lovingly at Marshall as if they understood the situation.
Marshall hugged everyone and made A
nna promise again to write. After refreshments, some of the boys took Marshall to see the puppies. The group had to leave before the tired little boy would agree to go home.
Anna left for college with mixed feelings. The week crawled by for the boys. They could hardly wait for Saturday to get back to the school. Irene was driving this time.
“A few weeks ago none of you could have convinced me that bathing a dog would be so much fun,” Jason laughed. “I don’t even mind cleaning cages and picking up the exercise field.”
John Middleton came in as the boys were finishing. “Would you mind helping out in the dormitories?”
“No, we’d love it,” Tom answered for them snapping his fingers and giving a little dance step.
“We have a new group of students starting this afternoon. I would appreciate it if you would talk to them and share your experiences. In general, just help them relax and feel welcome. I’ll tell them about our school and show the video. Jean has refreshments for all of you.”
The teens enjoyed getting to know the new group of young people. The best part was when Marshall and Chuckles came breezing in. Marshall wanted to meet all the new people. “Chuckles even smiles at you,” Mark told them. Marshall went to the sightless people and offered for them to hug Chuckles so they could look forward to having a dog like him.
Irene and Rita Dodd were standing beside Tim so he introduced them to Sharlene. “I’m so glad I came,” Rita said. “Hearing about it and what goes on and seeing it for one’s self is a big difference.”
Irene spoke to Sharlene. “Forgive me if I seem insensitive. I don’t intend to be, but I would like to know how your adorable little boy is in the wheelchair.”
Sharlene told the two ladies the same story she had told Anna. “He’s getting weaker,” she wiped her eyes. “He’s lost interest in a lot of activities except visiting with your children.”
Mark, Jason, Tom, Tim and Jimmy were standing nearby. Tom quietly turned and knelt in front of Sharlene’s chair. “We have learned to love Marshall and we care what happens to him. If any of us can help you, please let us know.” the other boys stated they felt the same way. Sharlene leaned over to hug Tom but was too choked to speak.
On the way home, the boys were unusually quiet. “Mom,” Jimmy finally spoke, “is it possible Marshall won’t live much longer?”
Rita looked at Irene and answered. “Who can say. Only God knows. He has a lot of problems and the little darling has had a rough start in life. He is adorable and I can understand how all of you have come to love him.”
“Well,” Jimmy went on, “I guess we’ll just have to be as good and thoughtful as possible with him. He’s an only child, so I guess he feels as if we’re big brothers to him. I’m pleased to be one to him.”
Chapter Thirty
Anna had been gone a full week when the high school opened. Tom and Tim were eager to meet all their fellow students, especially the ones in their classes, and revive friendship with former friends.
Hope was puzzled. All her life she had the Jackson children with her. Now the boys were gone for a long time during the day and she hadn’t seen the girl in a long time. Irene had agreed to walk Hope and continue with her training.
The third week of school the twins gave their talk in assembly and showed pictures on an overhead projector. They student body howled with laughter at some of their escapades in Alaska, but there was a respectful when the twins told about Galena. Most of the students had known and were almost as sad as the Jacksons at her loss. There were a lot of questions about Greatheart and Hope.
“When can we see her?”
“Does she look like a wolf?”
“How big is she?”
“Is she easy going or aggressive?”
The twins happily answered all questions and assured them that Hope was like any other dog. She was a little larger and a little heavier than the usual dog, but she was eager to please and got along with everyone. Tom told them there very few mean dogs, just careless trainers.
Tom then told the students about Canine Wonder and what wonderful work they were doing. He didn’t give the location because Alex was in the audience.
Angela Hurley stood up. “Can we donate money to help out at the school? Or maybe we could raise money somehow. They must have huge expenses.”
Mr. Grissom jumped up and hurried to the microphone. “What an excellent idea. I’m happy that my students care about other people and want to help. How many of you would be interested in have a school sponsored fund raiser?” A loud round of applause, cheering and whistling answered him.
“Great! May I suggest that you discuss this among you and give your written ideas to Tom and Tim. They can form a committee with as many helpers as needed. I hope several of you will volunteer to be on such a committee.” Again there was a loud round of applause and then dismissal.
On Friday the written ideas were given to the twins. They took them home after inviting some friends to join them. It was difficult because there were a surprising number of excellent ideas.
“I really like this idea of a carnival. We can use the football field and the gym,” Tom told them.
