Unexpected

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( Intermediate Level )

High school is the time of your life when you discover yourself. You hang out with friends, have a girlfriend and if you are lucky, be part of the popular crowd.

Billy Randall was just this. He was a promising young athlete. He made the varsity football team, and with that popularity follows. Not to mention, all the girls wanted the chance to date a member of the football team. It had not taken him long to have a girlfriend by his side.

You had to prove you had extraordinary talents, as a freshman, to be on the varsity team, which was reserved for juniors and seniors and an occasional sophomore.

Billy’s passion for football had started at a young age. He remembered the day when he received his first football. It was on his fifth birthday.

His dad and he would play for hours every Sunday. Tossing around the football at each other. Billy would tell his father, one day, he was going to be a professional. He would play on an NFL team.

Billy’s high school football team had an exceptional winning season. They had one game left in the season. The championship game against a rival school. This Friday would determine the overall season champions.

The day before the big game, Thursday, it was traditional to have a homecoming dance. At this dance they would vote for a king and queen, usually, those who were the most popular were voted for.

Of course, Billy had asked his girlfriend, Amber, to go with him. She, like Billy, held special popularity status. She was the head cheerleader for two years in a row.

Thursday night came quickly. Billy was given permission to drive his dad’s car to the dance. His father had given him strict instructions.

“You may pick up Amber, and go directly to the dance. Once the dance is over, you are to come directly home after you drop her off at her home.”

Billy was a little annoyed that his father made such a rule. He felt he was responsible enough. After all, he was on the varsity team and always kept his grades up at school.

The night had come for the homecoming dance. Billy had borrowed his dad’s blue tie and sported his favorite dress shirt along with a new pair of dark blue pants.

Like most moms, Billy was busy taking pictures and telling him how handsome he was. She took pictures of him alone, then with his dad, and of course one with her.

After all of mom’s excessive picture taking, Billy had made his way to the front door. He gave his mom a hug and told his dad he would be home right after the dance. This was a promise.

He arrived at Amber’s house about twenty minutes later. She was so beautiful. She wore a long blue gown that had matched Billy’s tie. Her hair was pulled up into a bun with ringlets cascading to her shoulders. Billy smiled and told her how beautiful she was.

Billy and Amber arrived at the dance. His fellow teammates were already there. The two made their way over to the group. Everyone was having a great time. They danced and talked endlessly.

The time had come where they would announce the winners of the homecoming court. Everyone gathered by the stage. All the votes had been tallied and the announcer held the results in her hand.

The announcer looked around the room keeping everyone in suspense. She then said, “The homecoming king is Billy Randall!”

The crowd clapped and whistled as Billy made his way to the stage to receive his crown. His teammates had given him high fives as he passed them.

“Now for the homecoming queen,” said the announcer, is Amber Smith!” Her friends, too, ran up and gave her big hugs, congratulating her.

Each, now, wore their crowns to the dance floor where it was customary for the newly crowned to dance a few minutes alone with spotlights on them. Others could join after a few moments.

As Billy and Amber danced he said to her,” This night is magical. Thank you for coming with me. Whoever thought I would be a king and here dancing with such a beautiful queen.”

The night had come to an end. The team had their championship game tomorrow night so each said their goodbyes. Walking out together, Billy yelled, “See you at the game tomorrow night!”

Billy opened the car door for Amber, he waited for her to slip in, then he shut the door. He made his way over to the driver’s side. As he got in, Amber said, ” I will never forget this night.”

They pulled out onto the street heading towards Amber’s house. As they talked aimlessly regarding the night’s events, Billy had pulled up to a red light and stopped.

They were talking about how much fun they had. Laughing when they spoke of someone’s dancing skills.

Billy had not noticed the light turned green until the car behind them beeped their horn. Billy signaled to the driver an apologetic wave and proceeded forward. This was a mistake. He had forgotten to look both ways.

What was a fun-filled night ended in tragedy. Billy and Amber were hit by a drunk driver speeding through, what was now, a red light for that driver. Glass shattering, the sound of metal bending and screams were heard.

Many stopped and tried to help. By the time the paramedics arrived, unfortunately, it was too late, Amber and Billy did not survive.

The drunk driver survived with only a few scrapes and bruises. He was, obviously, unaware of the tragedy that had just occurred. He would wake up later, in the hospital, in handcuffs.

Parents of both Amber and Billy were notified, later in the evening of the accident, by the local police. Each disbelieving what they heard. Eventually realizing their children would not be coming home.

It was too late to cancel the championship game since the opposing team would be traveling from another city. Tonight’s championship game would not feel the same.

The community was still in shock from the evening before. They lost two promising members of their community.

There was a mix of emotions throughout the town. Some were angry towards the carelessness of the drunk driver as others felt sadness for the parents whose children were taken.

As the bleachers filled with onlookers for both teams, the team had gathered in the locker room. The team captain spoke, “We lost an important member of our team. He is here with us today, in spirit. He would not want us to give up. Let’s win this one for Billy.”

As the team entered the field, everyone stood. In one hand they held Billy’s jersey number pasted on a bright red piece of paper, the same color as the team’s jerseys, and in the other hand, a peach-colored rose for Amber. It was their way of showing Billy and Amber would be missed. It was difficult for everyone to hold back their tears.

Both coaches had walked to the center of the field. Here they would, usually, have a coin toss to see who would have possession of the ball first, but instead something different happened.

Billy’s dad walked slowly onto the field with his head down, making his way to where the coaches stood. He had asked to speak to the crowd. He stopped and gazed at everyone sitting in the bleachers, trying to gather the courage to speak.

After a few minutes he began to speak, his voice quivering and holding back his own tears, “No matter how we try to protect our children, things can happen unexpectedly. Your outpour of love to myself, my wife, and Amber’s parents has not passed unnoticed.”

“I am here today to ask that you remember Billy and Amber, not as victims but as two young people full of adventure. They would have wanted you to remember them as kind, and determined, and being the best they could be.“

“Let them be role models to everyone. And parents, life is unexpected sometimes, remember to tell your child you love them and are proud of them….. before it is too late”.

He, then, turned and walked silently off the field, looking towards the ground. He could no longer hold back his tears.

Written by: Angel

If you appreciate what I do:

https://ko-fi.com/morningangel84721345

Follow me on:

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Twitter: AngelOfTheMorn5

Vocabulary:

varsity – noun: the principal sports team representing a high school 

popularity – noun: being liked or admired

extraordinary – adjective:  unusual or remarkable

reserved – adjective: slow to reveal emotion or opinions.

passion – noun: strong, controlled emotion

professional – adjective: belonging to a profession

NFL – noun: National Football League consisting of thirty-two professional teams

exceptional – adjective: outstanding

rival – noun: competition

traditional – adjective: habit or long-established

permission – noun: consent or authorize

annoyed – adjective: irritate

sported – verb: wear or display

excessive – adjective: more than necessary

ringlets – noun: curls of hair, corkscrew-shaped curl

homecoming court – noun: a group chosen to hold various titles at the homecoming dance, for example, the queen, king, prince, princess, duke, and duchess

tallied – verb: calculate the total number 

high fives – noun: a gesture or greeting in which two people slap each other’s open palm with their arms raised

customary – adjective: usual practices 

aimlessly – adverb: without purpose or direction

apologetic – adjective: regretfully excusing an offense

proceeded – verb: continue a course of action *this word is often confused with precede which means come before*

tragedy – noun: suffering, devastation, or distress

paramedics – noun: a person or people trained to give emergency medical care 

unaware – adjective: no knowledge of a situation

disbelieving – adjective: expressing disbelief, questioning, or understanding

opposing – adjective: in competition with a specified subject

carelessness – noun: negligence

onlookers – noun: observer

outpour – verb: flow

unexpected – adjective: not expected

Question(s):

Were you ever on a school sport team?

Is popularity important to you?

Do you think laws are strict enough to prevent drunk drivers in your country?

Rosemary’s Birthday Wish

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( Intermediate Level )

Rosemary lives in a small studio apartment in Boca Raton, Florida. She moved here under the coaxing of her neighbors and friends from New Jersey.

“It will be a great place to live, Rosie. Fresh air and sunshine. You won’t need to worry about the cold winters here.” This was two and a half years ago.

Rosie, as her friends called her, never thought she would leave New Jersey. She grew up there and enjoyed every moment. Both her mom and dad emigrated to America from Italy and settled in New Jersey, many years ago after marrying.

Rosemary had a close family. She had three older siblings and she was the baby of the family. Her siblings watched over her until their parents came home.

Both her parents worked in factories. Her mom worked in a garment factory and her dad worked in a steel factory. Growing up was tough at times. They never had extra money but always had a house and hot meals.

Rosie at 69 now, sits alone, in her little apartment reflecting on the days of the past. Her birthday is soon, she will be 70. She’s been alone completely for the last 10 years when her husband passed.

Her parents passed away over 25 years ago. First her father and then her mother. Her siblings were gone too.

She and her husband, Anthony, were high school sweethearts. Shortly after they graduated, he had joined the military promising her he would come back in one piece and marry her.

