The Mennonite The Community - 10 CGW
Gunner and Danis had almost giving up hope about news on a child for them when Galen called and asked if they were up for a major change in their lives. Gunner said; we're still interested in children and the more the merrier Uncle Galen.
Galen said; there is a very difficult placement due to the size of the family and ages of the children, I want to bring them over for a visit this afternoon. What house are you two in today, Gunner responded that they had just moved into the new house and were deciding on what furniture to pick out for which room.
Galen replied you had better hold off on children's furniture until we meet this afternoon at 3:00pm. Gunner said; okay Uncle Galen, we will be here waiting and hung up his phone.
Gunner turned to Danis and responded; that was your Uncle Galen and he has someone for us to meet this afternoon at the new house, get ready to play the part of Daddy. Danis ran to his lover and started to kiss him all over, he was so excited to hear the great news then started to ask questions that Gunner couldn't answer such as age and if it was a boy or girl. Gunner said; all he said was that he would bring them bye this afternoon to the house.
Galen pulled the minibus up to the house and turned to the Holdermen children and said; this is the home of my nephew and his mate, they are willing to take in children no questions asked. The oldest Marie who was 13 responded such a fine home we have known nothing like this before I hope we won't disappoint them being plain and simple, the next was Jarred who was 11 said; fancy, fancy more like snobs. His response was met with the backside of his older sister's hand against his ear and her sharp tongue; we will not pass judgement on others Jarred Holdermen. The boy grabbed his ringing ear and sneered at his sister even though he knew she was correct; they were raised not to judge others.
Next was Tommie he was 9 who had some special needs to face others, then Suzann 8, followed by the twins, all 3 sets of them Eric and Deric 5, Hanna and Breanna 3 and Laura and Samuel who just turned 1, a total of 10 children left orphaned by a drunk. Galen stepped off the bus and asked the children to wait until he could soften the blow of bringing a total of 10 children into the household. Jarred replied; good luck with that one Mr. Galen, we create a lot of shock value by our sheer volume, his other ear was stung by his sisters hand because of his smart mouth.
Dadgummit Marie you gonna be makin me hard of hearing if'in you keep a slapping my ears every time I open my mouth. Marie looked at her younger brother and reminded him, if we get split up Jarred Holdermen because of your mouth, there will a mud hole where you once stood. Jarred took heed to his sisters words because she could out fight most boys her age and a few years older, she might be sugar and spice and everything nice, it was the spice thing you had to watch out for.
Galen walked inside and took a seat to speak to the boys; it will be for a trial run to see if they take as a whole set, or if we have to break them down to smaller groups. Danis asked his Uncle what he meant by smaller groups? Galen decided to let the cat out of the bag, There are 10 Holdermen children, with 3 sets of twins and one that's 9 and has learning and coping needs he hasn't even processed the death of his parents and grandparents as of yet. He's a happy child but still he needs extra care and with the broad base of family members you have it will help, they range from 13 to 1 in ages the last 6 are twins. So do I ask for them to step off the bus or do I need to take them back to the homes and Tommie to the institute.
Gunner took Danis's hand in his and asked if he was sure, Danis responded no more sure than when Dad Rob and Pop Joe took me into their home to love and raise as their own. Gunner told his Uncle Galen to show the children into their new home and let out a deep breath.
Galen returned to the bus and asked if the children were ready, Jarred said; the home wasn't that bad so he could stand a few weeks there until they could find placements for the little ones. Marie looked down at her feet and started to sniffle; Tommie grabbed his bag of clothes and started for the front door. Marie told her brother to sit back down so they could return to the homes. Tommie looked at his sister and said; I am at my new home, I'm staying here and proceeded to go to the front of the mini-bus.
Galen told the children; Tommie was correct, this was their new home if they wished to stay with Gunner and Danis Stroud.
Jarred looked at Galen and asked; did you say Gunner and Danis as in two guys that live together. Galen replied yes I did young Jarred; this is the home of my nephew Danis and his husband Gunner Stroud. Jarred replied; hey as long as one can cook at least we won't starve, Marie slapped her brother's head again. Dangit Marie; that hurted my head remarked Jarred. It hurt your head Marie corrected him, and it will be even harder next time Jarred Holdermen, mark my word.
Galen led the children off the minibus and walked to the house they were like stair-steps as they filed towards the front door. Marie stopped at the front door and removed her shoes and the older children followed suite then they started to remove the younger children's shoes. As they entered the main foyer they were greeted by a massive staircase leading upstairs with a chandelier hanging from the ceiling, it sparkled with all of the colors of the rainbow. Young Tommie was fascinated by it.
