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Inside "Hidden Truths"; Children of Plains Estates

05/19/2012 10:39:00

Hidden Truths: Unpublished / Meet the girls of "Children of Plains Estates

Chapter 1

The EMT’s were busy trying to get everyone examined. Two more ambulances pulled up to the scene. Jan was barely conscious but she saw them zipping up a small body bag. She tried to get up then she began screaming. She vaguely heard someone say we’re losing her then she was out. Sirens roared in the background.

A neighbor saw the van and called Mr. McKnight. The men were barbecuing in the backyard. They heard the telephone ring inside. Phillip yelled out to the gang. “Can someone get the phone please? It’s probably the women wondering what we’re doing.”

Bill called out, “I’ll get it. I miss the women. Hello, McKnight residence.”

“This is Mrs. Chaney from down the street. There has been a bad accident at the four way stop by the front entrance. You better come quickly.”

Bill ran to the back and yelled frantically. “A neighbor called. There has been an accident. She said it was bad and you should come. My car is in the back. Four of the men jumped in the car. It was right around the corner. The others followed on foot. When they rounded the corner. They saw barricades blocking off the street. There were four ambulances and fire trucks everywhere. They saw Mary Humphrey being loaded into the ambulance.The men ran to the barricade. The policemen stopped them. My wife!yelled Henry. That’s my wife. The policeman yelled at the driver.Wait her husband is here. He let Henry through to ride with Mary. Mary was semi- conscious. She had a gash on her head and blood was trickling out. Her arm was in a sling. The EMT said that Mary was one of the lucky ones. She was in the back and had her seat belt on.Henry leaned down and held his wife’s hand. What about my daughter? How is she? The children were taken to the hospital first. Most of them had minor injuries. One little girl did not make it. Henry was stunned. The EMT shook his head no. The little girl was Caucasian.

She was not your daughter. She has not been identified yet. Henry thanked God it was not his daughter then prayed for the family. Henry saw Bill and Phillip get in the ambulance in order to ride with their wives. He would see them at the hospital. Dr. Smith stayed with the crew. He had gone home to get his bag. He knew that he would be needed at the hospital. He kissed Ellen and told her he was going to go in and see if he could help out.

Ellen turned on the news. There were newsmen all over the neighborhood. The news said there was one fatality but the information was being withheld until the body could be identified. This was a mother daughter day for the women of Plains Estates. She had been a little envious. Her and Tom wanted children but they had not been blessed with a child of their own yet. She wanted a daughter to share these events with. She thought of the children that had gone on the trip. Each child was special in their own way. Stacey and Rita were not only beautiful but they were courageous. Stacey was battling AIDS and Rita sickle cell anemia. Tammy was adopted by the Walkers. They were a wonderful family. Toni Colbert has breast cancer. Debbie has been through a lot during her life. First she had to deal with the problems from her mother’s alcoholism and now Toni has cancer.Despite her circumstances she had remained positive and happy.Jennifer was Ms. McKnight’s daughter. She was a wonderful little girl. Her family had reached out to Glen when they first moved into the neighborhood. Stacey Hayden was warm and loving. Sometimes she was amazed at her patience with her little brother. Michael Andersen has Down syndrome. No matter how long it took him to master a task she was always there cheering him on despite the other children waiting for her to come play. Ellen could not imagine the loss of any of these children. Although the news had not revealed the identity of the person Tom had told her it was a child.

She turned the news up as they talked about the accident. It was caused by a drunk driver. His name was Alexander Washington. He was 31 years

old and had been arrested four times for drunken driving. His license was suspended. He was taken to the hospital for observation then taken to jail. He would be arraigned in the morning. Ellen could not help but ask God how a child could be killed and the drunk driver walk away with no injuries. How does that happen? There was not an explainable answer. She sat in her chair and cried for the families. She was glad that Glen was with Derrick. She should call him before he heard about the accident on the news. She called Derrick. She explained the situation to him. They decided he would tell Glen and keep him overnight. He had just lost a friend. This would devastate him.