He did return and they married after six months. They spent 37 years together. They chose not to have children. They were both a little older when they married so they thought it was best.

Their life together was simple. Anthony loved to play cribbage in the evenings with Rosie after dinner. Some nights they would watch the news or sit out on the stoop, talking to their neighbors.

As the years went by, many of their neighbors moved away. Some had abandoned the colder weather for warmer or moved in with their children.

This left Rosie and Anthony alone. Until that tragic day, when Anthony passed away. Now it was Rosie, who was alone. She had a few friends that still lived in the neighborhood who would stop in from time to time for a quick cup of coffee and chit chat.

For several years this routine continued. Her loneliness becomes more evident to her friends. The idea of a fresh start in a new state sounded better and better.

In spring, as the earth came to life, once again, after the harsh winter, Rosie made the leap. She moved to Florida.

It was exciting, at first. The thought of meeting new people and possibly taking up a hobby. She soon realized this was a dream. Instead, she found herself alone again.

The people she met either were snowbirds or they were younger by 20 years and had excursions of their own to enjoy.

Every week each of her friends, from Jersey, would call to check up on her. She in turn told them everything was wonderful.

“I love the fresh air and the warm weather. I practically go out every day with friends to have lunch,” she would tell them. Of course, this was a lie. She didn’t want to have them hear she was actually miserable.

Some mornings, when she had her coffee, she thought maybe things would be different for her now if they decided to have children.

She could be like others and spend time with them and their grandchildren. No sense digressing on what could have been, this is her life now and she wouldn’t change a thing.

To celebrate her birthday, Rosie went to the corner supermarket and bought herself a chocolate cake with fresh cherries on the top. When she saw this cake she smiled.

Anthony always bought this cake for her because it was his favorite. Over the time spent with him, she grew to love it too.

Tomorrow was her birthday. She unboxed the cake and set it on her kitchen counter. She planned on having a piece after lunch tomorrow. What she was to do with the rest she had no idea.

That evening, Rosie decided to write a letter to herself. She wanted to express what she wanted for her birthday.

She knew if she shared her wish with her friends, in New Jersey, they wouldn’t understand. So writing to herself made sense.

With a sturdy hand and determination, she began her letter.

“Dear Rosie,”

“I know those who will read this letter will think I was crazy but I am actually quite sane. I will be 70 tomorrow and I want to tell you my birthday wish.”

“I have had a wonderful life. My parents were hard-working people and myself and my siblings always had love shown to us.”

“I know it must have been difficult for my parents to move so far away from their families when they did. They knew, once they had children, they wanted us to have a better opportunity.”

“My darling, Anthony, was my life. He never broke a promise to me. He promised me for the first time he would return to me after the war and he did.”

“Since that very first promise, he never broke any promise. I could count on him for everything. We had 37 wonderful years together before he left this world.”

“When he left, my world stopped. The friends we had watched over me once he was gone, but they too were busy with their lives and I didn’t need them to babysit over me.”

“I thought moving to Florida I would look at life differently but I cannot. Without my Anthony, life is just not the same.”

“So now for my birthday wish. I know many will not understand unless you have found true love.”

“Tonight while I sleep, I wish to go be with my only true love, Anthony. I know he will be waiting for me. I have lived and loved and met wonderful people.

I feel it is my time to go. I know one day I will see all of you again. Until then, I will be in the arms of my Anthony.

This is what I truly want for my birthday.”

“Rosie“

She got her birthday wish. Rosie passed sometime during the night. Her friends from New Jersey called and called trying to wish her a Happy Birthday. No answer time after time.

Her friends became very worried, so they contacted the local police department to have them go on a welfare check. An officer was dispatched and arrived at her apartment. He had the building manager open the door.

Officer Bryant found Rosie lying on her bed. She hadn’t changed into her pajamas the night before. He thought it was strange she hadn’t changed and hadn’t pulled back the covers to slip into the bed.

Maybe she was too tired the night before to change her clothes or she expected to go somewhere early in the morning.

He walked around the apartment and found the birthday cake uneaten and the note she had placed beside the cake. He read the note she had written to herself.

He laid the letter back on the counter and whispered. “Happy Birthday, Rosemary. Now you are with your one true love.”

Written By: Angel

If you appreciate what I do:

https://ko-fi.com/morningangel84721345

Follow me on:

Instagram: Morningangel847

Twitter: AngelOfTheMorn5

Vocabulary:

coaxing – noun: gentle persuasion

emigrated – verb: leave one’s own country of birth and settle permanently in another

siblings – noun: brother or sister

garment – noun: item of clothing

reflecting – verb: think deeply or carefully

graduated – verb: completion

cribbage – noun: a card game for two to four players, in which the objective is to play so that the value of one’s cards played reaches exactly 15 or 31

stoop – noun: the platform or area on top of the outside stairs that lead to the apartment(s). This word is used regularly in New York or the New England states.

abandoned – adjective: deserted

tragic – adjective: distress or sorrow

chit chat – noun: small talk

harsh – adjective: unpleasant

snowbirds – noun: a northerner who moves to a warmer southern state in the winter for the warmer weather

excursions – noun: a short trip

miserable – adjective: unhappy

digressing – verb: leave the main subject or topic temporarily

sane – adjective: a person of sound mind; not mad or mentally ill

welfare check – noun: In the United States and Canada, a wellness check is an in-person visit from one or more law enforcement officers, especially in response to a request from a friend or family member who is concerned about the person’s mental health

dispatched – verb: to go to a place for a purpose

Question ( s ):

Do you know someone who had lost their spouse and now lives all alone? If so, do you think they are lonely like Rosemary was?

Have you ever become bored by being alone? What did you do to overcome being bored? or lonely?

Imagine If

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( Intermediate Level )

Imagine if you were a daughter of a mayor, in a town, where everyone knew everyone and thought they knew all about you, but really didn’t. This was Rebecca.

Rebecca, at sixteen, carried a secret that not even her parents knew about. For the last year and a half, she had struggled with depression. She was expected to be the best at everything but she could not.

Her grades, in school, had to be perfect. Her appearance had to be perfect. Her dad would tell her everyone was watching her since she was his daughter.

She was the only child and had no friends to talk to. The school had a guidance counselor who was too busy to see students other than academic counseling.

This was not for Rebecca. She was an outdoors person. She loved to go for long walks, hike, and even go fishing. She hated to wear dresses and have her hair done.

Her dad, Ken, would get so mad at her.” When you go out in public, you need to realize that you represent me. If you look like a street bum, what will they think of me? You should at least fix up your hair and stop wearing those silly ball caps.”

” Dad, I don’t care what others think of me nor should you. I am your daughter and you should love me for me.” She would always storm off frustrated with him and the way he thought.

This wasn’t the first time he said these words to her. He never really heard her words or tried to understand her.

Some days she wished her father had a different job. A job where they didn’t have to worry about what others might think. A job where they could do things like other normal families.

She knew her dad had helped her town grow and created many job opportunities for everyone. He had the support of the townspeople. Still, she wanted to be herself.

Rebecca spent many hours writing in her diary. Instead of writing about a boyfriend or some other happy event she wrote about her feelings. How no one excepted her for who she was.

“Dear Diary,”

“Why can’t my Dad be proud of me? Why does he not accept that I like to play sports? That I do not like dresses? That I do not care if I get dirty?”

“I love being outdoors instead of being inside and learning how to cook.”

“I hope one-day mom and dad can love me unconditionally. And not worry what others think of me or them.”

Each night she’d write a few words then safely tuck her dairy away so her parents would not find it. Some of the things she wrote in the past she didn’t want her parents to read.

Re – election was just around the corner and her parents were busy campaigning. Her dad had scheduled many meet and greet events to earn the community’s votes once again.

Of course, Rebecca was to be by her dad’s side, smiling. Hiding the secret that she didn’t want her dad to be reelected. She hoped if he lost, their life would be normal again.

On Sunday evening, the night before the voting booths were to open, dinner was scheduled for those who contributed to her dad’s reelection campaign. The local community center was transformed into a beautiful banquet hall.

Over two hundred tables adorned with red table cloths were set in place Each table sat four people comfortably. In the center of each table sat a huge bouquet of red flowers with re – elect Ken Jones printed on streamers flowing down onto the tables.

An impromptu stage was made in the front of the seating area equipped with lights and a microphone. Ken had practiced his speech many times. He wanted to thank everyone for their support and only the votes would tell if their hard work paid off.

The Jones household was busy on Sunday. Jessica had gone to the salon to have her hair done, once again, and a fresh coat of nail polish. She chose a deep red to color match her dress. Ken went to the barber to have a haircut and beard trim.

Jessica was to go with her mom to the salon but she was nowhere to be found when her mom had to leave. Jessica had laid out Rebecca’s new dress on Jessica’s bed with a note.

Honey,

This is an important evening for your dad and us. The dinner is at seven and do not be late. And please do something with your hair.

