The Mennonite - A New Start 8 CGW
It had been 6 months since the little problem with Daniel, since then he was a very different young man. He waited on Jonah hand and foot, Jonah had put on another 15lbs. and he looked fantastic, Daniel loved him even more now always telling him how beautiful he was and he was the luckiest man on earth to be blessed to have him in his life. Beth was now 8-1/2 months along and on strict bedrest; Eve would stop by every day and check on her.
The house was finished and Josiah had just finished the last of the furniture in time, Anne agreed to the finished product and there would soon be a wedding. The young man had gotten his act together.
Clay and Anders had welcomed a precocious 3 year old into their lives and home, and he had them wrapped around his little finger, along with his Grandpa and me too. Samuel Alan Gunderson was here to stay in our lives, the first of their planned 6 children.
Cameron and Izaack were doing great, Cameron was working part-time not pushing himself because Izaack threatened him if he did a new broken leg. Izaack was holding back but Cameron wanted to start a family like yesterday, they had sponsored a few weekend visits from the boy's home but the feeling wasn't right for Izaack. Until, he met a 5 year old by the name of Lucas Wayne. He had light blonde hair and green eyes, but he had an older brother by the name of Sonny William that was 13 years old and he didn't want to be adopted by the freaks.
The Home called and said; Lucas wanted to come for a visit if he could bring his big brother along for the visit. The boys had been removed from their home three years earlier due to abuse and neglect.
Micah and I spoke with the case worker and found out Sonny had suffered abuse the worst and was considered unadoptable by their standards. We knew that no child was unadoptable, some just needed more time and love to replace the pain they were shown.
The boy's home dropped off the boys on a Friday for their visit; Lucas ran to Cameron and Izaack and hugged their necks but Sonny wouldn't move. The van drove off leaving Sonny standing in the driveway, Micah walked up to the boy and said; they won't bite you besides they have all of their shots if they do, so it won't spread.
Sonny asked; who are you sir, I'm Elder Micah Gunderson young man and I'm in charge here so go to your brother and have fun this weekend, I'll send my two youngest boys over later to get to know you, they are 13 also and a hand full. Cameron; you and Izaack are babysitting later for us, David and Robert will be over later. I've got a hot date with my sweetheart tonight. Cameron said; thanks for the warning.
We sat down at the table with our ice cream and started to eat it when our phones started ringing at the same time. Galen was on the line; we are headed out her water broke and Eve is her with her. Micah said; be very careful and we will meet you there. I was out the door when Micah finally got up, I hollered hurry up Grandpa or you will be walking to the hospital to see your grandchildren.
Clay and Andres were just pulling into the parking lot when Micah hollered, we're headed to the hospital call everybody. I was on the phone with Cameron and told him what was up and if they didn't show up Galen and Beth would understand since they had all the boys for the weekend.
Cameron went into the living room where all of the boys were playing and asked them to listen to him for a minute, he asked for Izaack to come in the room also. Daddy Micah just called he and Poppa Clayton are headed to the hospital, Beth and Galen are in route to have their babies tonight.
Sonny asked; did you say babies, Lucas said; yes she has 3 in her tummy and she is big, I played with her son Seth last time I was here for a visit, he's neat and my friend, his daddy Mr. Galen is a giant, but he is super nice, he has bright red hair. David said; she is our sister and Galen is our best buddy.
Sonny said; so are we going to sit here tonight or can we go see the new babies, Izaack said; new babies it is, let's get to the van and go. As we left out the front door as Izaiah pulled the bus up to the sidewalk stopped opened the door and said; the Hospital express is headed out get on board folks. As we got on the bus Izaiah asked; now who are these two fine young men you have here. Izaack responded; this is Lucas and his big brother Sonny they are staying here for the weekend to see if they would like to live here with us. Lucas responded; I'm ready but my brother is still on the fence about the deal. Well boys I'm Uncle Izaiah, Elder Micah is my 1st Cousin, Izaack is my Nephew and his husband Cameron is a real good man who will treat you like angels if you let him. He just learned how to walk again not that long ago so he knows all about hard times, Give him a chance young man. As Sonny made his way down the aisle he stopped at where Cameron was sitting and asked if he could sit with him. Cameron said; I would be honored if you sat here so we could get to know each other.
Sonny asked; so why did you have to learn to walk again sir? Earlier this year when the people of my old sect learned that I fell in love with Izaack, they attacked me and they broke my right cheek bone, rt. Arm, ribs on both sides, both my hands, both of my legs, my right shoulder and made my left lung go flat I was hurt very bad and had to stay in the hospital for a long time. Wow said; Sonny how did you survive that? With a lot of prayers from the good people of this family and the Angles help. Sonny asked; did the people that did that to you get punished for it? Yes they did and they will spend 25 years for what they did to me. Good, I'm glad someone had to pay for the pain you went through remarked Sonny.