The men were in the waiting room waiting for answers. The children were being released after they examined them. Rita came out with a sling on her arm and a bandage on her face. She had suffered a broken arm and a cut above her eyebrow. Mary was being fitted for a cast herself. Her injury was more severe. Her face had been stitched up. She would stay overnight.

Jan had suffered a concussion. She had a gash at the top of her head but not life threatening injury. Jan kept calling out for her daughter.Phillip came into the room to sit with her. He asked the nurse where his daughter was being kept. He needed to check on her. The nurse looked at him. Mr. McKnight I will check with the nurse.

Everyone was accounted for except for Jennifer McKnight. Since Tom knew everyone they had asked him to identify the body for them. This was perhaps one of the hardest things for him to do but it would help his friend. The coroner opened the black bag. Dr. Smith eyes began to tear. He looked at this innocent young girl. It was Jennifer McKnight. She had been robbed of her life by a drunk driver. It was senseless. He wrote down the name and went to find his friends. How do you tell someone you know that their child is dead? He already knew that Jen had a concussion. Their closest friends were the Humphreys. All the families were in the waiting room or with their children or spouses. Everyone was separated so no one knew who was missing. Tom came into the room and asked Phillip to come out for a minute. When Phillip didn’t see Jennifer with Tom he began asking questions.

“Tom,where is Jennifer. Is she alright?”

Tom looked him in the face and said “No, Jennifer did not make it Phillip. I am so sorry. The impact crushed her skull. I didn’t want to let Jan know. She needs to be stronger before we tell her.”

Phillip fell to the floor sobbing uncontrollably. How could this happen. They went on a spa date. How could his daughter be dead? Tom kneeled down to comfort him. Bill Colbert heard the screams and ran to his friend’s side. Together they held him up while he grieved for his daughter. Tom led him to the basement where he could ID the body. As word spread through the families the tears began to flow. They comforted each other with hugs and tears. Tragedy had struck Plains Estates and they didn’t know if it would ever be the same again.

Phillip walked into the room. He positively identified his daughter’s body.He held her in his arms. The tears would not stop. He would not let her go. He immediately thought about the boys. He had to get to them before they heard on the news. “Tom,” he said. Please call Ellen and have her pick up the boys. I can’t leave Jan alone. Tom left right away. He found Henry. He knew they were close.

He asked him to stay with Phillip while he had Ellen bring the boys to the hospital. All the other children were at the Colbert’s with Betsy.

Tom got Ellen on the telephone and explained everything to her. She fought back the tears knowing she had to be strong for the boys. Ellen pulled up into the driveway. She went in the side door to talk with Betsy then she went to find the boys.

“David,Tony” your dad wanted me to bring you to the hospital. The boys knew something was wrong. Tony started to cry.

“Is momma and Jennifer ok?” he sobbed.

David put his arms around his brother. “Tony dad just wants us with him. Mrs. Smith we’re coming.”

David took his brother’s hand and they got in the back seat together.David knew that it was bad but he didn’t want to let Tony know.

Henry sat with Phillip. He didn’t know what else to do. Mary came and sat down beside him. She was in pain herself but hers was physical, her bruises would heal. She could not imagine the pain of losing a child.Mary held her daughter as she cried over the loss of her friend.

When Ellen arrived the boys were taken to a separate room. Phillip wanted to be alone with his boys when he told them. When their father entered the room without their mom, without Jennifer they began to cry. Phillip ran over to his sons and cradled them in his arms.

“David,Tony”, your sister was hurt very badly in the accident. She didn’t make it. She was in a lot of pain. Her spirit went to be with God.”Tony screamed and screamed. His dad held him tightly against him until his sobs became moans.

David fell to his knees. He held his head in his hands as his small body trembled heaving with each sob. They sought comfort from each other.

Tony asked. “Where is mom? Why isn’t she here with us?”

“Your mom is resting. She has a concussion. The doctors wanted us to wait until she felt better before we told her. She’s sleeping. I will take you to see her.