Galen led the children through the foyer to the den where Gunner and Danis were waiting for them. The children were amazed by the home and the lavishness of it. The children entered the den and had a seat on the giant thick Persian rug that lay upon the marble floor. Jarred started it out; why us, you two seem to be doing ok by yourselves without taken in some orphans like us and so many of them at one time. Marie apologized for her brother's words. Gunner said that it was normal to ask questions why, and referred the question to Danis.
Danis spoke up; a long time ago, I was where you children are at now and my father's, Rob and Joe took me in and raised me to be the kind and loving person that I am today. The same man that brought you here today did the same thing for me years ago; he also brought me my 2 little brothers and 2 little sisters too. And to settle you mind young Jarred they didn't make me the way I am, I came this way I knew I liked other men for as long as I can remember, so it doesn't rub off on anyone.
Jarred was red faced, Danis beat him to the punch. Tommie got up and took a seat next to Gunner and snuggled up next to him. Marie said; if Tommie Glen feels the good within you and can see what we don't see yet who am I to argue the point.
Gunner said; there are very few rules here; respect each other, if it's open it's ok, if the door is closed please knock, and if the door is locked wait until it's open. Unless it's an emergency then pound on it with all you're might.
Danis said; let's all go upstairs and pick out your rooms; I have a special one for Tommie if he wants it. Jarred spoke up and said; we've always had to share one because he gets scared alone. Danis replied this is a new beginning for all of you so there is a chance for everyone older to have a room of their own. Marie looked strange and asked; does this mean that I won't to share with the babies anymore.
Gunner replied; young lady this means you will have your very own room with a walk-in closet and a bathroom of your own so your little brothers can't just walk in when they want to. She was thrilled with the chance to have a life of her own.
Gunner looked at Danis and said; this means a trip to S.I. and a visit to the Tangs Store. Danis said; I'll call Pop Joe and your mother and see if they would like to go along, Gunner laughed and said; I'll sit this one out you three have fun.
Danis called Pop Joe and within the few minutes he was talking, the doorbell rang. He told Pop to hold on while he went to the door, when he opened the door there stood Dad, Pop and Grandma Lana. It's a good thing we had double doors because they all tried to come in at the same time. They had a great time with the little ones and even Tommie warmed up to Lana, the older three were a lot more standoffish. Dad Rob asked Jarred if them coming over so fast scared him, Jarred said; I don't understand how some folks could be so welcoming to others leavings.
Rob asked Jarred, Suzann and Marie to have a seat so he could explain to them what it meant to be welcomed into the Giving Community. Rob told them that they weren't leavings; they were precious gifts from the heavens above; sent down by the Master himself and delivered by his Angels when he deemed it was time. Everyone is special and made just to his specifications, and are perfect in his eyes. Jarred asked; even Tommie? Rob looked at Jarred and replied especially your brother Tommie.
Jarred smiled; and thought about the words that Mr. Rob had said about his brother and thanked him for explaining it to them so they could understand.
Danis said; if that is all finished and out the way let's go upstairs and pick out your rooms. Gunner and Rob carried the youngest one's up the stairs Joe led the oldest set of twins to their new rooms. Danis showed Tommie to his new room, Lana showed the girls to their rooms. Gunner told Jarred to check out his place at the end of the hall it should be fitting for a young man. Jarred opened the door to his room, it was huge; there was a small library with a built-in desk a large walk-in closet with built-ins for all of his clothes and shoes to come. As he opened another door, it led to his bathroom with a steam shower and jetted tub there were two vessel sinks and the toilet was sitting in its very own room. Jarred was amazed at the size of the place but thought it was a mistake and went to find Gunner to ask if he had to share it with anyone else.
A scared Jarred asked very quietly about the bathroom in his bedroom and if when they built the place they forgot to put in an extra door. Gunner laughed at the young man's question and responded it is fit for a prince and since he was the oldest son he was this castle's prince. Marie scoffed and said; don't give him any ideas or his head will swell up so big you will have to widen the door ways.
Marie was at a loss for words when she saw her equally royal living quarters as Gunner remarked; fit for a princess my dear. Marie broke down in tears, Lana said; your parents would be proud for you young lady. Marie hugged Lana and thanked her.
Tommie's room was perfect for him it had a custom built pirate bed in it. The whole thing was based on Peter Pan and the Island of lost boys, perfect for him. Suzann's room was French Provencal and perfect for her age, there were a few things that still needed to be done for the children but for the most part they were perfect for each child. The twins liked their rooms; they were smaller so a bed and a few toys were all they desired in life.
Rob called Galen and asked if they could borrow the minibus for a few days until he could arrange a purchase for the boys of a larger vehicle. Galen laughed and said; I'm outside at this time getting ready to leave it for them to use for a few days, great minds think alike.