See you there,

Mom

Jessica read the note and scoffed. She crumpled it up and threw it to the ground. She stood looking at the dress. It was pretty but she knew she would not feel comfortable in it. She turned and headed to take a shower.

As she stood in front of the bathroom mirror, she wondered what she would look like if her hair was shorter. Before she knew it she was cutting her long hair. The long curls that her mother loved so much.

In the end, she stood looking at herself, and that person, she now saw, was looking back at her, smiling. She felt free. This was the first choice she made, on her own, and not being told how she should look or act.

Jessica showered and put on the dress her mother set out for her. She ran her fingers through her hair and loved the new style. She slipped on her shoes and put on her favorite earrings and headed out the door.

It was a fifteen-minute walk to the downtown area and another five minutes to the community center. She had plenty of time. She walked with more confidence now. Taking the time to smile and say, “Hello” to people along the way.

“How can a simple thing like cutting her hair make her love herself more? Maybe because it was her choice.” She thought.

She arrived in plenty of time. Her mom and dad were busy talking to his supporters that they hadn’t seen her come in. Each table had name tags assigned to different families or groups. She looked around until she found their assigned table.

Many people that recognized her came and told her what a lovely dress and they loved her new haircut. This made Rebecca even happier. Hopefully, her parents would feel the same.

The hired staff started serving the dinner and this was her parent’s cue to head back to their table. It wasn’t long before her parents arrived and sat down.

Mom’s look on her face said everything. She was embarrassed and mad. Her dad, on the other hand, said she looked beautiful with her new haircut. Jessica wondered if he said this because people were watching.

It was time for Dad to give his speech. He excused himself from the table and headed to the stage. People were clapping and yelling his name. He pauses a few times to shake hands.

He stood quiet at the microphone for a few minutes. He looked around the room making eye contact with as many people as he could. He stopped for a moment at his table to look at his wife and daughter.

“I want to thank each and every one of you for all your support and donations for my reelection.”

“Tonight I stand before you and I have realized something important. I have not listened to some people. I will try harder to listen, in the future. Some have been by my side for a long time and I am apologizing to them now. ” He was looking directly at his daughter.

It is okay to be who you are and not try to be what others want you to be. Your choices matter. You should be loved and listened to, no matter what.” The crowd started chanting his name. “Ken. Ken. Ken”

Jessica looked over at her daughter who was smiling at her dad. She was whispering the words, “Thank you Daddy. I love you,” to him.

Written by; Angel

If you appreciate what I do:

https://ko-fi.com/morningangel84721345

Follow me on:

Instagram: morningangel847

Twitter: AngelOfTheMorn5

Vocabulary:

mayor – noun: the elected head of a town

struggled – verb: facing difficulty

appearance – noun: the way someone looks

guidance counselor – noun: a person who works in a school giving students advice about careers and personal problems

salon – noun: where a hairdresser conducts business

street bum – noun: a homeless person

frustrated – adjective: feeling distressed or annoyance

normal – adjective: conforming to a typical standard

diary – noun: a book where a person writes their personal feelings

around the corner – phrase: very near or coming

meet and greet – noun: an organized event for a celebrity or politician where they talk to the public.

transformed – verb: changes in appearance or character

adorned – verb: embellish or decorate

impromptu – adjective: something done without rehearsal

scoffed – verb: made clear that you think they or ideas are stupid or silly

confidence – noun: a feeling of self-assurance

name tags – noun: a piece of paper, cloth, plastic, or metal that has a person’s name written on it

cue – noun: signal

excused – verb: to politely signal others that you are leaving

apologizing – noun: sorry for something wrong you have done

whispering – verb: to speak softly

Question ( s ):

Is it important to you what others think of you?

Remember when you were young(er) and your parents told you to behave when you went with them? Maybe to the local store or to a friend’s house? Share your experience.

Do you think it is necessary to tell your child( ren ) to behave? Wouldn’t they already know?

Thanksgiving Memories

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( Intermediate level )

At the Smith family home in Boston, Thanksgiving time was always a joyous time of the year for our family. A time that we all looked forward to.

For the adults, it meant it was the time of the year where you could have a few days off from work and spend time with the family.

As for the children, it meant not having school for four to five days and eating so much food to where you thought your belly would explode.

Once we moved away, Mom made us promise that we would have Thanksgiving and Christmas at our parent’s house. Like many Americans, we move out of our city or state for better opportunities, so we’ve kept our promise to our parents every year.

Boston held so many memories with each of us. Our first day at school. Our first date. Our first car. With two active boys, there was always some type of activity every day.

The winters were cold but we looked forward to snow. Since the roads were unsafe after a fresh snowfall school would be canceled. The school buses were unable to run their routes. This always meant a day of making snowmen and having a snowball fight.

This Thanksgiving was not going to be the same for any of us. Instead of going home to celebrate, we were heading home to help our Mom and see our Dad, who was admitted to the hospital after his third heart attack.

Dad is a strong man but also stubborn. The doctors had told him over the past few years that he must slow down and take care of himself.

After his first episode, the doctors told him his heart was weakened and he must change his behavior. He took care of himself for a short time then he slowly slipped into his old habits.

We had arrived home within one day of each other. Each trying to lend a helping hand. Mom was keeping her emotions bottled up. She knew she had many things to prepare for tomorrow’s feast and still had enough time to go visit dad in the hospital before visiting hours ended.

After many hours of baking and preparing, Mom headed to the hospital while the rest of us stayed behind finishing what we could. We told stories of Thanksgiving’s past to help the time go by.

Each remembers their version of the story. Laughing at how each story varied. Like the time someone forgot to turn on the oven and we had a turkey-less Thanksgiving.

The evening grew late and Mom had returned from the hospital in a wonderful mood. The doctor said Dad would be released early tomorrow morning around seven so he, too, would be able to enjoy Thanksgiving with the family.

The news couldn’t have made the Smith boys happier. This would be the best Thanksgiving ever. Everyone headed to bed after hearing the good news. There were lots of things to get ready in the morning.

Morning came and to everyone’s surprise, Mom had planned a huge breakfast. Pancakes with maple syrup, sausage, and scrambled eggs. Freshly squeezed orange juice sat in a glass pitcher.

Mom woke at four in the morning feeling very anxious. She wanted this day to be perfect. Not only did she have her children home but her husband was coming home from the hospital.

Breakfast was full of laughter. Everyone is enjoying the moment of being together. People’s lives become busy and sometimes forget how important family is.

Mom left for the hospital as the siblings cleaned up the kitchen. Everyone could enjoy a quiet lazy morning before they had to start the final stage of their Thanksgiving day meal, the cooking of the turkey and all the fixings.

Dad arrived home and immediately was showered with hugs and kisses. He didn’t really care for all the fuss they were making. He was happy to see them all under one roof again.

The rest of the morning was peaceful. Dad sat in his favorite chair just watching everyone prepare the day’s feast. He smiled and chuckled to himself when his wife scolded their son for tasting the food before they sat down at the table.

It was time for everyone to sit down and eat the great meal that had been prepared. One long-standing tradition, before eating, was for everyone to say what they were thankful for.

One by one everyone spoke. Some were silly on what they were thankful for and others were more serious. Then it was Dad’s turn to speak and all eyes were on him.

“I am the luckiest man on this earth. I have two wonderful children and a loving wife. And for some reason, I survived three heart attacks. Maybe my time here, on earth, is not done. I guess it is time for me to pay attention to my doctor. So, today, I am so thankful I was given another chance to sit down with my family and enjoy their company and this terrific meal. Now dig in!”

At that moment everyone cheered and started passing food around the table. The laughter filled the room and the boys told more embarrassing stories of their youth. Dad looked out at his family, from the head of the table, and whispered, “Happy Thanksgiving.”

Written by :Angel

If you appreciate what I do:

https://ko-fi.com/morningangel84721345

Follow me on:

Instagram: morningangel847

Twitter: AngelOfTheMorn5

Vocabulary:

joyous – adjective: full of happiness

opportunities – noun: a chance

memories – noun: remember

routes – noun: a way to a destination

stubborn – adjective: difficult or determined

weakened -verb: make or become weak

feast – noun: a large meal usually for a celebration

version – noun: story or account of activity from a particular person’s point of view

varied – adjective: different types, showing variation

pitcher – noun: a large container used for holding and pouring liquids

anxious – adjective: worry, unease, or nervousness

siblings – noun: a brother(s) or sister(s)

showered – verb: showing love and affection

all the fuss – noun: the condition of being excited, annoyed, or not satisfied about something

under one roof – idiom: all in one location

peaceful – adjective: free from any annoyance or disturbance

thankful – adjective: pleased

Question ( s ):

If your country doesn’t celebrate Thanksgiving, what special holiday do you celebrate where all the family gather and share a meal? Can you tell us about it.

Do you have any special Thanksgiving memories?

Once a Soldier

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( Intermediate Level )

No one understands what a soldier goes through when they dedicate their lives to the service of their country. Specialist Randy Brown does. He dedicated four years of his life to serving his country. Never did he realize his life would be forever changed.