The boys went to see their mom. Phillip knew they needed reassurance that she was alive. He let them kiss her cheek then led them out into the waiting room. Nancy and John Walker were there to take the children home. Nancy had some bruises but she was ok.

“Phillip, the boys can stay with us. Let John and I take them home. You stay here with Jan” said Nancy. Phillip hugged both of them.

“Thank you both. I will pick them up in the morning’ he replied.

Everyone left the hospital, battered and bruised. Each family knew that it could have been a member of their family that was dead. They each prayed for the McKnight family.

Alicia called to make sure everyone was ok. They asked Nancy if she needed help with the children. When Nancy got there Alicia and Michael were waiting for them in the driveway. They had stopped and brought food for everyone. Alicia pampered Nancy and Tammy making sure both of them were ok. Michael and John fed the boys and blew up air mattresses for them.

The children were exhausted. John and Michael thanked Alicia and Michael for everything. They were their extended family.

Bill and Toni knew they would have to tell the boys. Debbie had fallen asleep in the back seat crying. When they came in the door the boys were waiting for them. They saw their mother then their dad carrying Debbie. They were both home. They started to go upstairs when their dad stopped them. Boys let me put your sister to bed then we need to talk with you. The boys knew that Mrs. Smith had come to pick up the David and Tony. They knew that someone had died. They thought it was Mrs. McKnight. They were prepared. Bill came down the stairs with Toni at his side.

Bill began. “Boys you know that there was an accident today. Your mom and Debbie are okay but everyone did not make it. There is no easy way to say this. Jennifer McKnight is dead.”

Jonathan and Tommy stared blank face at their parents. They were prepared for it to be Mrs. McKnight. She was old. Jennifer was their age. How could she be dead?

It dawned on them at the same moment that it could have been Debbie. It could have been Debbie. Mrs. Colbert gathered her sons in her arms as if to protect them from the world. She let them cry.

The Worthington’s knew that at any minute Stacey could be taken away from them. They thought they were prepared until they heard that a child had not survived. Their hearts raced. Stacey had fought this disease for 5 years. Would it be a car accident that took her life? When they called Sam in to see his wife and daughter he was elated.He immediately thanked God for saving his daughter another time.

Mary and John drove home. They talked to John and put Rita to bed. Mary held it together until she tucked her daughter into bed. Then she collapsed in her husband’s arms and cried for everyone.

Derrick called Ellen. “Glen wants to come home in the morning so he can be there for David. I think it’s a good idea. If it’s alright I will bring him home after breakfast.”

“Thank you Derrick for being there for him.” They had come to an understanding that they would put Glen first no matter what.

Jan stirred in the bed. She looked at Phillip's face and knew that something was wrong.

“Phillip, where is Jennifer. Did you take her to the Walkers? Is she still in the hospital? I need to see her.” Jan started to get up. I need to see my daughter.

Phillip sat down beside his wife and took her hand. “Jan, Jennifer didn’t make it. The impact cracked her skull. She felt no pain. It was over in seconds.”

Jan screamed heavy sobbing moans. The pain shot through her body as if she had been trampled by a herd of elephants. It was unbearable. The pain would never end. She thought to herself. “How could she hide the fact that Jennifer was not Phillips child? Would she lose her daughter and her family too?

Inside "Silent Tears"

05/18/2012 19:53:00

Chapter 1

Children of Plains Estates - "Silent Tears"

Dr. Smith was rounding the corner when he heard the gunshot. He saw Alan’s small, slim body collapse against the cold linoleum tile. Justin felt wet as urine trickled down his leg. His body had betrayed him. He had peed on himself. Carl screamed repeatedly “Oh my God, Oh my God. We didn’t mean it. We didn’tmean it.” Dr. Smith checked on Alan. He cradled him in his arms.There was nothing that could be done. He had a single shot to the brain. The shot was meant to kill and not to maim. He held him in his arms, oblivious to the blood stains on his shirt. Instinctively he knew he had to move to help the other two boys. One was in shock and the other was trembling. He laid Alan’s body down and covered it with his jacket and went to examine the other boys.

