Christmas Wonders by Robyn Buttars

Author:Robyn Buttars
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Familius
Published: 2015-09-11T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER EIGHT

Carma and Luke decided to begin their search by visiting Merv. Lina’s mother had worked for him. They planned an after school visit the following day while Carma’s assistant could look after the bookstore.

Carma pushed the door to Merv’s shoe store open and motioned for Luke to go in before her. They waited until Merv counted back the change to his only customer.

“Hi, Merv. We’re on a mission to get information about Lina,” Carma said. “Luke suggested we invite her for our Christmas program.”

“It would be great to see her again.”

“I thought you’d like the idea.” Carma tipped her head toward Luke. “Our young friend here found a Christmas Wonder.”

Merv eyed Luke with an inquisitive stare. When Luke didn’t say anything, he looked back at Carma. “Oh?”

Carma shrugged.

“Well, Luke, it looks like you have everybody’s curiosity up. Will you tell us what you found?” Merv asked.

“It was my mother’s,” Luke said.

“What was?”

“The nativity.” Luke stopped as though that was explanation enough. When neither Merv nor Carma picked up the conversation, he added in a whisper. “Mary was holding the baby Jesus.”

“Ahhhh.” Merv shook one finger. “He wasn’t in a box.”

Carma laughed. “What?”

“Luke helped with the nativity and asked why baby Jesus was in a box.” Merv paused, his eyes stared past them. Then he blurted out a short laugh. “You know, I think Lina asked me that same question. She would have loved your mother’s nativity.”

He put his hand on Luke’s shoulder. “I bet you’ll remember your first Wonder ’cause I remember mine.”

“Really?” Carma’s voice sounded incredulous. “It’s been twenty years.”

Merv’s eyes glazed with memories. “I don’t know if you knew my wife, Mamie?”

“Just a little.”

“She was an amazing woman. And Lina was . . . how can I put it? Lina was her joy during those last years of life.” Merv tapped his mouth with his fingers, and then shared his memory.

When Lina moved into the apartment with her mother, Mamie was in a wheelchair due to multiple sclerosis. Merv brought her to work with him each day; they depended on each other. Since Lina lived next door and her mother worked at the shoe store, Lina often dropped in to visit. She and Mamie formed an instant bond, both understanding physical weakness and limitations. They also shared a great love for literature, and discovered if they read a story aloud, it merged into near reality, much like seeing it played out on a stage. It was a delight they both needed and loved.

When Lina had difficulty breathing, Mamie read. On those days when Mamie was struggling, Lina read. They went through dozens of books together, but more importantly, they shared a depth of feelings that nourished their souls.

“After Lina gave us Christmas Wonders, Mamie set it by the cash register and encouraged everyone who came in to use it.” Merv chuckled. “I think she nearly filled it herself.”

“That sounds like my parents. It was such a special part of their celebration,” Carma said. “Did you ever

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