Randy grew up in a small town in Louisiana where the poverty level is below the federal poverty line. Growing up his parents always struggled. His father had quit school at the age of 17, to help his parents, so he never finished high school.

Randy wanted to break the cycle of poverty and give his parents a comfortable lifestyle so he joined the United States Army in 1997 just after graduating from high school.

In just two years he found himself in the middle of a conflict in a foreign country. The things he saw, smelled, and experienced forever changed him. He went from a young naïve graduate from high school to a soldier and survivor.

It was an easy choice for him not to reenlist. His family back home would understand why he didn’t want to reenlist, even though it was an opportunity for him to have a career.

He knew, if he did stay in longer, his mental state may never be the same. Already his nightmares taunted him. The tossing and turning in his bed each night The sounds of gunfire in his dreams haunted him. He spent many sleepless nights reliving the day he had spent out in the field.

His discharge papers were signed. His last physical exam was complete. All he had to do was board the plane home. He had mixed emotions, as he boarded the plane. Could he adapt to his normal lifestyle again? Would his parents understand him now?

His plane ride home was long and tiring. Randy stared out the window most of the trip. He didn’t want to sleep. He did not want to experience those dreadful nightmares with a plane full of people.

Twenty-two hours later, Randy finally arrived home. A familiar sight and oddly enough, foreign to him. It seemed a lifetime since he saw the trees, smelled clean air, and didn’t hear helicopters hovering above.

Randy’s father had met him at the airport. As soon as he saw his son he broke down and cried. He was thankful to have his son arrive home safely and in one piece. Randy embraced his father and held on tight.

The ride home was silent. Both father and son were lost in their own thoughts. Randy’s father was all too familiar with how soldiers felt when they arrived back to their normal lives, especially what they went through.

He had many friends whose sons had arrived home and had trouble adjusting. He knew he had to give his son time. How much time he didn’t know. His son had grown up fast while in the military. He never had the chance to experience what other young boys experience right out of high school.

Until Randy was ready he would not push him. Let him do things on his own time. He hoped his son would realize he was safe and he and his mom would be there for him, no matter what.

Months had passed and Randy still had his nightmares. but not as frequent. Somedays, his temper was quick, other days nothing bothered him. His parents were understanding and never wavered in their support towards him

Randy had monthly appointments with a psychiatrist, provided by the military, for as long as he felt he needed them. He attended a support group, held weekly, who really understood what he went through over there.

Randy knew he would never be who he was before. He hoped, in time, the nightmares’ would subside and the memories would fade.

He was once told, “Once a soldier always a soldier. When you least expect it, something will trigger a memory. With time, understanding, and love from the people around you, life will be ok.“

Written by: Angel

“Veterans Day, November 11th, is the day, in America, we thank and honor all who have served in the military living or deceased, particularly the living veterans among us. These men and woman have dedicated their lives to serving and protecting us. Thank you for your service.” – Angel

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Vocabulary:

dedicated – adjective: devoted or loyal

poverty – noun: extremely poor

naïve – adjective: lacking experience or wisdom

survivor – noun: remaining alive

reenlist – verb: enlist in military again

taunted – verb: provoke or challenge

reliving – gerund: live through again

discharge papers – noun: papers allowing someone to officially leave the military

dreadful – adjective: fear, suffering or unhappiness

embraced – verb: hold close

adjusting – verb: alter or move

wavered – verb: unsteady or unreliable

subside – verb: less intense

trigger – verb: cause an event

Questions:

Do you know anyone who served or is currently in the military?

If so, have they spoke about their experiences(s)?

Bill and Old Shep

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( Intermediate Level )

Bill is a simple man. He has a wonderful wife, Cheryl, and four children. Two boys, Bill Jr., and Frankie, and twin girls, Maggie and Elizabeth. They have a small five-acre farm in Oklahoma. Their farm was their livelihood.

He raised enough livestock for his family consumption and grew a variety of vegetables. They owned one milking cow, one rooster, and several hens that would keep them in plenty of eggs. All other animals on the farm would be raised until it was time for the freezer.

Whenever his children asked for a pet he would say, “If it is not useful or we cannot eat it, we will not have that animal on our farm.” His eldest son always insisted his family needed a dog. “You said if it is not useful or we cannot eat it we cannot have one. A dog is the most useful animal on a farm. It will protect us and our farm.”

His dad couldn’t think of a rebuttal. He simply didn’t want another mouth to feed. In the end, he gave in and allowed them to get a dog. Before his dad could change his mind, Bill Jr. hurried to town to see if anyone had puppies.

He was told that Mrs. Green, at the corner store, had a litter of puppies ready to go to new homes. He quickly ran down to the store and asked. Mrs. Green told him there was only one left. She went into the next room and picked up the last of the litter.

Jr. looked at this small black and brown fur ball and smiled. “He is perfect!” Mrs. Green smiled, “So what are you going to name this little guy?” Jr. Looked at the puppy and said “Shep. I will call him Shep.”

Jr. Ran out of the store yelling back to Mrs. Green, “Thank You!” He wanted to get home before dinner. He took a shortcut through the neighboring farmer’s fields. He wanted to show off Shep to the family.

Bill was out at the barn getting the animals up for the evening when he saw Jr. He couldn’t quite make out what he was carrying but he obviously had something in his arms.

Jr. met his dad at the barn proudly showing his dad Shep. “Hm, I thought we were getting a dog, not a small tiny rat. What good will he be to us now? He is too young to protect us.”

Jr. wasn’t going to let his Dad’s words damper the moment. “Don’t worry dad. I know this one is the smartest of the bunch and he will catch on quickly. He will be protecting us quicker than you think.”

Jr. headed to the house to show his mom and his siblings Shep. His sisters and brother loved on Shep. He, in turn, began licking each of them on the cheek. “Alright you four, it is dinnertime. You need to put Shep up somewhere and wash your hands,” Mom said as she watched her children’s faces and smiled.

Bill had come in and was washing his hands at the kitchen sink. “So what do you think about Shep?” Bill answered, “I agreed to get a dog to help keep the wolves or big cats coming onto our farm. That guy will be a snack for any of them.“

“Shep has made the children happy, Bill. You know how much your first dog meant to you when you were a kid.” Bill looked at her and smiled, ” Yeah, I guess you are right.“

Two years had passed and Shep has turned out to be an excellent protector of the farm. He actually spent most of his time with Bill while the kids were in school. Bill’s thoughts had softened regarding Shep after the first month. He noticed Shep was a scrapper and wouldn’t back down from anything.

Shep would sit and watch as Bill worked and never missed a thing. When a bird flew by or a neighboring cat would wander onto the farm he was right there chasing them away. Somehow Shep knew this was his job.

Bill was busy mending the gate to the pasture that he hadn’t noticed the wolf scout walking adjacent to the fence. It hadn’t escaped Shep’s notice. He began to growl. As the wolf came in closer Shep’s growl became deeper.

This had caught Bill’s attention now. Something was upsetting Shep. He looked and saw Shep was looking in his direction. Bill turned around to see a wolf within a few feet of him.

Shep sprang into action. Whisking by Bill and on the heels of the wolf. The two had run off into the hills. Shep’s barking was heard in the distance.

Some time had passed and Shep hadn’t returned. Bill had finished the gate awhile ago but he had stayed waiting for Shep to return.

It was getting close to dinnertime and the kids were home by now. Bill picked up his tools and headed towards home. Looking back a few times to see if Shep was coming. Nothing.

Jr. had seen his dad heading home through the kitchen window and headed out to meet his dad. “Where’s Shep?”

Jr. had taken full responsibility of Shep since he was a pup. The two were inseparable and were only apart when he was at school or at church.

Bill explained to his son what had happened. “You left him out there? How could you? What if he is hurt?”, Jr. was visibly upset. “He will be alright son. He had done his job and protected me and the farm. He will be back. Now, let’s head in and get ready for dinner. Your mom is waiting on us.”

Everyone was eating and talking about their day during dinner except for Jr. His thoughts were on Shep. Wondering if he was hurt. This had not gone unnoticed by Bill.

Dinner had finished. The children’s homework was completed and still no Shep. It was getting close to bedtime for the children. They had school tomorrow and had to be up early.

Jr. asked his mom if he could take the flashlight and go outside for five minutes and call for Shep. Mom looked at him then at Bill, “Sure, five minutes. I am sure he will find his way back home. Your dad says he is a smart one.”

Jr. grabbed the flashlight out of the cupboard in the kitchen and ran outside. His voice was heard inside. “Shep. Come on boy. Where are you.? Shep. Shep”

Bill stood at the window watching his son. He felt guilty for not staying and waiting a little longer for Shep. He could have looked for him before he headed home.

Jr. reluctantly came inside after five minutes of calling for Shep and whistling. He looked at his mom and dad. His face is sad with despair. “Good night.” With his head hung low he headed to his bedroom.

