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    CLJobe
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Stories posted in this category are works of fiction. Names, places, characters, events, and incidents are created by the authors' imaginations or are used fictitiously. Any resemblances to actual persons (living or dead), organizations, companies, events, or locales are entirely coincidental.
Note: While authors are asked to place warnings on their stories for some moderated content, everyone has different thresholds, and it is your responsibility as a reader to avoid stories or stop reading if something bothers you. 

A Child's Haven - 86. Chapter 86

Epilogue

Ten years have passed, and there have been many changes. Andy has completed his studies and now holds a doctorate from the university in the city. He still lives in the annex with his life partner and provides Sanctuary with professional services on a need basis. I never could find someone to offer counseling services to the kids. Now it seems I have homegrown my own with Andy.

Jeff is now a lawyer and is practicing as a Junior Partner in Dad’s old firm. He also has a one-bedroom apartment in the annex. He has a girlfriend he met in college who now works in the local hospital and helps Aaron at the clinic. Beth received her Associate Degree in Secretarial Science and works full time at Sanctuary. She preferred to utilize a bedroom on 3-C to a one-bedroom apartment in the annex.

The gang of four are still close friends. Pat and Curly are freshmen at the University; Bubba is a sophomore at the same University. Nick wanted to go back to England for his university education.

Mario and Marie have two children and have moved into a new apartment that has extra bedrooms. Unfortunately, they are not in the annex but are very close.

The boys rescued from the slave operation are in schools, some at the university, and some are in trade schools working part-time in their chosen trade.

Aaron and Diane are married and live in a two-bedroom apartment in the annex. They are expecting their first child later this year.

Mrs. Chester is thinking about retiring as soon as I find a replacement. Adam has decided to return to Sanctuary and works as the head chef while instructing a cooking class in the annex. Adam will never leave Sanctuary. To him, this is home, and he’s the type of guy that can’t be too far away from home. I did encourage him to publish a cookbook, which is doing very well.

Our security team, Murray and O’Shea, are beginning to make retirement plans but have a way to go before they reach retirement age. Their wives continue to teach the girls knitting, crocheting, and embroidery. They’ll always be our friends and are here every morning as usual.

Several girls have turned out to be excellent seamstresses, and a few have found jobs with well-known designers. Two of the girls have opened their dress shop. Some of them have gone on to college. Currently, two are working for us as teachers. And as one would expect, some are married to the boys.

As the kids left Sanctuary, we gave them their share of the trust. Some took the cash, and others asked Tony to set up a trust fund for them. Tony and I were asked to be the trustees of these funds. They all were surprised by the amount of money that they were given from the trust. Tony explained where the money came from and how we set up the trust. In a way, they earned it, but it was not a pleasant experience, and they knew that the hurt and degradation they received, the money could never offset. They were glad to know that the people who had abused them paid for the trust.

With the money from the trust, some of the children that came from Mexico went back. They said that they were determined to invest in Mexico’s future and open businesses that would offer jobs so that people will not be anxious to leave for the US.

Carlos and Maria decided to create a Mexican version of Sanctuary. With their trust money, they bought an old hacienda on the outskirts of Mexico City. Abe helped them to remodel the place into rooms along the walls of the hacienda. Of course, they had to install cocoons. The place was large enough to grow quite a bit of their food, and of course, chickens roamed freely. They did do one thing differently; they had small buses that would drive through the city. If they saw a kid by themselves, they would stop and offer them food and something to drink. During this time, they explained about their Hacienda del Paz. They wrote and told us that they always came back with one or two kids.

Many of the kids have completed college, Ronnie has a business degree, and with Lyle, who also has a business degree, started their own car dealership, Sanctuary Motors. Janet opened a diner, Sanctuary Eats, a couple of the girls started their own women’s clothing store, Fashions by Sanctuary, two boys opened their own barbershop, Sanctuary Trims next door to Sanctuary Hair Saloon operated by two of the girls.

They approached me to help them with a project that became Sanctuary Mall. Abe had to design the whole project. Jimmy opened a craft shop, Sanctuary Crafts. Other kids had a shoe shop, Sanctuary Footwear, a bakery, Cakes by Sanctuary, a clothing store, Clothes by Sanctuary, a book store, Sanctuary Library, and a grocery store, Sanctuary Gardens. The dining court in the mall was similar to the dining hall. I donate the marlin to them as a decoration.

Many of the kids went on for their doctorate degrees in medicine, and some went for an MBA. One of the kids, Davy, came to work for Tony once he received his MBA. Tony was training him to handle the various trust funds.

Amir decided to go and rescue his twin brother. I flew him home with security guards. He returned four weeks later with his brother and five other kids who were working as slaves on that farm. I didn’t ask how that came about. I didn’t want to know.

Sanctuary has never been at the same level as it was after the early years’ major raids. But as Tony predicted, there are still street kids, and Sanctuary is there for them. Most of the children now come from the states that border us. Our governor has asked the state police if they see any kid that appears to need help, to drop them off at Sanctuary. It is unbelievable that even today, ten years after our doors opened, we still have 300 kids. Most are coming from other cities and states. This bears witness to the need for places where the street kids can find a home.

