The local PUD had also turned off all of their lights, therefore, their tiny apartment was freezing cold. They all shared a full sized bed and had to rely on body heat, to keep them warm. Mandy and Madison prayed the child's bedtime prayer, "Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep. If I should die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take. Additionally, they prayed, "Little baby Jesus meek and mild thank you for taking care of your child." Their mother, Brandy carefully taught them both prayers. They concluded their prayers with God blessing each other.
"Would you like spending Christmas with grandma and grandpa?" asked Brandy the next morning. Brandy did not tell them the truth about them. Brandy was an unwanted and lonely only child. She had committed the unpardonable sin twice. She had two daughters by two separate men, who both deserted her. They did not want custody of their granddaughters. Her other relatives had their own families to raise, and could not support them. Her parents had contacted the local DSHS childcare enforcement officers. Their prodigal and unemployable daughter was an unfit parent. They signed the necessary paperwork removing Brandy from the custody of her two children.
"What's going to happen to Mandy and Madison?" asked Wendy. "I am afraid they will both become wards of the state of Washington," answered Joy. "It is sad but true, Wendy." reinstated Santa and Mrs. Claus. "Will I be able to help?" wondered Wendy. "I could go back to earth." She did not even mention earning her wings. Wendy loved visiting Santa's workshop at the North Pole. "It could be arranged, Wendy," affirmed Joy.
Brandy kept all of their personal belongings in suitcases. Their landlord Mr. Wilder and his wife hated evicting well-behaved tenants such as Brandy and her daughters. But as Mrs. Wilder always reminded him, "We have our own bills to pay and our units to maintain!" The Wilders were not surprised to see a DSHS government vehicle pull up in their visitor's parking space. There were two women in the car and a little girl in the backseat. The little girl was Wendy, she was on her first solo assignment. "Good morning, what can we do for you?" asked Mrs. Wilder. "Which apartment belongs to Brandy Branson?" responded Mrs. Marchland. "Apartment B 13," responded Mrs. Wilder. You welfare ladies could not have arrived at a more appropriate time. My husband and I are getting ready to evict them for nonpayment of rent!"
Brandy opened up her apartment door and hugged her daughters' goodbye. It was very hard for all of them to have their landlords witness their disgrace. "Mommy, mommy! Can't you stop this mean old lady from taking us away!" shouted Mandy. "You should do a better job of controlling your oldest daughter, Ms. Branson!' yelled Mrs. Marchland. "Mandy, Madison, it's going to be alright. Mrs. Marchland will take good care of you! Won't you Mrs. Marchland?" Brandy completely lost her temper. Mrs. Marchland had previously announced herself and shown Brandy her identification. Brandy unwillingly had to sign the necessary paperwork. After Mrs. Marchland left, with Mandy and Madison, Mrs. Wilder asked Brandy," Where are you going Brandy? You can't stay here." stated Mrs. Wilder. "I will be taking the bus to our local women's and children's shelter." "Surely you must be able to stay with your parents?" asked Mr. Wilder. "My parents don't want Me or my two daughters. The shelter is the only place left. Here are your apartment keys. I don't want any of our belongings. I would have no place to keep them. Goodbye and Merry Christmas. Now if you both will excuse me, I have a bus to catch.
"Hello, my name is Wendy. What are your names?" Wendy already knew the answer. "My name is Mandy and this is my little sister, Madison." Mandy looked at Wendy and smiled. "Be quiet, back there and no talking," interrupted Mrs. Marion Marchland. "I think we should do what she says, Mandy," said Madison.
Love in Christ Jesus!
Roxanne Lea Dubarry
Roxy Lea 1954
Roxy 54/ October Country
December 15, 2017