The principal ran down the hallway when he heard the shot. He stopped short when he saw the scene and called the police.Dr. Smith yelled. “Get some blankets and get the school nurse. I dropped my bag at the front entrance. Please bring it to me”. The principal seemed frozen in his tracks then he began to move. He radioed for the nurse and the blankets. They all heard the ambulances wailing in the background. He said a silent prayer. “Dear God, help us through this.”

The police immediately locked the classroom down. Glen knew that it had something to do with Alan. He was filled with hope.Maybe they found Alan. He knew that he would be arrested. He had committed a crime but so had his dad and he was given a second chance. Alan needed help. He needed someone to understand his pain,his torture. Night after night he woke up with nightmares of his father’s abuse. His life would never be the same. Where was his justice? Glen sat on the floor with his legs crossed and his head in his hands as instructed. He thought about the good times he had shared with Alan instead of the reality he knew would come.

Ellen heard the phone ring. She picked it up quickly,not wanting to wake Mrs. Bates until absolutely necessary. She had not slept all night. When she heard the news she trembled.

“Mrs. Smith”, asked the officer? “Are you still there?”

“Yes, I’m here”, he heard Ellen say faintly so low he could barely hear her voice.

“We are sending a car to take Mrs. Bates to the school,” replied the officer. Ellen thought, how do you prepare a mother for the news of the death of her son? Her son had killed her husband and now her son was dead.How does one survive such a tragedy? Ellen checked on Elizabeth and went in to wake Janice. Janice sat up when she entered the room. I heard the telephone ring. “Did they find Alan?” she asked anxiously. She knew they had a long road ahead of them but all she could think about was that she would have her son with her. They would go from there regardless of the outcome. Ellen braced herself to tell Janice the news. Ellen took Janice’s hands in hers. As she delivered the news, she squeezed her hands tighter.Her body collapsed against hers. Her sobs exploded. She heard the police car pull up. She had to keep Elizabeth. She could not be there with Janice. A lady detective accompanied Mrs. Bates to the school.The ride seemed like an eternity. Ellen woke Elizabeth. She needed to be at the school to speak with her son. What would she say to him?She shuttered then began to move. She had to be with her husband and her son.

“We need to get the boys to the hospital” said Dr.Smith.

“We have grief counselors on the way”, said the officer. “Dr. Smith, Mrs. Bates is on the way. We have a female officer with her. Dr. Smith, do you have any idea what happened?”

“The boys will need to be questioned?” replied Dr.Smith. We know that there was an incident between them and it resulted in the suicide of Alan Bates.”

“That’s all we know right now”, said the officer.“The boy’s parents will be meeting us at the hospital. We want to handle this by the book. We will also need to talk to your son when he’s ready about the incident in the school cafeteria yesterday.

“They are bringing Glen to the office so that I can speak with him”, replied Dr. Smith.

They both looked up when they heard Mrs. Bates sobs.She ran to her son’s body kneeling down beside him then taking him into her arms. “Why God have you taken my son from me?” cried Mrs. Bates. “Why did you take him? I am responsible for all of this. It is my fault. I should have killed him myself. I shouldn’thave left it for my son to do what needed to be done. I should have killed him when he first violated my son. I should have been the one to kill him.” Dr. Smith knelled beside Mrs. Bates

“Janice, this is not your fault. Our system failed Alan. You have Elizabeth to raise now. You have to go on for her.”

Janice stood up. “I cannot go on until I get justice for my son. There must be justice for my son.

Ellen came in the back way. Mrs. Bates and Glen were in the office waiting for her. Ellen’s immediate concern was for her son. Mrs. Bates took Elizabeth while Ellen went to her son. Glen had been taken to a separate room. Just as Ellen was about to enter the room, Dr. Smith walked into the office. Ellen looked at him. She gasped when she saw the blood. He looked down. He had removed his shirt but still had on the t-shirt. The office assistant offered him a school sweat shirt. “Go on in Ellen”, said Dr. Smith. “I will join you as soon as I change into this shirt. “Ellen wanted to embrace her husband but she knew her son needed her more. Glen ran to his mom as soon as she walked into the door.