My staff has changed, but not my friends. Tony, Aaron, Mario are still here to give me comfort and advice. I miss the original kids, but mostly that first kid who walked through that door, Pat. When Pat turned 18, he went and changed his name to Williams with my dad’s help. He said I might not be able to adopt him, but he could adopt me.

The kids still take holidays on the island and the SS Sanctuary. But we are not alone, as the Sanctuary alumni take their vacation, it’s usually on the island or the boat. I finally got my way, and I now offer a boat trip with two week camp on the island for the city’s needy children. The police officer who looked out for the two children that came with us on many of our trips was influential in providing us with a list that continues to grow. The ship now sets sail every week. Either with our own Sanctuary kids or the kids recommended by our friend, the police officer. We did contact some of the religious organizations but avoided the cities welfare organizations. I still had a fear of Child Services.

I still have a dream that one-day, Sanctuary will close because there will no longer be street children or men who prey on them, but the last ten years have proven that’s a dream that’ll never be realized. Tony was right, there will always be kids that need Sanctuary, and I intend to be sure that Sanctuary will be there for them. My staff is just as committed.

We did decide to have a family reunion once a year on the island. We have had to expand the buildings on the island to accommodate our returning brethren. It was good to see them and relive their experiences at Sanctuary as we laughed at some of the antics. It is always good to replay the past; it reminds everyone of our goals and aims, and the kids have proven us right.

I enjoyed writing this story and I hope you enjoyed reading it. I appreciated your comments. The need to provide help to these kids that find themselves on the streets of our cities is real. I have witnessed it in every city I have been fortunate enough to visit Europe, South America, and the Far East. Thanks to all
Copyright © 2020 CLJobe; All Rights Reserved.
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Stories posted in this category are works of fiction. Names, places, characters, events, and incidents are created by the authors' imaginations or are used fictitiously. Any resemblances to actual persons (living or dead), organizations, companies, events, or locales are entirely coincidental.
Note: While authors are asked to place warnings on their stories for some moderated content, everyone has different thresholds, and it is your responsibility as a reader to avoid stories or stop reading if something bothers you. 
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Chapter Comments



13 hours ago, JeffreyL said:

I am a bit sad to see this story end. You did an excellent job on the epilog! And you have another terrific story to add to your resume! Thanks. 

Thank you. I'll pass your comment on to Brad, Tony and the crew

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12 hours ago, Timejun said:

He should have married Tony

It wasn't in the cards. I don't know which I prefer a husband or a good friend. A husband will tell you what he thinks you may want. hear, a good friend will tell you like it is .

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12 hours ago, frosenblum said:

A great story. Very moving. It was a perfect time to end. I wish more kids in the real world can find a Sanctuary.

I do also. There are a few kids that I have met years ago, I'll dedicate this storyvto them

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12 hours ago, Philippe said:

Tears shed in a fond farewell...in hopes we may again return to Sanctuary.

I hope they are tears of joy, joy for Brad's children

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12 hours ago, Terry P said:

A really good and uplifting story.  Thank you for ending it with the updates, etc.  I'm looking forward to your next story.

 

Thank you for reading and commenting. This story has touched many people. I told Brad it would.

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12 hours ago, Anton_Cloche said:

'All good things must come to an end'. Or so the saying goes. While I'm sad to see this story end, it seems as though some of the children have decided to carry it and Brad's vision forward. At least we're brought up to date on how things have improved over 10 years for the children who arrived at Sanctuary and found  a 'safe haven'. Some have taken what they've learned and use it to help others. ( Carlos and Maria with Hacienda del Paz in Mexico :heart:). 

:,( Sadly and unfortunately, some did not find what they really needed the most at Sanctuary and had to 'settle' for less. For children like 8-year old Pat who really need the love only a father :glomp: (even an adoptive one) can give, and who demonstrated that to Brad in words and deeds on many occasions, he kept being rejected by Brad :unsure: (no matter how often Brad explained to Pat, and justified to himself that he could not 'chose' a favorite, even if Pat was the first child Brad rescued).  In the end, Pat waited 10 long years in quiet desperation (no matter how well he hid it), until he was an 'adult' in the eyes of the court (Brad's father) and changed his last name to Brad's of 'Williams'. Brad also missed the boat in his relationship with Tony 0:). (again Brad's justification seemed acceptable but still...). 

What's next?

 

Tony C

I replied to another reader about Brad and Tony's relationship. Which is better, a husband or a good friend. They both have positives and negatives, but one has an ulterior motive.

PS- Glad to see you back.

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12 hours ago, Tylor50 said:

Thank you for sharing your story.  I enjoyed reading it and looked forward to the next episode every day.  

Thank you. I'll pass your comment on to Brad.