Cheryl finished the dinner dishes while Bill sat in the living room looking out the window. Somehow he felt he let his son down. “Cheryl, I am going out for a bit. Don’t wait up. I am going to try to see if I can find Shep.“

He grabbed the flashlight his son had used, his truck keys and gave his wife a quick kiss. He headed out the front door with a mission to find Shep.

He didn’t want to admit it but he, too, liked that dog. He was a great companion for him when he worked. He shared his lunches with Shep. He talked to Shep as if he understood everything. “It is hot out here today boy, isn’t it? Shep would look and wag his tail.

Bill had traveled along the fence line where he saw Shep and the wolf. He got out periodically shining the flashlight off into the distance calling his name. “Shep. Come here, boy.” Still nothing.

He was about to give up when he spotted what looked like a pair of eyes off in the distance. He stopped the truck and got out. He shined the flashlight towards the eyes.

“Shep, Is that you?” There was movement giving Bill the hope that this was Shep. He started to walk towards the figure. “Shep?” Again movement. He walked a little faster. Then the walk became a run.

It was Shep. He was lying on his side in a tuft of long grass. Bill dropped to his knees surveying what he said. Shep licked his hand as it brushed his muzzle. It was too dark to see much of anything so Bill picked him up carefully and placed him in his truck on the passenger side.

Bill hurried home. Cheryl had seen the truck lights coming and met her husband outside. “I have Shep. Help me inside with him.“

Cheryl had tended to Shep’s wounds. Actually, there weren’t as bad as they both thought. Once they cleaned him up they saw a few deep puncture wounds on Shep’s front legs and hindquarter and a few scrapes along with his ears.

Shep, most likely, found the place where Bill had found him to regain his strength and rest. Bill offered Shep food and water. He drank a little. “You will be alright boy. Thank you for protecting me. If it wasn’t for you I might not be here.”

Cheryl did all she could for Shep. She washed up and told Bill she was heading to bed. “I will stay here with Shep tonight,” As he grabbed the afghan blanket off the back of the sofa. “You head to bed and I will see you in the morning.” Bill curled up next to Shep and drifted off to sleep.

Morning came and Bill rolled over and Shep was not by his side. He sat up to see Shep with Jr. licking his face as Jr. hugged him. “Don’t ever scare me again Shep. You were brave to save poppa. I knew you were useful. Poppa just had to realize this.“

Jr. looked over to see his dad watching the two of them. He smiled. “You were right, son. Shep belongs here. I cannot imagine our lives without him. “

“Now let’s have breakfast. I hear momma in the kitchen and you have to get ready for school.” The two-headed to the kitchen with Shep gingerly following a few steps behind.

Written by: Angel

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Vocabulary:

livelihood – noun: necessities of life

consumption – noun: using a resource

rebuttal – noun: argument

litter – noun:  animals born at one time ( a litter of kittens, a litter of puppies )

neighboring – adjective: next to or very near

obviously – adverb: understood

proudly – adverb: pleasure or satisfaction 

damper – noun: subdue

protector – noun: a person or animal that protects

scrapper – noun: fighter

back down – phrasal verb: withdraw

mending – verb: repairing

scout – noun: ahead of the main group so as to gather information of strength

adjacent – adjective: near, next to, or joining

sprang – verb: move or jump quickly

whisking – verb: move in a direction suddenly and quickly

on the heels of- phrasal verb: following closely after

visibly – adverb: noticed

unnoticed – adjective: not noticed

despair – verb: without hope

mission – noun: the important assignment

companion – noun: a person or animal that spends a lot of time with you

periodically – adverb: time to time not routine

dropped to his knees – idiom: literally falling to one’s knees

muzzle – noun: nose and mouth of an animal

puncture – noun: small holes

hindquarter – noun: the back half of an animal including leg

regain – verb: use of again after losing it

afghan blanket – noun: blanket (throw blanket) crochet or knitted

gingerly – adverb: in a careful way

Question ( s ):

What do you think about the relationship between Bill and Shep?

Toxic

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( Advance Level )

There are some women, in this world, who feel they need a man in their life to be complete. There are women, in the world, who are blinded to the obvious. All in the name of love. This was Michelle.

Michelle’s friends, Bridgette and Mary, would ask her to go shopping or out to lunch, on occasions, but she was unable to go. She always had to ask her boyfriend, Zach, and he would tell her “No,” each time she asked.

Her friends never understood why she had to ask his permission anyways. After all, she was an adult and equally contributed to the household.

Her friends told her he was controlling her but she didn’t see it that way. She felt he was just overprotective. He would say to her, “Baby, I do not want anything ever to happen to you. I could not live with myself if anything happened to you.”

Zach and Michelle moved in together about eight months ago, after dating for 4 months. Since that time, Michelle’s friends noticed a huge change in her behavior. She used to be outgoing and happy but now she is quiet and subdued.

Since she was unable to go to see her friends, they would come to see her. They had restrictions on when they could come to visit. It had to be before Zach came home from work. She would make the excuse, to her friends, that he is usually very tired after work and likes to relax. Actually, he didn’t like people coming over, especially her friends.

Michelle is strong and smart until it comes to Zach. The evidence is right before her but she refuses to see it. He has a narcissistic personality. He needed to be in control.

Whenever they would argue he would twist things around making her feel like she did something wrong or that she didn’t have the ability to think. He would make her feel stupid.

In the end, he would make things up to her. Giving excuses why he yelled and belittled her. “It was for your own protection or I have your best interest in heart.“

Michelle slowly distanced herself from her friends. She wanted to keep the peace and not argue with Zach anymore. Her friends, by this point, did not offer their advice.

They wanted to keep a line of communication with her so they quit talking about him altogether. She had made it clear to them she wasn’t interested in what they had to say. She loved Zach. This is all they needed to understand.

They decided they would be there, for her, if they were needed. This situation was something she had to discover for herself until then they would visit occasionally and enjoy their time together.

Months had passed and Michelle would see her friends once or twice a month. Sneaking around when Zach was at work.

On Friday, the friends met up at their favorite restaurant. Michelle sported a bruise on her cheek. She had tried to cover the bruise up with makeup but the attempt failed miserably.

Unable to contain her anger, her friend Bridgette spoke up, “I suppose you deserved that bruise and most likely the tongue lashing that followed?”

Michelle couldn’t contain her tears. She broke down in an uncontrollable sob. “I cannot do this anymore. I live in fear every day. In fear, I may say something wrong and make Zach mad.“

“I cannot do anything without reporting to him what I am doing such as grocery shopping. Then he gives me a time limit. Some days he allows me to go alone, otherwise, he drives me and sits in the car waiting for me.“

“I should have listened to both of you. How could I have been so blind? Love doesn’t hurt. Love doesn’t leave marks on the one you love.” She put her head in her hands and continued to cry.

Bridgette was the outspoken one of the trio. She immediately took charge and said, “I will take you to your apartment and I want you to grab what belongings you can grab in fifteen minutes. Michelle, you will be moving in with me.“.

Michelle’s spirit was broken. She agreed with Bridgette’s idea without hesitation. There wasn’t a lot of time so the girls just ordered drinks.

They needed to get Michelle to her apartment so they could get in and get out before Zach arrived home. Neither wanted a confrontation with him. The friends witnessed his rage before.

Everything went off without a hitch. They were able to get a lot of Michelle’s clothes and personal belongings well before Zach was due to arrive home.

For Michelle, the day was a complete blur. She was on autopilot and merely existing. For the past year, her life revolved around Zach and starting a life together as a couple. Now, all of this is gone. Gone with one argument that resulted in a physical altercation.

Bridgette insisted Michelle get some sleep. She could tell her friend was exhausted. “For now just get some rest. There is plenty of time to settle in here. You are safe and you can organize your things later.“

Michelle lay on the bed and started drifting off to sleep, thinking to herself, “How could I have let this happen? I lost my identity, who I was, for love.”

Michelle slept through the night. She woke to the smell of coffee brewing. She went to the washroom and washed her face. She looked up into the mirror at herself. “Okay you, today is a new day. It is a new beginning.”

She headed to the kitchen to see Bridgette smiling. She had prepared breakfast. To her surprise, she was starving. The two sat having a quiet morning meal together.

Bridgette wanted to give Michelle time to adjust and talk about things on her own terms. She didn’t want to push her. She knew, in her own time, she would.

Breakfast finished and Bridgette cleaned the table off. Michelle picked up the cell phone she left on the counter the night before. She looked at her messages.

Zach had left dozens of text messages. As she read through them her hands shook. The messages started off with anger and ended in a more pleading way.

“Where are you?”…

Why aren’t you home where you belong?” ….

“You know you are to be here when I get home“….

“Who are you with?”…

“Oh baby, I am starting to get worried, are you ok?”….

“Now you are worrying me. Do you like worrying me?”

“Please come home to me.“

“I love you.”….

Michelle held the cell phone in her hand. Scrolling through the messages over and over again. She looked up to see Bridgette looking at her with concern on her face.

Michelle looked back at her phone and typed a simple reply to Zach. “Love doesn’t hurt” and hit the send button. She placed her phone face down on the counter and looked at Bridgette.