“Mom, its bad isn’t it?” cried Glen. “I heard the ambulance. Did they take Alan to the hospital? He’s alrightisn’t he? He’s just hurt right?” Glen was almost yelling. Just then Dr. Smith came into the room. “Dr. Smith did you go to the hospital with Alan?” questioned Glen. “When can I see him? Can we go to the hospital now? Ellen gathered her son in her arms.

“Glen, Alan is dead. He killed himself”, said his mom. “The pain was just too much for him. He didn’t want to live anymore.”

Glen’s body seemed to crumble in her arms. Dr. Smith came over to comfort his wife and his son.

“Ellen”, said Dr. Smith. “Janice is waiting for you. There are news cameras and reporters out front. Take both of them out the back.”

“No”, Janice almost yelled. They both looked to the door where they saw Janice Bates.

“Ellen, you and Tom have been wonderful but I have to speak with the press. I have to do this for my son.”

“Janice, do you want me to go with you?” asked Ellen.

“I would appreciate it if you would stay here with Elizabeth,” replied Janice. “Then we can leave.”

“We will be right here waiting for you.” said Dr.Smith.

Janice went to the front door to face the press. They were quiet as she began to speak. “I will make a statement but I will not answer any questions”. Janice began to speak.

“My son killed himself today because the pain of living was too much to bear. My son was molested by his father. The justice system plea bargained his case and his accuser was in rehabilitation after six months... Where were you when they plea bargained this case? Where were you when the children taunted my son calling him names even though he was the victim? Where was my church when my husband was released? They were sitting in the pulpit gossiping and passing judgment on my family. Now, you are here. My husband is dead. My son is dead. Now we are news worthy. Why did it take a tragedy to happen for you to write his story?”

Janice began to cry, tears streamed down her face. Ellen Smith walked out to the front of the school and hugged her friend, thinking of how courageous this woman is and how dedicated she was to turning her son’s tragedy into a victory for survivors of sexual abuse.

When Pastor Simms heard what had happened he closed himself off into his parish to pray. “God, I have failed your daughter. I do not know how to make it right. Lead me in your ways.”Pastor Simms knew what he must do. He drove to the school. All the press would be gone so he would not be using her grief for the sake of his guilt. He walked through the thinning crowd. He reached out to sister Bates and said “I am so sorry. I have failed you.” He turned to the crowd. “God has not failed this wonderful child of God but we the church and the community have failed her. Please join me in praying for her family and for the restoration of the church.Please take each others hand regardless of denomination. Let us pray.“Father God……”

As they prayed, one station was still filming. In the background behind the center of events was an independent reporter determined to tell this young man’s story. That night this story would be played throughout the world. Its impact would never be known.

Janice took her daughter in her arms. “I would like to go home with my daughter and remember the good times with my son.”A smile came across her face as she thought about the day they laid her beautiful son in her arms, perfect and innocent. They all walked to the car in silence. This day would be forever ingrained in their memory.

Ellen turned to her husband. She knew Glen still had to be questioned.

“Tomorrow,” said Dr. Smith. “Everything else can wait until tomorrow.”

Ellen nodded in agreement.

Mr. Hernandez and his wife were watching the news when Alan Bates story came on the television. Mr. Hernandez quickly gathered his children. They took each others hand and began to pray.It didn’t matter that the news went directly to another clip they continued to pray for Alan and all the other victims. Mr. Hernandez thought “only by the grace of God is this not my own son. Please God let no other child be harmed.” Mr. Hernandez would reach out to this brave woman and her family for he knew her pain.

“Dad”, said Alfredo. I would like to go to the service. May I go?

“Yes Alfredo”, we will get the information from the paper. We all will go he said with tears in his eyes. He hugged his son. He held on to his son for what seemed like forever. He looked at this son and his daughter Adriana. “I love you very much”. His children went upstairs. Mrs. Hernandez hugged her husband and they cried in relief knowing this could have been their family.

