Sammy and Ilna, love you to the moon. REAL McRollers and Readers, thanks doesn't seem like enough, but thank you always.
A Little Corner of The World
DJ navigated through the aisles of Costco, noting the prices and sizes on dry goods and boxes of snacks, jotting notes in his phone as he went. He was on a mission, guided by a sense of purpose only a youngster who knew the value of giving could possess.
Having been so touched by the sincere thank yous they'd received, not only from the victims at the shelter where they'd donated after the trafficking case, but by the staff and volunteers he had immediately asked his parents if they could bring some donations for the shelters' emergency unhoused program.
When Steve and Catherine had proudly agreed and offered to quadruple wherever he donated from his chore money to buy food, he'd been thrilled. When his grandparents, aunts and uncles had supplied Costco gift cards towards the shopping costs, he'd been ecstatic at how many more people he could help.
"You're very very good at deciding on the food," Angie exclaimed, her voice filled with admiration for her brother.
"Thanks." He smiled, glancing down at her. "I'm just trying to make sure we donate stuff people will like that's nutritious, too."
"Nutritious is healthy."
"Right. We need food that doesn't go bad and tastes good," he replied.
Angie nodded. "Okay, what's next? Cheesy crackers?"
"Sure, those are great, they fill you up and are easy to carry. Remember what Grandma says, Protein is good. Snacks should help us think, not be all sugary to make us bounce off the walls."
Just then, Catherine stepped up from the other end of the aisle. "You two are doing an amazing job. DJ, I knew you'd be great at choosing the food donations."
He beamed at the praise. "Thanks, Mom. I want to make sure everyone has enough to eat and that the food is stuff most people like, too."
"That's my sweet boy," Catherine said, moving closer and wrapping an arm around him. "And good job helping your brother pick the foods, baby girl."
Angie looked up at her mother with serious eyes. "We're picking the best food for people who need it. DJ says we need to be smart so we can get lots of yummy food that's healthy."
"Handsome and smart, just like your dad," Catherine said with a smile for her son before glancing over her shoulder. She'd sensed Steve's presence. "Speaking of which, look who's here."
"Hey." Steve's voice had the kids turning towards him as he met up with them and got hugs. "How's the selection going?"
"Really good," DJ said, grinning up at his father. "Can you help grab the tuna pouches?"
Steve nodded, grabbing the large case from a higher shelf and adding it to the cart. "Good choice. What's next on your list?"
As the family settled into a rhythm, DJ couldn't help smiling at the thought of helping the people in the shelter. But amidst the laughter and teamwork, a shadow flickered in his mind when Angie asked a question.
"Hey, DJ?" she said, "How come you're so great at knowing the best foods for the people who we're gonna help?"
He took a deep breath. "Ummm, a long time ago, before I was in our family …" he looked at Steve and Catherine, who both nodded it was okay to continue, "the people I lived with for a while weren't good people. Sometimes I got hungry and there wasn't always enough to eat. So I think about stuff like the cheese crackers, 'cause they fill you up and they're good protein. And I read that unhoused people like stuff like tuna salad, but they don't have can openers, so pouches are great." He didn't want to upset his sister, but he didn't want to lie when she asked him a direct question.
Angie's face turned serious as a flash of emotion filled her eyes. "Those were very bad people." She whispered vehemently as she wrapped both arms around her brother in a tight hug. "I'm sorry they were mean to you."
"Thanks," he replied, bending to kiss her head in a gesture that was so grown up, Catherine blinked back an unbidden tear. "It was a long time ago, I'm super happy now, I don't think about them, and I don't want you to worry that I'm sad about it or anything, okay?"
She leaned back and studied his face without letting go of the hug. "How old were you?"
"I was just turning six. Right before Mom and dad found me."
Angie gasped. "That's littler than me." She swivelled to face Steve. "Did you put those bad people in jail?" Her little fists were clenched as if she was ready to fight whoever mistreated her beloved brother.
"We did," he confirmed, glancing at Catherine.
Catherine knelt next to Angie, brushing a curl behind her ear. "Those people will never hurt anyone again. Promise."
"Good," She said, then looked back at DJ. "I'm glad they're in jail.
DJ felt his sister's love radiating from her in waves. "I don't really think about it anymore. I'm totally okay. I've got the best mom and dad in the world, and the most awesome sister ever, so I like to focus on helping other people. You know, like Nonna says, if you brighten even a little corner of the world, you make the world a better place. "
Steve's expression softened, and he smiled. "And we're the luckiest parents ever to have the best kids."
Catherine smiled gently, her chest filled with warmth. "That's right, and we can all help DJ do great things for others."
"Focus on all the good stuff, right Dad?" DJ said with a smile, and Steve knew he was thinking of their conversations about his own feelings of loss and abandonment after being sent to the mainland. "Right."
"And we're getting yummy food for nice people that need some help," Angie said, her smile back. "Thanks for telling me, DJ. I understand better now."
"You're welcome. Thanks for being the best sister."
They continued through the store, filling their cart with well thought out donations. DJ chose beef jerky, Vienna sausages and cans of beans with pop-top lids, protein bars, and cases of water, among other items while Angie added a few treats like granola bars and pouches of dried fruit snacks and trail mix.
After two hours, two carts were full and it was time to check out and go drop off the donations.
At the shelter, Angie hopped out of the truck as Catherine and DJ pulled up alongside in the Highlander. "Can I help unload now?" The seven year old pleaded, bouncing on her toes.
"Of course," Steve answered, giving a nod to the volunteers at the entrance who were stepping outside to greet them.
As they began unloading the truck, DJ felt a sense of accomplishment wash over him. He exchanged smiles with Angie, who was already chatting with a young volunteer about their favorite snacks.
"Hey, DJ," a voice called from behind. It was one of his friends from school, Noah. "Are you guys donating all that stuff?"
"Yeah," DJ replied, noting Noah's mom had popped their car trunk, which was filled with donations. "You're donating today, too?"
"We are," Noah said, as his mom and dad greeted Steve and Catheirne. "We brought a ton of socks, underwear and backpacks."
"Raw!" DJ grinned. "We can help carry in the stuff together."
The boys worked side by side, and when the families finished unloading, DJ caught sight of both sets of parents watching with pride, and couldn't help but smile. "This was great, with our food and your stuff, there's a lot of donations," he said, wiping his brow.
Noah looked up. "Yeah, I love helping out here. Everybody's super nice." He grinned at the shelter volunteers and staff as they thanked everyone and moved back inside. "See you in school, DJ," he said. "Bye, Angie, bye, Commander, Lieutenant."
The adults said their goodbyes and both families headed back to their cars. Before she hopped into the truck, Angie turned to her brother and grinned. "That was so fun and we helped people. Can we do this again, Daddy?" She asked.
"Absolutely," Steve said, kissing her cheek before shutting the door. Turning to Catherine and DJ, he added, "Great job, buddy, see you guys at home."
As he walked beside his mom, DJ beamed and reached for her hand, giving it a squeeze. His family really was the best, and together, they always helped him brighten a little corner of the world.
# End - thanks for reading!
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