“I like it, too,” Mark was bouncing in excitement. “Marti makes a great Gypsy fortune teller and we can ----”
“Marti?” Tim’s voice broke in.
“You know. Margaret Marinacci. She’s called Marti now. She played the part of a fortune teller for the Ladies Guild fund raiser and was a big hit.”
“Okay,” Jimmy cut in, “we have a lot of ideas. Let’s go over them all,”
Tim grabbed a legal pad and began to jot down the ideas they thought were good. They began to read out the ideas with such excitement that Tim finally called, “Whoa. Slow down. So far these sound good but we need to consider time and space.”
“Break balloons. Ask business people to donate small items such as small toys, inexpensive jewelry, coupons for free pizza or hamburgers--- well, you get the idea. Write on a piece of paper what the prize will be and charge ten cents for each throw of a dart or three darts for a quarter. If they break a balloon, they get the prize that is written inside.”
“Have prizes in another booth with a big tub of water. Float apples in the water and charge a quarter to get an apple in the teeth with the hands behind the back. Keep the fruit and a prize. They’ll have to be timed; maybe fifteen seconds for a try. How about a face painting booth for kids?”
The twins looked at each other knowing they had the same idea. “I can’t promise, but maybe we can get some of the service dogs to demonstrate with their owner, or with the school.” Tom told them. “Maybe a couple of police would demonstrate what their specially trained dogs do.”
“Here’s another great idea,” Jim said with excitement. “This suggestion is for a talent show. That’s right up my alley. A talent show and a carnival would involve the public. The students can’t raise enough money among themselves, but the public can sure help.”
“That’s great ideas, but can we work them in on the same day?” Mark looked uncertain.
Tim jumped up. “Why not? We could have the talent show -- say between ten and twelve, break an hour for lunch and start the carnival from one to five. The Home Ec. Department would probably be happy to have a booth for food. That way families could bring younger children and we’d have time to clean up the ground afterwards. It gets darker earlier remember.”
“Here’s one I like,” Jacob Beimer spoke shyly. “This person suggests a basketball game between the boys’ team and the girls’ team. We could even have food there.”
“That would mean another day, but it is a good idea,” Tom said.
“How about a dance -- a sock hop? Charge five dollars for a couple or three dollars for a single. Students would be happy to loan CDs for the music.” Marylea Perkins gave her idea.
“Great! We could have a basketball game during the afternoon and a dance that night.” Mark was so pleased with the idea that he stood and danced around. “Stud
ents and public would be involved.”
Irene came in with a cake she had baked for them and soft drinks. “You people sound as if you need some pick-me-up. How’s it going?”
“Marvelous Mrs. J. and thanks.” Jimmy reached for a paper plate to get a piece of cake. ’We’re going great guns. There’s so many good ideas. One is for a horse show which would suit me, but it would be costly and time consuming. Too, we’d need special insurance. It would bring in a lot of money, but a big responsibility, too.”
There was a laugh from the doorway. They turned to see Herb leaning against the dog frame. “I think a basketball game or a softball game between students and adults would be the ticket.”
“Hi, Dad. Sorry. Wrong time of year for softball.” Tim answered. He placed an arm around his mother. “I suggest that we take a list of the better ideas to Mr. Grissom on Monday and ask him to let the students vote on what they think are the best ones. The most popular votes can be considered, but the students would have to know that their help would be needed.”
“But the more that get their two cents in, the longer it’s going to take to plan,” Mark complained.
After a lengthy discussion, they agreed to let the student body vote. “After all, we’re depending on them for support,” Joella Pierson reminded them.
On Monday, Mr. Grissom allowed Tom to speak to all homerooms on the speaker. “First, we want to thank all of you for such fantastic ideas. It was too hard for us to make a selection. We’re going to give your homeroom teachers a list of the suggestions. Discuss them and vote on the two you think will be feasible. Remember, we need to select ideas that the public can be involved because we need the money.”
The suggestions were given to the teachers and they were to take a vote and give the results to Mr. Grissom by noon Tuesday. Two school secretaries and a librarian would count the votes.
On Tuesday, after the lunch periods, Mr. Grissom was laughing as he gave the ideas that were accepted by the majority. “Okay, folks. It looks as if we’re going to be busy for a couple of months. The majority of you voted for a carnival, talent show, dance and a basketball game between the boys and girls.” A loud cheer could be heard all over the building and even out on the field.