Chapter 2

The small church was filled with people. Some members from the church came to the service but most were individuals that had never met Mrs. Bates or her son. Children from the school came today good-bye. Most of them had never befriended Alan but they had felt the pain of being isolated from the various clicks for one reason or the other. They, more than others, understood his pain. Some how they hoped that this incident would make their lives easier.They silently wondered if the teasing and heckling would stop after Alan’s death. Most remained cynical. The school had set up group sessions to discuss the problem but it was a ruse, fake. The bullies claimed to gain understanding and the victims didn’t speak out for fear of retaliation. Didn’t grown-ups understand anything? Justin and Carl now understood the consequences of their actions. The memory of Alan Bates shooting himself in the head would always be with them but would they make others understand what they had now experienced.They were their only hope to bridge the gap between the perpetrators and the victims.

The service was short. Mrs. Bates wanted it that way.After the service Mr. Hernandez and Alfredo went to speak with Mrs.Bates.

“Mrs. Bates,” spoke Alfredo cautiously. “My names Alfredo Hernandez, This is my father. I wanted to be here because I am a survivor of sexual abuse. I want to thank you for your courage in telling your story. I did not know your son but I do know his pain because I have lived it. I am so sorry for your lost.”

Mrs. Bates knelt down and hugged this small boy then she hugged Mr. Hernandez. “Thank you for coming. It means so much tome”. She looked at Alfredo and said “thank you for having the courage to share your story with me. You are a very brave boy”.Your parents must be very proud to have raised such a wonderful son.

Ellen and Dr. Smith took Mrs. Bates home. Mr. Bates’family had not attended the funeral and had had a separate service for their son. They wasted no time in filing for custody of Elizabeth claiming that Janice had been an unfit parent. The state was talking about pressing charges against Justin and Carl implicating them in Alan’s death. It was not enough that Janice had lost her son now she had to go through a custody hearing and possibly a trial. Her son had more rights dead than he did while alive. How ironic was that? Ellen was going home to spend time with her son then she would stay the night with Janice. She knew what a difficult night this would be for her.

When Ellen and Tom pulled into the driveway they saw familiar car. A door opened and Derrick got out of the car and walked toward them. Ellen nodded to Glen before he had a chance to ask.Ellen understood how devastating Alan’s death had been for her son.He needed the support of all his family. She was so happy Derrick had come to be with him. She saw Derrick hug his son and then he walked over to Ellen and Tom. Derrick spoke first.

“I didn’t mean to intrude and I know this is not my week-end but I wanted my son to know that I am here for him”.

“Derrick, I’m glad you came,” replied Ellen. “Glen needs you right now. Glen, it is okay if you would like to spend sometime with your father. We understand.”

“Dad, do you have time?” asked Glen. “Just your coming is enough.”

“Glen, I cleared my schedule just in case you needed to talk or just wanted to share some things with me about you and Alan’s friendship.” explained Derrick.

This was a new role for Derrick. He didn’t know what to say or how to act. He just wanted to be there for his son. Derrick looked at Tom and Ellen for help. Tom stepped in. He wanted to make Derrick comfortable for Glen’s sake. “Derrick why don’t you and Glen go get a bite to eat and just be there for him. You will know what he needs. The most important thing you could have done was to be here. Everything else will fall in to place.”

Glen hugged his parents. “I love you both. Thank you for understanding.”

Derrick drove Glen to their favorite spot to eat and then drove to his garage where they could share some private time.This had become their refuge. This is the spot where they had begun to get to know each other again. Here they had laughed and they had cried. They sat down on the couch and Glen began to talk with tears streaming down his eyes. “Alan was one of my first real friends. He was in the slow class with me. We bonded because we both had skipped school and were having problems at home. When Alan told me about his father I promised to keep his secret but then he got sick and I had to get Dr. Smith to help him. That’s when his father was arrested and he left school for awhile. When he got back I wasn’t in the slow class anymore and I had new friends. I didn’t know what to say to him so I stayed away like the other kids. I wasn’t there for him like I should have been. Maybe if I had been a better friend this wouldn’t have happened. Alan told me he was having nightmares when he found out his dad was gong to be released. He told me how people that knew the truth in his neighborhood had teased him when they found out. I knew how bad things were for him. I should have done something. When Dr. Smith agreed to help his mom pay for a tutor and she started the catering business Alan seemed happier. How could I have missed the signs? Why did they let his father out of jail? They were starting to rebuild their family. Who put in on the Internet? How did Carl and Justin find out? How could anyone be so cruel? How can anyone be so cruel?”