“For the last year, I worked on my relationship with Zach and lost myself and almost lost my friendship with you and Mary. Thank you for not giving up on me. It will take me a bit to get strong again but I will. Today is a new day. Today is a new beginning.“

Written by: Angel

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Vocabulary:

blinded – verb: unable to see

contributed – verb: help or provide something

subdued – adjective: quiet or depressed

restrictions – noun: limiting

narcissistic – adjective: extreme self-involvement to the degree that it makes a person ignore the needs of those around them, disregards other’s feelings

twist things around – idiom: alter, distort, or misrepresent

belittled – verb: make someone feel unimportant

keep the peace – verbal phrase: avoiding arguments

advice – noun: guidance * not to be confused with advise

line of communication – idiom: communications between people or groups

sported – verb: wear or display

deserved – adjective: earned because of something done or qualities

tongue lashing – noun: scolding

outspoken – adjective: direct with one’s opinions

hesitation – noun: pausing

confrontation – noun: argumentative meeting

blur – verb: unclear

autopilot – noun: doing things or tasks without thinking

altercation – noun: argument or disagreement

identity – noun: being who or what a person or thing is

scrolling – verb: the action of moving displayed text or graphics up, down, or across

concern – verb: worry

Question ( s ):

Would you of left, this situation, if you were Michelle?

Do you feel Zach was controlling?

Have you known anyone in this situation?

When Life Is Unfair

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( Intermediate Level )

Mark had spent most of his life behind bars. His life was quickly taken away from him when he was twenty – one years old. Now at forty – two, he lives free.

If only he could rewind his life to that night he would. The night his life stopped. The night he was in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Every Friday, after a long week at work, he would go to the local pub near work. He would meet up with a few coworkers, drink a few beers and shoot darts. It was a great way to relax after a long stressful week.

One particular Friday, he remembers, his life and how he knew it, had changed. Something terrible occurred. A fight broke out. In the end, two men were injured and one lay on the floor clinging to life. The police and ambulance were called.

Mark had tried to help the one who was seriously injured. He knew he was one of the regulars at the pub. He had seen him there almost every Friday. As for the other two men, this was the first time he had seen them.

Once the paramedics arrived he let them take over. His work shirt and hands were stained with blood. He drifted over to the bar and began wiping his hands off with a few bar napkins. He was still at the bar when the police arrived.

Eyewitnesses gave their statements. Somehow, Mark had become the number one suspect. He tried desperately to tell the police he was just trying to help and this was a mistake. He was not part of the incident.

As for the three men, two of them were treated at the hospital then sent to the county jail. The other, who was seriously injured, had died on his way to the hospital. All the circumstantial evidence pointed to Mark. And so his fate was sealed.

He consistently told the judge, “It wasn’t me.” His words fell on deaf ears. The twelve jurors had found him guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. His life changed with one simple word. Guilty.

Mark spent twenty – one years behind prison bars, and now he walks free. His release came as a surprise to him. All the turn-key said to him, ” After new evidence presents itself in your case, you are to be released immediately. On behalf of our State’ we offer our deepest apologies.”

He remembers the day he walked out of prison. He looked up into the sky and felt the warmth of the sun on his face. He had fresh air. The smell of the cell no longer tainted his nostrils.

He didn’t want to stay bitter about what had happened. Instead, he felt he should regain his life back as best as he could.

He needed to find a cheap hotel where he could wash the feeling of the prison off of him. After he cleaned himself up he would find some type of permanent living arrangements.

More than a month has passed since his release. Somehow, he needed to find his path. When life stopped for him, the world outside continued forward. The city had changed. Where would he go? What would he do?

The State had given him a compensation check for his wrongful conviction. He was annoyed by this offering. It would not bring twenty – one years of his life back. He knew, though, he could use this money to get back on the right track.

Finding a job turned out to be very difficult. It seemed every application for employment had the question that asked, “Have you ever been convicted of a crime and found guilty?”

He never had the opportunity to explain the situation. He was never called for an interview. He thought about just writing no as his answer to this question but he was an honest person even after everything he went through.

Mark used his money wisely. He lived in a simply furnished studio apartment. His mother had passed while he was incarcerated so he didn’t have other family members in his city.

Even though he missed out on a lot of living he wanted to get the most out of the rest of his life. He, still, was unsure which direction he should go until one night he was watching the news on the television.

The newscaster spoke,” In a recent fourteen – month investigation of the city’s prison system, documents show that many of the prisons had not prepared their inmates for life on the outside. The money allocated for rehabilitation was not used for this purpose.”

” Those inmates who were close to being released should receive training and classes to help them integrate into society once released. There has been a recent increase of repeat offenders going back into the system. The Governor has requested a complete breakdown of the expenses…”

Mark turned the television off. The breaking news continued but he had heard enough. He knew at that moment what he was supposed to do. He knew how difficult it was for him to adjust to living on the outside. Now, he wants to help other inmates.

In the next few months, Mark had a lot of planning to do. Who could help? What did he need? Since his lifestyle was simple he had some money left from the compensation check. Now, he could put it to good use.

After sixteen months of meetings, planning, and construction Cecelia’s Halfway House was ready to open its doors. Within a week he would receive his first, newly released, group of inmates.

Many people had volunteered to help him start his journey. A journey he knew would be difficult at times but he wanted to help make a difference and give every inmate a fighting chance to regain a normal life.

He named the halfway house after his mom. It was his way of commemorating her and thanking her for instilling the values she had given him.

“When life is unfair, you need to move forward and forget the past and help others along the way.” This was his Momma Cecelia’s way.

Written by: Angel

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Vocabulary:

circumstantial evidence – noun: evidence of facts that the court can draw conclusions from

deaf ears – idiom: to fail to be heard

guilty – adjective: charged with a crime

turn-key -noun: keeper of the keys in a prison; a jailer who presides over inmates

tainted – verb: contaminated or polluted

bitter – adjective: angry, hurt, or resentful 

feeling – noun: emotional state

compensation– noun: money awarded to someone as a gesture for loss

back on the right track – idiom: to move in the right direction

convicted – noun: proof that a person is guilty 

incarcerated – verb: imprisoned or confined

newscaster – noun: a person who reads broadcast news stories

allocated – verb: distribute

integrate – verb: live, coexist and be as one

adjust – verb: to achieve the desired fit, appearance, or result

halfway house – noun: an institute for people with criminal backgrounds to learn the necessary skills to re-integrate into society

commemorating – verb: show respect

Question ( s ):

Has this situation ( wrongfully convicted ) happened in your city or country?

What are your thoughts regarding Mark paying it forward and helping other released inmates adjust to life on the outside?

Why not me?

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( Intermediate level )

Isabella always stood at the fence and wondered, “Why not me?.” The other, much younger children, would find their forever homes, but not her. She would stand, for hours, waiting for someone to look at her and pick her.

Isabella has lived at the orphanage for close to two years now. Her mom was a single mom who, routinely, found herself in trouble with the law.

The court system, finally, had taken Isabella away from this dangerous situation, severed parental rights, and placed her in the orphanage.

Normally, the courts would place a child with a relative. In Isabella’s case, she only had her elderly grandparents. This would not be an ideal situation as growing children are so active.

Now, at six years old, Isabella had understood a lot of things. Miss Emma, the head of the orphanage, would tell her that, “Mommy had sent you to live here. She knew you would be safe and have plenty of friends.”

“One day, when you get much older, you may see your mommy again.” Miss Emma knew, in the back of her mind, there may be a chance that Isabella’s mom would try to find her, once Isabella reached adulthood. Until then, her mom was ordered by the courts not to contact Isabella.

Isabella was quite fond of Miss Emma. She would spend much of her day following her around. Emma would tell Isabella she was her little shadow.

It hadn’t been long ago that Isabella realized the orphanage belonged to Miss Emma. The Desert Rose Orphanage, was founded about eight years ago by her.

She named it after the rose – shaped crystal rocks found scattered throughout the desert. She felt the crystals were like the children, beautiful, unique, and resilient to life. Each is different from the other but still, needs a place to show their beauty and grow.

Miss Emma never married nor had children. Having the orphanage was her way of having children in her life. She mentioned to Isabella,” Every child needs to feel loved and wanted. I can provide this. They will have food, a warm bed, and plenty of love.”

Isabella asked Miss Emma, “Why do the younger kids get their forever homes and some, like me, get overlooked?” Miss Emma quickly responded, “The older children will get very special forever homes with very special mommies and daddies.“

“You are not overlooked. It just takes a little longer to find that perfect match. Have patience, little one. Good things come to those who wait.” She smiled at Isabella. “Now, you run off and play. Lunch will be in an hour.”

As Isabella ran off to play, Miss Emma thought to herself, “That Isabella is such a curious one. She will make a childless couple very happy, one day.”

The school will be starting in just about a month. With twelve children at the orphanage, Miss Emma had a lot of preparation ahead. A few new children had arrived and a few were at school age, including Isabella.

