A Child's Haven - 80. Chapter 80

Mario did get married in October, and we had the reception at Sanctuary. The kids worked to make presents for him. I wonder where they were going to put the models, paintings, and the various homemade gifts. They were given flowers from the roof gardens. Mario was beaming, and when I told him that they’d be flying to Italy within the next hour, he had tears in his eyes. My gift was an envelope with money so he could have a great time. Tony found a hotel very near his family and reserved rooms there for them. So with two envelopes in his pocket and not knowing what was in them, we sat to eat a first-class meal prepared by Adam. We had a string orchestra and watched as the new couple danced the first number. Soon everyone was dancing, and I was surprised to see the girls dancing with our boys. I believed every boy danced. I felt sorry for the girl’s feet.

Aaron whispered something in Mario’s ear, and he danced one last dance with his bride. She picked up the flowers, throw them over her shoulders as they ducked out the back door. Aaron had the car ready to drive them to the airport. He handed them a packet that contained their passports and a letter explaining where they were going. Rushed aboard the plane, the door closed, and the plane taxied and took off.

The party continued at Sanctuary for about an additional hour when some kids began to clean up. Adam and Janet brought in their dinner; clean-up started in earnest as they were hungry. They told Adam they were glad he was cooking; they didn’t want to eat pizza for the next two weeks.

Halloween was fun; I think more fun for the adults than the kids. Murray and O’Shea attended with their wives, the Captain and one of the mates were there, and the officer and the two kids were there. I made a note to myself to get their names. There were a lot of animals and clowns at the party. I wonder where they got that idea. Mario outdid himself for dinner, mashed potatoes that looked like pumpkins, the chicken, was in a pastry that made it looked like a weird animal. Vegetables were cut and covered with a multicolored sauce. He told them that he melted down the evil clowns. Dessert was ice cream with bits of fruit and shredded wheat. He crushed the wheat, carved some unknown animal in ice cream, and then added fruit around. He told the kids that they were animals from the cold planet of brrrrr and the animals keep warm by sitting on hay. The kids loved it, and they loved Mario as well.

Sanctuary became quiet, as quiet as 300 plus kids can make it. The courts ruled in our favor on those financial cases involving the kids. Much of that money was put into the kid’s trust fund. Thanksgiving was celebrated aboard the SS Sanctuary. All staff was in attendance, as well as Mom and Dad. Mario and Adam ruled the kitchens, but with Janet and our guests’ wives, the kitchen was full of helping hands.

Thanksgiving dinner was something else. The tables were lined into three rows. As the kids and guests filed into the dining room, the Captain greeted everyone. After everyone was seated, Mario came out on the stage. He clapped his hands, and three carts from the back began to wheel down the aisles. The carts contained vegetables, stuffing, and gravy. The first cart went down one aisle and up the other, distributing baskets of fresh buns. The next cart followed, placing plates containing the sides. The first cart came down again, with juices, milk, and water. When the carts had completed their runs, the curtain on the stage open, Adam and Mario rolled out a small table loaded with three large turkeys. They started to carve and place plates of carved turkey on the carts, which began going down the aisle, setting the plates on the tables. When the carts were empty, they returned for more turkey. All in all, Mario had prepared ten turkeys. When everyone had eaten, the carts returned with pumpkin pie and whipped cream.

I was surprised to see that there was food on the table, but all of the plates were clean. The kids headed for their rooms, and I knew they would take a nap. The adults helped to clear the tables; the extra food was taken to the kitchen and stored for snacks later that evening.

We all assembled on the deck, where we enjoyed a quiet cup of coffee. I told Mario, Adam, and Janet they did a great job. I also thanked the guests who pitched in preparing dinner. I told the Captain to drop anchor and come and enjoy a cup of coffee with us. The crew joined us as well. It was a relaxing afternoon. It was nice to chat with my friends. Mom and Dad were impressed with the ship. I promised that we’d sail again at the end of the year.