Sonny said; as he broke down, Lucas needs to get out of the home before one of the big boys hurts him really bad back there, they like the cute young boys and the guards can't be everywhere. Cameron asked; what about you Sonny don't you deserve to be happy also. No sir I'm damaged goods, I've been soiled and nobody likes boys that have been soiled, we are lower than dirt. Cameron placed his arm around the boy and said; if you come to live on our house with Lucas, I promise you no one will ever hurt you again. As Izaack heard Sonny tell his story to Cameron his heart was breaking into a million pieces.
Amma was sitting the seat across the aisle and leaned over and spoke to Sonny if you come to live with my son and his husband Izaack you can call me grandmother and I will spoil you boys rotten. Sonny couldn't believe his ears, he and Lucas would have a grandmother for the very first time that would love them too.
Sonny looked at Cameron and asked; if we come to live with you and Izaack can I call you my Dad. Cameron said; I would be honored if you did Son. Lucas popped up in the seat and said; since you gave him his name, I want to call the other one Pops. Sonny looked at his little brother and said; well little brother it looks like we have found our new forever home.
Robert stood up and announced; hot damned they are staying with Cameron and Izaack forever. The statement; brought a swift response from Izaiah, watch the colorful language young man, your Poppa and Daddy aren't here to protect your butt. Robert said; sorry sir and sat down.
Izaiah pulled up to the hospital and the bus unloaded, and that was a crowd of Gunderson's. Cameron walked into the hospital with Sonny's arm around his waist and his over Sonny's shoulder holding the boy tightly against him. Lucas walked inside holding Izaack and Amma's hands.
Daniel walked up to the Nurse's desk and said; we are the Gunderson family and. The nurse interrupted him and said; the 1st waiting room to the right is reserved for you go right ahead. When they arrived there Daddy, Poppa, Clay, Anders and Samuel were waiting for news. After everyone was sitting down when Galen came in and said; everyone was doing fine Beth was in recovery and the babies were headed to the nursery.
Micah said; well are they all ok? Galen said; at 8lbs 6oz is Galen Lucas Gunderson, Red Hair and Green eyes - at 6lbs 8oz is Steven Earl Gunderson, blonde hair and blue eyes - and last we have Ellen Suzette Gunderson, Blonde hair and blue eyes. And they are just like their mother doing fantastic.
The waiting room became very loud after the announcement. David stood up in the chair and said; tonight was a record 5 new kids added to the family. One by one the Family members welcomed the boys to the family. Galen went up to Lucas and kneeled down and said; I told you if you were a good boy and said your prayers they would come true. Lucas hugged his neck and thanked him for giving his name to his son. Galen went over to Sonny and shook his hand, welcoming him to the family. Sonny remarked; damn you are a big dude just like Lucas said you were. Galen shocked Sonny by grabbing him in a bear hug then stood up with him and said; This is my new little buddy; Sonny and if anyone gives him a hard time I'll just have to whip their ass. Sonny was smiling ear to ear as Galen sat him down beside Cameron, and told Cameron; you and Izaack have gotten yourselves two very fine sons here in these boys now raise them right and you will be the richest men around.
Lucas walked up with his arm over Seth's shoulder; I want you to meet my bestest friend Sonny, his name is Seth he now 2 brothers and 2 sisters. Sonny looked at Seth and then at Galen and said to Galen; you mean that you and your wife kept him; you didn't send him away to live in a home like the others. Galen didn't catch on to what Sonny just said but Micah did. Galen responded; we were blessed to become Seth's parent's about 2 years ago and now we have a total of 5 children to love.
Micah walked over and sat next to Sonny and asked him, young man what it was you meant by your statement; send him away to live in the home like that others. I don't want to get in trouble so I'd better keep quiet. Sonny; you will never get into trouble for standing up for others and making things right so please tell me young man.
Mr. Micah there is another dorm at the back of the compound at the home where as they call them, the monkey boys live. And it is so very sad, living back there they will never be seen so parents can adopt them, when they get older they ship them away never to be seen again. Can you help them to get loving homes like Seth has. Anders walked up and said; I never saw the place but if Sonny says it's there then it is there, it was always talked about by the boys at the home as long as I can remember.