Rob asked; who likes Pizza and ice cream? Marie said; that they had never had Pizza and didn't know if they would like it, as for ice cream it was considered a luxury and not allowed. Gunner said; well it's about time you children got a taste of Pizza and Ice Cream was a way of life in the Gunderson's home. Joe called ahead and warned the people at W.D. the Gunderson's were coming to town and it would be all hands on deck for Pizza and Ice cream and expect to stay late. They started to load up and at the last count Joe said; it looks like there are about 45 or more in route to get Pizza and Ice Cream. Lana hung up her phone make it 4 more Zara Beth and her two little ones would be there to meet up with Cedric for supper.
Rob remarked; sounds like it's getting serious there between them two to which Lana responded; that's what I'm pushing for my brother has been alone for far too long and I intend to shove his big butt as hard as I can.
As it ended up there were 76 for Pizza and Ice cream and welcoming the Holdermen Children to the Giving Community and into the Gunderson-Stroud Family.
We returned home with ten very full but tired children on our hands, Marie started to try and get the little ones rounded up for their baths when Danis politely told her to go and enjoy her bath time alone that he and Gunner would see to it that the little ones were bathed, Marie started to object when Jarred intervened and said; Marie let them, go enjoy you one of them fancy bubble baths you are always talking about. It's about time you found out what it's like to be a young lady and not a helper for the little ones they will manage just fine, I know I want to try out that fancy shower in my own bath.
Soon all 10 Holdermen children were bathed and safely tucked into their beds, both Gunner and Danis were exhausted then retired to their room, they left the door open so they could hear the children if they needed anything. About 2 am Tommie crawled into bed with Gunner and Danis, he snuggled between them with his teddy bear soon he was fast asleep and Gunner wrapped his arm around the young lad to keep him safe from the bad dreams he was having.
It was early when Danis heard the Patter of tiny feet upon the tile floors, he grabbed his robe and left the two new best friends sleeping as he made his way to check on the other children. Marie was in a tither looking for Tommie, Danis showed Marie where Tommie was sleeping safely next to Gunner, she was relived he was safe and had found comfort and safety here in this big home.
Danis placed his arm around Marie's shoulder and asked if she would like to help him make waffles for breakfast for everyone along with bacon. Marie was embarrassed to admit she knew not how to make these things called waffles but she could fry the bacon. Danis chuckled and said; off to the kitchen and we shall make these things called waffles together. After a few instructions Marie was making waffles like a pro, she was having fun in the kitchen for the very first time in her life, cooking was no longer a chore but it was fun. Soon there was a stack of waffles and bacon, Marie asked if she had made too many, Danis laughed and said; if I know my little brothers and Uncle Cedric like I do, we might need a few more to survive when they attack here this morning. There was a knock at the back door, Danis shouted out come on inside boys only if your shoes are clean, soon Dakota and Mason were standing in the doorway in their sock feet and behind them was Uncle Cedric.
Marie said; you were correct they could smell those waffles cooking from across the country side.
Gunner was about to put on his robe when young Tommie asked; who hurted you so bad Mr. Gunner and pointed to the scar on his abdomen. Gunner smiled and replied I had a very bad car wreck a while back that almost took me and Danis away from here, but it's all better now I'm still recovering but soon the Doctors will give me a clean bill of health. Tommie sniffled and said; I'm glad you're okay I don't want to lose anyone else to those things called wrecks they are very bad things. Gunner smiled and said; it smells like breakfast is just about ready, do you want to try some waffles and bacon.
Tommie admitted to Gunner he had never had anything called waffles but he sure loved bacon, Gunner laughed and said; get ready to be amazed young Tommie those things called waffles are fantastic and they headed downstairs to check them out.
The breakfast was a success, everyone complimented Marie on her waffles, and she was a natural talent when it came to cooking. Even though she could cook Danis was going to make sure this young lady enjoyed her childhood and would never be harnessed to a stove for any man, she would be educated and refined.
Cedric spoke; I heard that I'm to be your driver for the day, and we shall have a couple of extra passengers to tag along with us. Gunner snickered and replied; looks like someone is playing the part of matchmaker. Cedric turned red in the face and responded that there wasn't anything going on but friendship period between him and the widow Runnels, Jarred let it slip out "keep telling yourself that old dude and maybe you will believe it too".
Gunner and Danis both laughed at Jarred's statement and Gunner gave the young charge a high five. Marie apologized for her brother's poor choice of words spoken to an adult and glared at him, Jarred said; I'm sorry Mr. Davis.
Cedric replied its Mr. Cedric or Uncle Cedric young Jarred, Mr. Davis was my father and he's not here so let's keep it real. Sorry Mr. Cedric replied Jarred.
The mini bus was quite full with 16 children and 6 adults on board, Gunner knew the bus would weighed down to its axles by the time they bought out The Tangs Store and a few others, he said; poor bus as they left for S.I.
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