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12 hours ago, Jondon said:

I was sorry to see this story end CL, it has kept me on the edge of my seat all the time. As I mentioned in an earlier chapter I was involved in Sydney,Australia many years ago with a group called Twenty Ten which was the Zip code of the suburb of Sydney it was started in, and it is still going to this day, although it is mainly for gay and lesbian teens that have no home for one reason or another. I hope that there will be a sequel at some stage.

John

Launceston,Tasmania,

Australia.

John , may the gods look favorably upon this endeavor. If Twenty Ten can do this for a specific group  then I challenge my readers to also get involved with specific groups that help children without a home.

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11 hours ago, JACC said:

A nice story that leaves a really nice flavor. Thanks for writing and sharing it with us!

Looking forward to your next story, keep the outstanding work!

JA

Thank you. However once you climb the mountain to the peak, the next time you do it, it isn't so special. I hope you enjoy my next story I post. 

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11 hours ago, BoyLove said:

Thanks for this beautiful story!!😊😊😊

You are welcome. I'm sure Brad and Tony would enjoy your comment 

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11 hours ago, Chris L said:

OUTSTANDING!!! To be honest, I was kinda hoping the epilogue would include Tony and Brad finally being together as a couple ... and now for page 2! LOL!!! 

I think you are among many who wished that Tony and Brad would share one bedroom rather than the two on 3C

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10 hours ago, Miles White said:

Wonderful story, I am looking forward to your next for another adventure. Maybe Brad and Tony will have their own story and get together. Who knows where you will take us in your next story. It is truly saddening that all of this abuse is a daily happening in all of our countries. Great work!!!!! Please keep'em coming. Hint hint, Brad and Tony really do need to get together, please.

Ah Love story. I need to think about that and how to put it into the proper text.

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9 hours ago, chris191070 said:

Awesome chapter to end a truly awesome story

Thank you Chris. I appreciate your comments. I'll pass them on to Brad and Tony

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8 hours ago, brbear1 said:

I am sad to see the story end but as with all good things it must. I have totally enjoyed it and have cried with it and will miss it. Thanks you so much for this story I am sure it opened many eyes to the plight of homeless and abused children. I only wish there were such places as Sanctuary.

I join you in wishing there was a place like Sanctuary in reality. It would take Brad's dedication to make it happen.

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12 hours ago, Philippe said:

Tears shed in a fond farewell...in hopes we may again return to Sanctuary.

Sanctuary will live in the mind and hearts of my readers. I hope it moves people to think about street children in a new light and be willing to help solve the problem 

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8 hours ago, Kev said:

:thankyou::thankyou::thankyou:Loved the story and it is a shame everything has to come to an end... Can we have a spin off??? May Pat Williams and the life that he makes for himself. It would be, so good to see him succeed in life and find love with Bubba or Curly.:thankyou::thankyou::thankyou:

 

I can't promise you a spin off. My muse maybe tired, he hasn't visited me for a while. But if he wakes up and comes again, there may be hope.

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8 hours ago, dutch woman said:

Excellent story.  Someone who dedicates his life to improving the lives of abused or thrown away  children. Helping vulnerable children appeals to me.

I am glad this has struck a chord for you. One of the children I met in Amsterdam has had a role in this story

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6 hours ago, mikedup said:

An awesome end to this excellent story, I am going to miss the two chapters every day, but nonetheless thanks for such an inspiring and emotional story, it just shows how screwed up the people on this planet are.

You are right. We arr quick to invest time and money in projects that will become obsolete in a few years rather than invest in our children who will lead the future and. not become obsolete 

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1 hour ago, mansexlover said:

All good things must come to an end   I have thoroughly enjoyed reading your story and look forward to the next one xx  thankyou

Thanks, This story will be hard to top

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I wrote this story several years ago. Some of the boys in the story are based on some of the kids I met on the streets in cities in the US as well as Europe and the Far East. I was blessed in working for. company that allow3d me to travel and spend time in many countries. One underlying truth, no matter where I went there were always a young person asking for money to buy food. 

I hope this story moves you to consider donating to organizations that do assist the homeless children.

You can check Amazon for a kindle copy of this book. But if you print off the chapters, you can save yourself a few bucks.

Thanks to all my readers and their comments.

I will post another story today but it will be significantly different. I, and I think, you, my readers, need a break from Child's Haven.

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This by far has gotta be one of favorite stories written by you. Great Job 😆 I'm sorry to see it end but I knew it was coming. Looking forward to your next work of Art.

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3 hours ago, James B. said:

This by far has gotta be one of favorite stories written by you. Great Job 😆 I'm sorry to see it end but I knew it was coming. Looking forward to your next work of Art.

Thanks James. My next story is almost 180- from this story. I need the break

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I will borrow a line from Brad's Father in Chapter 82 and say it to you Cal, "You did good"

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1 minute ago, Buz said:

I will borrow a line from Brad's Father in Chapter 82 and say it to you Cal, "You did good"

Thanks Buz, I appreciate the slap on the back 

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1 minute ago, CLJobe said:

Thanks Buz, I appreciate the slap on the back 

Well, I don't know about a slap cause I'm a pretty big guy. How about a pat instead :)

 

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