The Lottery - 7. Chapter 7

I remember the first day that our chickens laid eggs. The boys came rushing in with a pan holding twelve eggs. By the end of the week, our chickens were very prolific. We were getting enough eggs for breakfast. With the help of the boys, I expanded the chicken pen. I wanted to give them plenty of room. Charlie was the first to tell us that there were peeps in the yard. It seemed one of our chickens hatched a few eggs. I had a mash feeder placed in the pen for the chicks.

“The septic system for the dorm was finished. The first floor was finished, now for the construction. We watched every day as more and more of the building was constructed.

By the first of October, the dorms were finished and ready for occupancy. Everyone selected a room and dorm buddy. The girl stayed in the house.

I had them write their name over the door to their dorm. There were no doors, just a curtain to draw closed. There were two chests at the end of the beds and a hook to hang their suits. When everything was finished, and the boys all had moved in, we had an official opening. I invited all of the people who helped with the construction and who came to take care of the kids. We had a pig roast with homegrown corn on the cob. The boys had made banners and streamed them in the dormitory. ”

“Dale did have his license, so he was now responsible for driving the food truck. We still made a trip to DC once a week. Dale posted a schedule on the board at both parks.

We had invited the mayor and council to the farm for them to see what we have accomplished. We had lunch in the dining hall. Our chefs outdid themselves. The dining hall was more than I expected. The dining table was in the center, but there were computer stations for the kids to use along the outer walls.

On the following Saturday, we had an open house, and we served grilled hamburgers and hotdogs. Mom and Dad were here. I had accomplished my goals. Now I needed to focus on the lottery again. I have college expenses in the future to cover.

EPILOGUE

I continued my winning streak, which provided enough money to send all of the boys to college. Dale is still with me, and we continue making our trips to the parks. I don’t think the dorm will ever be empty. Our token lady went on to college and married one of the boys. They now have a family and visit quite often.

Life has been good to me. I have used my gifts to help a lot of kids. But even if the sun shines every day, there are days when it’s gloomy. Mom and Dad passed away a few years ago, I miss them, but I was glad I could make their last years happy. Life goes on, and now Dale is beeping the horn. I guess he’s ready to leave. I wonder what potential surprises we’ll find tonight.