She worked on a limited budget consisting of donations. Some of the community members would donate backpacks, paper, pencils, and crayons. She would need to get school clothes for a few of them, mend the ones she could and worry about shoes.

The boys seemed to grow faster than the girls and usually outgrew everything so quickly. Many of the merchants in town usually gave her a discount knowing she could afford much.

Whenever Miss Emma traveled into town one of the town’s women would come and stay at the orphanage for a few hours. This allowed her to go into town once or twice a month to buy the needed things. She had made arrangements to have someone come on Saturday. This would free her to go shopping for school items for her children.

On this particular day, Isabella wanted to tag along with her to town. Miss Emma didn’t mind and told her she could come as long as she behaved. She didn’t have to remind Isabella to be good. She was always a wonderful companion and remembered her manners.

They arrived at the discount store where you could buy anything from furniture to clothing to tools. They headed right to the clothing section.

Right away, Isabella spotted a red dress with ruffles around the waist. She saw tiny pearls sewn around the collar and a huge lace bow on the back.

Isabella brushed her hand along the ruffles and thought this was so beautiful. She looked up to see Miss Emma looking at her with a smile on her face, “This is a dress for a princess, isn’t it, Miss Emma?”

” You, Isabella, are the perfect little princess for that dress but you know we are here for school clothes. We have to focus on this task.” She saw the disappointment on Isabella’s face.

Isabella, soon, became interested in talking to the shopkeeper’s daughter that she had forgotten about the princess dress. Miss Emma wished she had the extra to buy this dress for Isabella.

All the children had enough clothes to start school now. Miss Emma had enough left, after buying clothes, for one pair of shoes. Of course, she thought of Johnny. He was in dire need of new shoes. The sole of his left shoe had worn so thin that tiny rocks made their way inside the shoe.

The school year began without any issues. Isabella would come home every day telling Miss Emma what she had learned. Each of the children, also, vied for her attention. Everyone wanted to tell her what they did at school.

It usually took her thirty minutes or more to settle them down so they could eat dinner. With twelve children to feed, some needing help with homework and baths, the night had just begun for Miss Emma.

As Miss Emma brushed Isabella’s hair out after her bath she asked Isabella, ” You were quiet tonight at dinner. Is something bothering you?”

Isabella sat quietly for a moment and said, “Janie said today that she and her mom are going on a trip this weekend to see her grandma. She is always telling the class what she and her mom do”

Miss Emma had stopped brushing Isabella’s hair and continued listening,” I wish I had a mommy to do special things with me too.”

Miss Emma just smiled and said, ” Remember, good things come to those who wait. One day, when you least expect it, you will have what you always dreamed of .” She tucked Isabella into bed and kissed her good night. She turned off the light and told her,” Good night my little one.“

The school year continued. The children were enjoying seeing their teachers and the other children. Miss Emma kept hearing those words, “I wish I had a mommy too….”

Thanksgiving had come and gone. Many members of the community provided special holiday dishes to the orphanage. The children had eaten so much food.

Now the children were looking forward to Christmas and most of all school break. Three wonderful weeks to enjoy playing and no homework!

Emma never went overboard, on Christmas, for the children. There would be plenty of gifts from the community but she always wanted them to have something very special from just her.

Emma had picked out her Christmas presents for each of the children except for Isabella. She had a difficult time deciding what to get her. As fond as Isabella was of her, Miss Emma, too, loved this little one. She, definitely, held a special place in her heart.

A multitude of donated presents was dropped off at the orphanage and placed underneath the Christmas tree. The children checked for their names on all the boxes. Squealing each time, “This one has my name on it!”

One name was not there on any of the gifts. Isabella’s name. She had noticed this but she hadn’t said a word to anyone, not even to Miss Emma. She knew she was a good girl and Santa would surely know this. She remembered Santa only had gifts for the good little boys and girls.

Christmas morning finally came and the children were up earlier than usual. Anticipation in the air was high. Each wants to open their presents and play with the new toys.

Miss Emma woke to the children’s giggles at her bedroom door. “It is time to get up! It’s time for us to open our gifts!” Miss Emma smiled and told them,” I will be there in a moment.”

Emma got up and washed her face and brushed her hair. She tightened the belt of her robe and walked to the closet. Inside her closet was a box wrapped in bright red paper and a white bow on top. Inside was the princess dress Isabella had fallen in love with.

She placed the box on her bed and went to her dresser. She pulled out a white business envelope that had Isabella’s name on it. She placed this envelope on the gift and smiled. She turned and walked downstairs.

Miss Emma saw the children sitting around the Christmas tree. Their eyes looked at the gifts and then to her. “Go ahead, open your gifts,” she said. In an instant, the children ripped off the bows and papers. Laughter filled the room.

Isabella shared in the excitement. Watching the others open their gifts. They still had no idea there wasn’t a present for her under the tree.

After the morning’s excitement, the children headed to the kitchen where Miss Emma prepared oatmeal with blueberries and a sprinkling of brown sugar on top.

The children were eating as fast as they could. Each wants to get back to playing with their new toys. Miss Emma looked around the table. Looking at all the huge smiles of the children until she saw Isabella.

She was quietly eating. Staring into her bowl of oatmeal. She wasn’t sharing in the excitement of the others now. She was lost in her own thoughts.

Miss Emma cleared her voice, “Isabella could you do me a favor? Seems I forgot my reading glasses upstairs in the bedroom. Can you go get them for me? I have to read all these Christmas cards from our friends and neighbors,” She pointed to the pile of cards on the counter.

Isabella pushed her chair away from the table and headed to Miss Emma’s bedroom. A few moments later, Miss Emma followed. She wanted Isabella to arrive in her bedroom and discover the present and envelope on her bed.

When she arrived at her door she saw Isabella staring at the paper from the envelope. Isabella didn’t understand everything that was written on the paper but she saw the word adoption and saw Miss Emma’s name.

Miss Emma stood quietly for a moment then walked towards her. “Well my little one, would you want me to be your forever mommy and this is your forever home”?

Isabella turned and hugged Miss Emma. Tears ran down both of her cheeks. The community had helped Emma with recommendation letters, a lawyer, and money for filing fees for the adoption of Isabella.

The beautiful wrapped present with the huge white bow was left untouched. Isabella felt she had received the best gift of all. Someone to call mommy and a forever home. “Good things do come to those who wait,” as Miss Emma always told her.

Written by: Angel

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Vocabulary:

orphanage – noun: a home for orphaned children

parental rights – adjective: refers to parents’ rights and responsibilities

elderly – adjective: old or aging

in the back of her mind – idiom: part of one’s mind, thoughts and memories are kept but that are not thought about

fond – adjective: affection or liking

founded – verb: established

resilient – adjective: withstand or recover quickly 

overlooked – verb: fail to notice something or someone

childless– adjective: not having children

consisting – verb: be made up of

mend – verb: repair

tag along – phrasal verb: follow another’s lead 

discount – noun: a decrease from the usual cost 

ruffles – noun: a strip of lace gathered along one edge of a garment

dire – adjective: serious or urgent

vied – verb: compete with someone

overboard – verb: to do something excessive  

multitude – noun: large numbers 

squealing – verb: make a long, high-pitched noise

anticipation in the air – collocation: excitement about something 

giggles – verb: laugh in a silly manner

dresser – noun: chest of drawers for the bedroom

adoption – noun: the act of taking a child as your own

untouched – adjective: not used or touched

Question(s):

Are there any orphanages’ in your city?

Have you donated any old or unused clothing?

Dr. M.

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( Advanced Level )

Every day Dr. M. tells her patients not to give up. “Continue to fight the fight. Life is worth living. I am not giving up on you so why should you?” She never thought she would have to listen to her own words.

Dr. Megan McQueen heads her oncology department at the local public hospital. On a monthly basis, she sees patients battling some form of cancer. Not every case has a happy result but she fights the battle with them.

As for most doctors, their lives from the minute they wake up to the moment they put their head back on the pillow at night, revolve around patient care. Hopefully, making the right decisions with the best interest of their patients in mind.

Megan never had time for herself nor dating, so she never married. She always thought these were things in her future. The future never came. Instead, she immersed herself deeper into her work.

This was Dr. Megan’s life for the past eleven years. She had many skipped dinners. She had many sleepless nights. All for the love of her career.

She noticed a lump in her left breast about six months ago while taking a shower. She felt some tenderness but she shrugged it off to an injury at work. She felt she must have bumped into something.

As a general rule, breast cancer lumps are hard and painless. Usually, not symmetrical in shape. She didn’t give it a second thought.

Months went by. Her mind is always occupied by her patients. Constant struggles daily. Monitoring each patient’s treatments and their progress. Adjust medications if needed. Winning battles and losing some.

She always dreamt of being a doctor when she was young. When she became a doctor she hadn’t realized that you practically had to give up the idea of a normal life to care for patients. She didn’t mind, though. She loved what she did.

One day at work she noticed her left arm was a little painful when moving, especially when raising the arm higher than her waist. It was more of a discomfort than pain but it caught her attention.