Sonny looked at Anders and said; I remember you we thought they sent you to the place to work as a social boy since you were so cute. No Sonny as soon as I turned 18 I left that place behind and came here to work and I met my husband Clay sitting over there as he pointed to where he was sitting, Dang you got yourself a nice looking man, he's big but nice looking; does he treat you good Anders. Sonny we are so very happy here in the Giving Community and yes he treats me so nice just like everyone else here does.
Micah asked; Anders what is this place Sonny was talking about where boys are being sent to work as social boys. I'm sorry that I didn't tell anyone but I locked away my past to forget about my life before I came to live here; but every few months a dark van shows up at the home and they take away a few of the cute boys that the older one's have soiled. They say they carry the bad boys sickness and need to be sent away to get well or die. But it was overheard that they were sent to a place so men could use them for relief.
Micah picked up his phone and called for a meeting in the morning of all elders from all sects to be held. Micah hugged Sonny it is a brave and good thing you have just done for all of those boys that have suffered. Eve walked into the waiting room and said; Beth was tired but would be in her room soon for limited visits. Micah walked over to Eve and put his arm around her and talked to her, she left the room in tears.
Eve said; she will pay the home a visit for a medical update on all of the children that live there, in every building on the compound. She will have the health minister with her so she will not be stopped by anyone. I will go with Cameron and Izaack to sign over the boys to them so they are safe first thing Monday morning; then she will show up at Noon so they are safe from any harm and tare that place apart.
We saw Beth and told her about the other 2 new additions to the Family, but she was out of it so we went and saw the babies, Micah said; we shall go out and celebrate our blessings in life, he asked if he would consider leaving his wife and newest additions for a few minutes and partake in the party. Eve told him to enjoy his freedom for the time being because his schedule was going to be full in a few days, she would be with Beth for a while herself.
We went to the home with Cameron and Izaack to the home to sign off on all of the paperwork on the boys, the Director said; boys no come back you want to keep even the trouble one. Cameron told the Director the boys were now part of his family and they would attend school and go on to College and become fine young men that any parent would be proud of. The Director said; good luck with oldest he your problem now and signed the papers, we walked out got into the van and drove off. Sonny began to cry and hugged Izaack and Cameron saying I will make you proud and never cause you any problems about anything.
Izaack told the boys that this was the proudest day of his life he was now blessed with two finest sons any man could ever have.
As we drove down the road we saw the minister's truck headed towards the home followed by 3 army style trucks, Eve was sitting on the passenger side. Sonny remarked that it looked like all Hell was about to break lose at the home.
I said; Eve would make sure every boy was taken care of.
The minister and Eve drove into the Boy's Home Compound, his men stood at the front gate to keep staff from running off. They walked into the Directors office and in a few minutes the Health Minister was on the P.A. system and told all boys to report the assembly hall for a meeting. There were over 200 boys there in the hall from 3 to 17 they were filthy and half starved, one little boy who was nothing but skin and bone stood up and asked; will you make sure the big boys quit hurting us at night with their big willies. An older boy in the back hollered out sit down you little tattletale. The ministers grabbed the young man and carried him to the wall and slammed him down on his butt and told him to stay put. The little boy remarked; how does it feel to have a sore ass Mr. Big Man.
One by one Eve examined the boys behind a screen and she was very upset when she was finished. Then she called for the young man sitting along the wall she took his folder with her and told him to disrobe he looked at her and asked what did you say lady. I said for you to take you clothes off so I can look at your body young man, he took off his pants and stood there in his dirty shirt, she said; the shirt also. He began to tremble as he removed his shirt. Eve looked at his hands and torso and jotted down notes in her file she asked him to turn around as he did she saw why he was frightened, his back, buttocks and legs were covered in scars from beatings he had received over the years. She sat on the chair and read his file, Eve told him to have a seat on the table. Eve called for the Health Minister to come back behind the screen, when he saw the scars on the young man he became sick to his stomach.
He stepped out from behind the screen and told his men to arrest the Home's Director and if he attempted to escape to shoot him in his head. The director ran out the door and a shot rang out, a young officer said; Mr. Minister he attempted to steal your truck and your orders were followed.
The boys were silent. Eve remove her long jacket and gave it to the young man and told him to cover himself with it, his clothes were nothing but filthy rags. She read his file and noticed he had been there since he was 3; he had no known relatives and was now a very mature 16 year old forced to grow up way too fast. His name was Jakub Don, she looked at the poor young man and asked him; Jakub will you talk to me and the Minister about what happened to you here for the last 13 years. Yes um I will if I won't get into any trouble.
The Minister said; you have my word there will be no trouble for telling the truth. I didn't want to hurt little Robbie he was my friend but the Director said; if I didn't break him in good that he would beat me again and I would know what it felt like to be broken in again by his men and they would split me wide open this time. So I did what he said to do, it made me sick to hurt him there, but he has been sold to the man to become social boys for older men across the border at clubs.
