Christmas 1961

The Turner/Parker Christmas tradition had been established. A Boxing Day dinner was shared when Timothy was brought to Granny's for his holiday visit.

Granny was unsure what to think when Patrick and Shelagh asked to speak to her away from the children. With few rooms to choose from the adult went into the warm kitchen.

"So you have had it a bit rough lately," She said.

Patrick responded, "Yes, but that is not what we want to talk about...Shelagh."

Shelagh spoke next, "The Sisters are putting together a group to go and help at their mission hospital in South Africa...We were thinking it might do us good to go, especially after all we've been dealing with."

"You are telling me that you want to take my lovies away from me for how long?"

"Just over a month, but we would not be taking the children. We want to ask you if they could stay with you while we are away," Shelagh explained.

"Both of them?"

"I know Angela is more work than Timothy, but there is no one we trust more. We want them to be together..."

Patrick put his hand on Shelagh's arm and said, "Shelagh look at her face."

Granny was grinning. Of course she would keep them she thought.

When she spoke she said, "How soon do you leave?"

Shelagh smiled and Patrick answered, "Not for a few weeks. We still need to make travel arrangements now the children are settled."

"Does Timothy know?"

"He has an idea, but we can tell him know," Patrick answered.

"You're both going to South Africa aren't you?" Timothy asked when they returned to the sitting room.

Shelagh spoke first, "We would like to and Granny has agreed to you and Angela staying here."

"Are you sure you can leave Angela for that long?"

"Timothy dearest, I am not sure we can leave either of you for that long. I just know this trip is about using medicine to do good and we both need that."

"Tim," Patrick said, "We haven't told anyone we're going, so if you don't want us to go, please tell us."

"No, I think you should go. It is important and we will have fun with Granny," he smiled. He thought for a minute, "How will I get to school?"

"We will have to work out the bus schedule, I suppose," Patrick replied.

"I could take a break and stay and help Granny with Angela."

In unison Patrick and Shelagh both responded, "No!"

Granny laughed and said, "Angela and I will be fine while you are away at school."

Shelagh said, "I hope the extra work and laundry will not be too much for you."

"Not at all. I am so honored that you are letting me care for them."

"We know you love them both," Shelagh answered.

They shared a meal and exchanged gifts and after Granny pulled Shelagh aside and said, "I know that when the time comes for your journey it will be difficult for you. I can't keep the children from missing you and you them, but I will keep them safe and loved until you return."

"I know. Thank you."

Before Patrick and Shelagh left, Timothy asked,"Can I stay with Granny just two days instead of what we planned?"

"Really?" Patrick asked.

"Yes, knowing that you'll be gone and I'll be spending a long time at Granny', I want to spend more time at home."

"That seems quite reasonable to me," Granny replied.

"Then I will come for you in two days," Patrick said.

Shelagh

As they drove away, Shelagh thought about the next time when she would be leaving both her children behind for a very long time. She knew this trip was right for so many reasons, but it did not make leaving her children any easier.

Patrick looked across at her sad face and as if reading her mind asked, " Are you sure?"

She answered,"Yes."