Christopher

"He shot the kid" 😢 It wasn't enough that the kid was emaciated, he had to be even more cruel to him and kill him after such a long suffering. While Brad is focusing on rescuing the kiddos, keeping them alive, and helping them to become healthy and happy adults, I'm leaning more and more toward a missing aspect. While I oppose vigilante justice, eye for an eye retribution, and barbarian actions in general, I can't help but wonder what would happen if there were a UN sanctioned elimination team infiltrating these rings and leaving no prisoners while ensuring the safe transport of the kiddos to safe havens such as Sanctuary?

For some reason I get the gut feeling that Emily is going to be reappearing soon as the instigator of trouble looming on the horizon.

I was thinking along the same lines as Tony, why build a trade school when there's already vocational technical schools in place. No need to duplicate services, just add to what isn't there. On another note, when Brad was talking to Aaron about needing a doctor to check everyone over, that had to have felt like a slap in the face to Aaron. He's a Nurse Practitioner that is fully qualified to evaluate, diagnose, manage, and discharge patients with a supervising physician in many states. Just felt like an ouch that I'm sure wasn't intentional but had to have felt a bit demeaning to Aaron.

The thing I like about this chapter so much is that it shows children being children and having fun with lots of laughter and antics. For kiddos that came from such traumatized backgrounds, this is monumental and heartwarming!

I see great things in store concerning Aaron. His easy deemer, caring personality, and healing mentality are infectious.

I call that CLJ's BOUNTY effect. I swear he has stock in that company. LOL!!!

Sounds like Patrick has received a very warm welcome home - full of family, love, care, and compassion. ❤️

There's 378 cubicles. I've read of 3 if not 4 quads, maybe more, with 4 bedrooms each and 2 per bedroom, that's 32 more. So it sounds like Sanctuary is able to care for at least 410 kiddos and Brad's just about at half occupancy. Christine's tour really put the visual into perspective for me. Thanks.

Aaron is quickly becoming a favorite of mine. Just from the way people have greeted him at the hospital and the cafe tell you he's not a facade but a truly good person deep down who is loved by all.

"I wish I could feed that man dog food. It would serve him right." AMEN!!!

So glad the young man came out of his coma and now on the road to a full recovery and a happy life with Brad & Co.

Emily disgusts me but Aaron on the other hand is going to be a true gem at Sanctuary. He showed genuine care and concern during the interview and within seconds of being hired, wanted to spend time with Amir for an assessment in getting to know and understand his patient. This truly is the sign of a caring provider of which is desperately needed at Sanctuary - to understand the history of the patient as well as the most effective and compassionate outcome plan. Also excited for the 2 nurses he recommended and obviously has confidence in as compassionate providers. One thing that did stump me though, while my impression of Dr Donnelly was a direct no nonsense approach, one would think that if Emily shared something with her that she'd reached out to Brad, discussed it with Aaron, or ripped Emily a new A-hole! lol

The wheels of progress keep turning! Definitely must've been a relief for Brad to know that Tony took the helm and guided Sanctuary while he was at the hospital concerned about the little one. To have someone in your life like Tony is a true gift and treasure!

The love of a child IS the most precious thing in this world!

This chapter broke my heart! 😢

An amazing time had by all at Lion King. The joy of a child's heart and actions are such a refreshing sight to see! And honestly, I hope that "big shot" is treated exactly the way he treated the boys; Purina for his dinner!

The one that got away is no more! Safe and sound now with Brad & Co. I started to get my ticket, and I couldn’t find it. “Tony, I think I gave away my ticket.” “I knew you’d probably do that, so I kept one back for you. Let’s go and enjoy the show.” What on earth would Brad do without Tony? Maybe someday soon he'll wake up and realize he really doesn't want to know the answer to that question and take a leap of faith and love. Just sayin! lol

I think the chapters are perfect in length. It's not a marathon or first steps, it's a gentle stroll through the park enjoying the view and smelling the flowers along the way. Now, for story comments. Not sure where Brad's anxiety is coming from other than it's their first outing with the kiddos and he's being protective. Hopefully will be a safe and fun time had by all. Mom and the boyfriend in waiting ... what can I say, Mom's know best! 😂 Certainly were some innuendos made by Brad in this chapter.

One never knows if the gift or the sack it came in is going to be more popular ... and all the kids loaded on the buses for the ride through the car wash. Maybe this gave Brad a hint that the kiddos are needing to get out of Sanctuary for a little fresh air. Sometime just hoping in the car for a leisurely drive nowhere and back is refreshing and relaxing. May be something Brad wants to take into consideration to keep the kiddos acclimated to society in general. When he was having anxiety about something happening to the kids during Lion King, an image of a mother and father with their newborn going out for the first time came to mind. It's gotta happen sometime and hopefully everything will be fine. Totally enjoyed this chapter!

A Beautiful chapter for an Amazing beginning to a Wonderful 2021! ❤️

"I guess I’ll continue to look for my nurse." I agree, Emily definitely isn't the right person for Sanctuary. We didn't hear much from Adam during the tour and interview so not sure about his thoughts. For 2 people specializing in pediatrics, neither came across as being overly compassionate toward kiddos. While I'm sure Brad didn't want to offend, even though he was GREATLY offended, I'm not sure I could've been as kind and gracious - especially during the closing remarks "as you both come highly recommended by Dr. Donnelly, you’ll have the first opportunity to work with my children." I'd probably said to Emily "don't let the door hit you in the ass" and to Adam I might have gave an indication of employment opportunity.

WOW, that was kinda out of left field. Cold and sterile isn't the environment of Sanctuary, warm caring inviting with genuine affection are, and the question of the kiss and personal question makes me tend to think Emily and Aaron might not be right for this job - regardless being taught professional distance. It doesn't really tell which of them asked the question and leaves it just a cliff-hanger but definitely shocked Brad, this reader, and probably everyone else at the table. I can only imagine the looks O'Shea, Murray, and especially Tony gave them. Small minds. 🙄 Happy New Year everyone!

Sounds like the next employ Brad needs to recruit is a full time CFO/Dir of Fundraising to switch that 501(c) to a 501(c)(3) status / start brining in revenues. This will allow Sanctuary to start receiving donations that allows the donor to take tax deductions on their contributions. Thirty chapters of expenditures, almost 200 kids, and many capital improvements on the horizon. Currently, Brad has about $2,000 in expenditures per day just for food. I'd estimate on average between $100,000 - $250,000 per month necessary for expenses. Long-term investment income definitely needed for sustained growth.

Cha-Ching, let the registerers roll on Monday, is all I can say! Teaching fiscal responsibility at an early age is key to long-term financial success.

Grams! If only this was an illustrated story and we all could have seen the look on Brad's mothers face. I probably looked something like this 😳 that quickly melted into this 🥰!