A minister's guard said there was a dark van demanding to enter the compound, the man there said; the Director had a special delivery for him. The Minister said; let him enter and arrest him if he resist shoot his legs so he can't run away.
Eve asked; Jakub about the Monkey Boys and was it true. Yes um was his answer and the Director also has a secret garden out the back gate in the woods. The Minister asked; what is in his secret garden Jakub. He looked at the Minister and said; dead boys sir, the one's that didn't make it because they were sick, the one's the workers killed or if they were hurt too bad being broken in by the older boys he ordered them buried alive Sir. Have you hurt any boy that bad Jakub. No sir little Robbie was my first to break in for the bad man.
Eve asked; if Jakub would show her where the monkey boys were at. Yes um follow me and he started to walk towards the front door, we followed him to an old equipment shed at the rear of the property and he opened the door open wide and the boys that were inside ran to the back out of the light. Jakub said; it hurts their eyes so they stay in the shadows. They are let outside once a month at night on full moon it's a shame some are just slow others just looked odd but they were still human, but the Director treated them like they were only animals.
The Minister asked if Jakub would show him the food storage since he was smart and had been living there for 13 years. He said; Yes Sir, follow me but there's not much there we only get corn mush for breakfast and rice for supper. The Minister said; only 2 meals a day son. Yes Sir, when there's enough food Sir. I have seen enough the home will be closed but we have no place to put these boys at. Eve said; Minister I have a solution for you, what if the Giving Community ran it for you and cared of the boys and helped to find them homes. The Minister asked; will they do this. My daddy will do anything I ask him to do and he's the Elder.
Eve called and said; Poppa, can you and Daddy meet me at the house when I get there. I am going to need your help with a couple of projects I have in the works. Eve asked Jakub if he was ready to go home, he looked at her and said that the boys weren't allowed to be in the dorms in the daytime. Eve placed her hand on the boy's shoulder no Jakub you are coming home with me to live and the Minister will sign all of the forms to make it happen.
Jakub said; thanks but I cannot leave my friend here, the older boys will hurt him now that they found out what I had to do to him if I leave him here. I have his file already; I kind of had a feeling you wouldn't come alone, after what you said about him. So he is waiting for us by the truck.
Jakub hugged the Minister's neck and mine and ran to the truck to find Robbie. As we arrived at the truck the boys were crying and hugging each other, Jakub said; I can't go I've got no clothes on under this coat. Robbie lifted up the back and said; he's correct bare assed under there.
Eve said; we will stop by my office and you boys can shower, then Mrs. Tang will take care of you two, next up will be a haircut and ice cream then we will go home.
As we drove down the road Robbie asked Jakub; I thought we were friends, Yes Robbie we are why. If you were my friend why did you hurt me so bad when you carried me to the special room that night? I knew what you were going to do because one of the other boy's told me, and I was ready to let you hump me, so why were you so mean when you humped me. Robbie I was following the Directors orders because he films everyone's first time in the room. The Minister said; what room Jakub, he told the Minister about the porno ring and how the man from the club was involved in that also.
The Minister called a Magistrate and told him everything going on and not to let the men from the van arrest go on bail until the boys could be found.
The boys were bought new clothes and shoes, fresh haircuts and Ice cream. We pulled up to the house and they got out, I said; welcome to your new home boys. Both of them had tears in their eyes as we walked into the front door. Daddy and Poppa were waiting in the living room when we walked in I said; boys meet my parents, Daddy, Poppa meet Jakub Don and Robert Earl Gunderson my sons. Micah's mouth fell open with shock; I on the other hand welcomed the boys to the family and asked their ages which they told me.
As she went to the fridge Eve said; daddy I forgot to tell you, I told the Minister would take over the Boy's Home and help find placement homes for as many of the boys as possible. Jakub honey; show your Granddaddy why the boys at the home need the Giving Community's help, please pull up your shirt. When Micah saw the scars on Jakub's back he stood up and said; Holy Hell, how did that happen to you young man being too slow, not doing what the director wanted fast enough and other things and they go to the tops of my ankles if you want to see them sir. Mama, do I need to tell Granddaddy what the Director planted out in his secret garden. Micah said; please young man, have a seat and tell me everything you have been holding back so I can help the boys still there.
Jakub spoke for about 35 minutes about the horrors at the home, he said a few very lucky ones were adopted, and a few got too old and were put out the front gate, others were sold to the bad man to work the others were put in the Garden.
Micah said; he would take care of the boys at the home.