She had a lunch break coming up soon and she would go see one of her coworkers about her arm. She thought it may be an issue with her neck or her shoulder. She never gave a second thought about the lump she had discovered months prior, in her left breast.

She met her coworker, Ben, in his office and told him about her arm bothering her. She told him she would need full use of this arm if she was to treat her patients.

Ben listened to her complaint and he asked about her medical history. The lump was not mentioned. She obviously forgot about it.

Since doctors cannot treat themselves or their family members, Ben was her choice. The two worked together for the past seven years and they got along well. He, too, was married to his work. Never had time to date or get married.

After a few minutes, he suggested to her to get a simple series of x-rays as a baseline. If nothing showed on the x-rays he would order additional procedures. Further investigation would be warranted at that time.

She took the slip of paper with orders for an x-ray of the chest, left shoulder, and neck area to the x-ray department to have the x-ray done on her lunch break. She never really ate lunch, half of the time, while she was at work.

The procedures were completed and she returned to Ben’s office where he sat eating a sandwich for lunch. He offered her half but she declined. She knew the results of her x-rays would go to him directly and since she was the staff they would be read rather quickly.

They sat having small talk while Ben finished his lunch. They talked about what they would love to do if they had time off from work. Each trying to outdo the other with what they felt was the ideal day off, a day of pampering.

The phone rang and Ben answered. “Yes, I see. I will be down in a moment.” Ben hung up the phone and told Megan, ” I have to talk to someone about a patient of mine. I will be back in a few minutes. Just sit here and relax for a change.”

As he was leaving the room Megan put her feet up on his desk and leaned back. Ben walked out. He thought to himself, “I hope what the radiologist sees on Megan’s x-ray is a mistake. Possibly a flaw or shadowing on the x-rays.“

Megan always felt at ease when she was around Ben. His suggestion to relax was stretched a bit when she put her feet up on his desk. Actually, she found it very relaxing and closed her eyes.

Ben met with the radiologist and reviewed the findings. There was definitely something there on her x-rays. Something that seems to involve her lymph node in her left armpit and something showing on a rib bone.

Ben left the radiologist’s office and headed back to his own. He didn’t want to alarm Megan but she needed to realize that further testing was needed and she could not delay anything. It could make the difference between life and death. Not only was she a valued co-worker but a dear friend.

He arrived back at his office to find Megan in the same position he left her in. He smiled and looked at her with admiration. She truly cared about each of her patients and would work nonstop to help them.

He decided to approach the findings to her in a matter-of-fact way. He couldn’t let the fact she was a co-worker or even a friend interfere with what he was about to tell her. He cleared his voice. She opened her eyes.

“Okay. I just reviewed your x-rays with the radiologist. That was the phone call I received. Megan, something is showing on them. It could be nothing or it can be something. “

He explained what he saw. “Tell me, when was your last mammogram? Have you noticed anything or found anything different with your left breast?”

She sat up in the chair. “Yes, about six months ago, while showering, I found a lump. It was a little tender to the touch but I didn’t think twice about it. You know, I can be clumsy at work so I figured I may just have hit it on something while taking care of a patient.”

Ben thought about the time frame that had passed and what he saw. ” Today, not later, I am ordering a bilateral breast ultrasound and bloodwork. Get these done. We may have to have a biopsy later on but for now, this is what I want you to do now. I will cover your patients until these are done.”

Megan couldn’t believe what she heard. These were usually words she would tell her patients. Now, she found herself in their position, as a patient.

Megan had taken the rest of the afternoon off from work to have the testing done. This is what Ben had wanted. She knew her patient’s care would be covered and in good hands.

Time seemed to stand still as Megan waited for all the results to come in. Here, after eleven years dedicating herself to her practice and her patients, she found herself feeling hopeless.

Is this how her patients felt? Waiting for news. Waiting for results. Waiting to hear that it could be cancer.

Megan retreated to her office waiting for any news from Ben. She knew it could take a bit for the results to come into his hands. Until then she sat in her office and reflected on her life.

Should she have tried making more time for herself? Should she have taken better care of herself? She loved what she did. Doctors never think about themselves becoming a patient.

The results came in and Megan was called into Ben’s office. Her heart was pounding as she reached his office and sat down. The same chair she had sat on earlier to relax.

“All indicators point to breast cancer, Megan. There isn’t any nice way to say this. I didn’t want to have to say these words to you. Tomorrow morning at 0600 you are scheduled for a ct guided biopsy to confirm this diagnosis.”

“If it is cancer we will fight this together. You will not be alone in this. I think it will be better for you to submit for extended time off from your work. Concentrate on yourself for a change. It will help in your recovery.”

Megan sat there absorbing Ben’s words. For years she had said these exact words to her patients. Now she was the one who had to listen.

The biopsy confirmed Ben’s thoughts. He took it upon himself to make all arrangements for treatment. He knew Megan might delay treatment until she had time to talk with all of her patients. Enough time had passed already.

Megan chose something not expected by any of her colleagues. She didn’t want to be treated differently. She asked to have her treatments alongside others. She felt she could inspire those having their own chemotherapy treatments.

Megan listened to Ben’s every instruction. She ate better. She made sure she would get plenty of sleep and most of all stayed positive.

Chemotherapy was going as well as expected. Megan didn’t have any side effects until seven weeks in. She noticed she was losing her hair little by little so instead of waiting for it all to fall out, strand by strand, she decided to shave it all off.

Her nausea was kept at bay with medication. She did have to force herself to eat when she hadn’t felt like it. She promised Ben she would fight the fight.

Surprisingly Dr. M had made many new friends during her treatments. Each new friend had their own stories. Each had a reason to live.

Being in therapy together has become a great support system, not only for Megan but for the others. When one was having a bad day the others were there to encourage and lift their mood.

Megan had something a little more special. She had Ben. He was there with her at her treatments when his schedule would allow. Some days she was embarrassed when she wasn’t at her best. He would tell her, “I think you’re beautiful no matter what you think. I am the doctor and I know everything!” This would always make her smile.

The sixth-month treatment marker was coming close. Ben would reevaluate her situation before this. She, too, was anxious to know if all of this she went through would be worth it. She knew inside she was still a woman but her outside didn’t look so feminine.

She wanted to look in the mirror, once again, and see her blonde hair and not see a bald head. She wanted to walk and not have people look at her with sympathy.

The day before her last treatment Ben had scheduled her for a bilateral mammogram and bloodwork. The results would let both, Megan and himself, know if more treatments were needed.

The day finally arrived. Her last treatment if all the results came back with excellent results. Megan was amazed that she had the strength to endure six months of treatment. With Ben and the other patients encouraging her it was easier than she thought.

Megan was busy talking to another to notice Ben had stepped into the treatment room. He walked up to her with papers in hand. She felt someone close and looked up. He had a huge smile on his face.

“We did it. I have your results in my hand. No signs of cancer.” Megan broke down and cried. She was relieved. “This doesn’t mean you are out of the woods, Missy. You will have regular checkups and mammograms every six months for a few years.”

Megan looked at her newly acquired friends. The friends who sat by her during her treatments and while having their own at the same time. She saw their happiness for her. “I will still be here for you. Every one of you,” as she glanced around the room. “You helped me get through the toughest time in my life and I will help you do the same.“

Written by: Angel

*October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month*

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Vocabulary:

oncology – noun: study of cancer

immersed – verb: involvement in a particular activity

tenderness – noun: sensitive to pain

symmetrical – adjective: similar sides or equally proportioned

adjusting – verb: alter or move (something) in order to achieve the desired result

discomfort – noun: slight pain, uncomfortable

warranted – verb: justify

procedures – noun: medical evaluation using investigative measures

declined – verb: refuse

small talk – noun: conversation about unimportant matters

outdo – verb: more successful 

pampering – verb: spoil or indulge

flaw – noun: a mark, fault, or other imperfection

lymph node – noun: small structure that is part of the body’s immune system

alarm – verb: to feel frightened

admiration – noun: respect and approval

matter-of-fact – adjective: unemotional and practical

interfere – verb: prevent an activity from continuing or being carried out

radiologist – noun: medical doctor that specialize in diagnosing and treating injuries and diseases using medical imaging procedures such as X-rays etc.

clumsy – adjective: awkward in movement or in handling things

ultrasound – noun: sound or other vibrations having an ultrasonic frequency, particularly as used in medical imaging

retreated – verb: withdraw to a quiet or secluded place

indicators – noun: fact that indicates the state or level of something

biopsy – noun: an examination of tissue removed from a body 

absorbing – adjective: intensely interesting

colleagues – noun: a person who works in a profession or business with you

chemotherapy – noun: the treatment of disease by the use of chemical substances especially cancer

at bay – idiom: to control

reevaluate – verb: evaluate again or differently

feminine – adjective: qualities or an appearance associated with women

sympathy – noun: feelings of pity and sorrow for someone else’s misfortune

endure – verb: suffer

acquired – verb: obtain 

Question ( s ):

Have you known anyone who was diagnosed with cancer?

Do you usually have annual visits at your doctor’s to have a complete check up?