Christmas Lodge Page #8

Your grandfather is a very special man.

You were the only one who truly

listened to what he had to say,

and he rewarded you with a

richer appreciation of the world.

Can I tell you something even sillier?

Of course.

Grandpa said that the Lord and

Grandma spoke to him every time

he went hiking. He found

such strength and peace,

and I actually thought

that they were speaking

to me the day that they put Charlene

and Christmas Lodge in my path.

And they were telling me

to repay Grandpa somehow

for everything he's given me.

Maybe they were, maybe they still are.

I spent many hours with

Grandpa after he got sick,

and he told me many times that

his illness was for a reason,

that God was trying to tell him

something. When I asked what, he told me

that he didn't know for sure, but that

throughout his life from the Great Depression

to fighting World War II, to working

on his dangerous construction sites

and most challenging of all,

the passing of your grandmother,

that God let him know

that he was there for him. He said many

times that he didn't tell him what to do,

but that his scriptures let him

lead the good life that he was

intended to lead, even

when he felt like giving up.

So you're saying that I should trust

in the Lord to give me strength,

even if it means putting

Grandpa in a home.

Your grandfather isn't

happy about this decision,

but he did tell your

father that he knows

it's best for him and the family.

Thanks Mom.

- That helps. Here, let me help you.

- Thank you.

This is where you rescued

me and Natty, remember?

Of course I remember. You know, that

was the most important day of my life?

Why?

God and my grandmother

talked to me that day.

Really? What did they say?

They said that I need to

spend more time here with them.

And that you were their messenger,

that you were their special gift.

I was?

You were, and still are.

Do you still think they're gonna

be done in time for Christmas?

Oh, you know only time will tell.

Is your grandpa gonna be there?

I don't think so Charlene.

Why not?

Well, he's you know,

he's trying to bounce back

from the stroke but it's

been really hard on him.

But you promised.

Well, I didn't really promise.

I just want a grandpa again.

Honey I know, I understand.

Believe me, I understand.

You know what, now we just, we just

have to pray for the best, right?

Yeah.

I have cookies! Grandpa, whoa!

Hey, how you doing?

Better than yesterday. It's almost

time for my physical therapy.

Whoa, physical therapy?

It's not as fun as it sounds.

Grandpa, I'm so proud of you.

You'd think I had won the Olympics.

Well, can I come with you?

Of course, of course

kid. The more the merrier.

I can't imagine a better coach.

Oh, you might regret saying that.

Comin' through!

You guys, it smells delicious!

It will be!

Oh, he's here!

Who's the movie star?

That's Jack.

Your new flame?

What is it with you two?

We go to dinner as friends,

can't a woman have a man as a friend?

No!

Behave.

Hey!

Charlene, hi.

This is my mom and

this is my sister Cathy.

Glad to meet you again Jack, Charlene!

Hi.

Mary and the boys have

told us so much about you,

you're already a part

of the family! Come in.

Thank you for welcoming

us into your home.

Come in, come in.

Where's your grandpa?

Oh, Charlene he couldn't make it.

Why not?

He's still not feeling

well, but he's working on it.

Can we go see him?

Oh, Charlene. Not today.

What about Christmas?

Let's talk about it later, okay?

We must watch the costs!

- Jack, glad you could make it.

- Good to be here.

- Any trouble getting here?

- No, it was a nice ride.

Okay, everybody. Turkey's on,

come to the table!

Thank you for your help.

Smells good, mother.

Father, would you say Grace?

Heavenly father, thank you for the many

blessings you have given our family.

We are all eternally grateful for your

love, and the love of those who are here

and those who live with you in

heaven. I pray that you accept

our thanks and prayers as

we strive to live every day

in the way that celebrates the

many gifts you have given us.

We also pray that you help my father,

Mike Sr., who's long sewed as a beacon

of spiritual and moral

leadership to us all,

get better so that he

can once again join our

family table. Amen.

Amen.

And now, if you will pass me one of your

Christmas Lodge biscuits...

Well this is the best

Thanksgiving we've had in years.

I'm so glad.

Does your family always take

in strays so effortlessly?

Well, they do if they like them.

Take a seat.

So, I have great news.

Your grandpa can make it for Christmas?

No, that would be excellent

news, this is just great news.

Okay, what is it?

I found a new location for the office.

Is it uh... a little bit

close to the lodge maybe?

It's...10 miles away.

That's great, Charlene

is gonna be thrilled.

Now what about places to stay,

you found a place to stay yet?

No, still looking.

You know, if um...

if we were married, you could

probably stay up at the lodge

Probably.

Jack, don't toy with me.

What if I'm not toying with you?

Look uh, I don't think that we

should be having this conversation,

maybe I'm just not ready.

I don't mean to upset you.

No, you're not upsetting me. I just...

I don't think that the timing is right.

I don't think that the

timing is right. Okay?

It's okay.

Care to do the honors?

This is your lodge son,

your past, your future.

Well none of this would've been

possible without your family's help.

Our family.

Without our family's help.

I wouldn't say that, you're

the one who kept things going.

Uh, Dad... Jack, I appreciate the

mutual fan club for each other,

but there are a lot

of people waiting so...

- Jack, please.

- I'd better go get the door.

No, no. Not until you

light this house up.

Okay, hands. Hands!

Three, two, one!

Lamb sake's alive, would

you look at this place!

Grandpa?

Grandpa you made it! You made it.

Yes.

You're here!

Grandpa?

Finally!

Who is this little angel?

That is my daughter Charlene.

- Who are you?

- Jack Rand.

Little Jackie?

My goodness, you are the

spitting image of your father

and your grandfather. I know

for a fact that they'd be proud

of what you and my boys

have done. Christmas Lodge.

Why, she looks like she did the

first Christmas that me and my Mavis

spent up here.

Well without your generosity none

of that would've been possible, Sir.

It's a drop in the bucket.

Oh, come on Grandpa,

we know that's not true.

Well excuse me, I have to

go check on the turkey so

Charlene... Excuse me, sorry.

He's here! He's here!

Hey you guys! How you doing? You

wanna put the presents over there?

Good to see you. How did you get here?

Well, Dad, Morn and the rest

of us pooled our money together

and bought a special van as a

Christmas gift for the whole family.

And you just... you didn't tell me?

We wanted to make it a

surprise. Well, it is.

It's really um... the

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