Derrick just let his son cry. He had no answers. All he could do was hold him.

Carl woke up screaming in the middle of the night. His mother was sitting at his bedside. Every time he would drift off to sleep he would see Alan Bates put the gun to his head and shoot himself. He would see all the blood. He remembered the man cradling his body then closing his eyes and laying a jacket over the body.Then he was led away to the office and someone kept asking him questions after questions until he couldn’t stop screaming. Then he felt a needle prick his arm. First there was pain then it was gone.He could no longer hear the questions. Mrs. Johnson got up and changed her son’s pajamas and sheets. He had wet the bed. She had given her son a sedative to make him sleep. She mourned for Alan Bates and his family but no amount of pain could bring him back to life. What would happen to her son? He had been released in her custody until after a psychiatric evaluation. What price would he have to pay for his actions?

Justin’s parents were in denial. Justin was raised in a Christian home. He would never treat someone so cruelly. The principal’s office had called that morning and said that the boy’s were being suspended but they thought it was just a juvenile prank.After all boys will be boys and sometimes things get out of hand. The other boy had probably provoked their son to say such cruel things.What their son had been taught was that what happened between that boy and his father was a sin and that they were going to hell. He probably was trying to help the boy. The fact that they could file criminal charges against her son for accessory to a crime was outrageous. How could they blame their son for telling the truth? The father and the son were sinners. They both paid for their sins and now they want to blame my son. The Jackson’s had hired an attorney to represent their son. Justin did not want an attorney. He could not tell his parents it was him that looked up the website and that it was him that made the comment to Alan in front of everyone in the cafeteria. It was his fault that Alan Bates was dead. Carl just went along because he wanted to fit in. Justin did try to convince his parents to hire an attorney for Carl also. Carl’s mother can’t afford one. He would have to use a state appointed attorney. Justin had heard people talking in the hallway. There were too many of these school killings. It was time that a precedent was set in cases like these. He was scared. He didn’t know what to do. Did he shift the blame to save himself? Carl wasn’t even rational. The only thing he knew was that he was going to have a psychiatric evaluation. His attorney was going to use it to their benefit. His parents had advised him to not say a word and do whatever the attorney advised him. For now he would keep quiet.

Janice heard a knock on the door and was sure it was Ellen. She was surprised when she looked out and it was Mrs. Ware. She wanted to turn the lights off and walk the other way but she answered the door. Janice held the door open and said quietly under her breath “come in Agnes”

“Thank you for letting me in Janice. I realize I am the last person you expected to see. I am one of the church members that told about your husband. I told myself I was protecting the other members but I was gossiping. My actions contributed to your pain and for that I am deeply sorry. I can’t speak for anyone but myself but I am ashamed of the way I treated you and I hope eventually you will find it in your heart to forgive me.”

Janice hugged her. “I forgive you because you are sincere. Thank you so much for coming.

“I would like to sit with you for awhile if you will let me. I can cook something for you and Elizabeth or give her a bath if you want me to,” inquired Agnes.

“Agnes, I would love it if you would just talk withe. Elizabeth is sleep. The quiet is as loud as thunder. It fills the house with visions of my son, his laughter, his tears, his drums pounding, his symbols crashing and it is overwhelming. Please just talk to me to quiet the sounds.”

“Alfredo, I am so proud of you,” said Adriana. “I never really understood how much pain you were in until now. When I read Alan Bates story I learned more about how courageous you are. I just want you to know that I love you. I know you are still in counseling but I am your sister. If you need to talk I am here for you. I know I said that before and when you tried to talk with me I judged you. This time I am just here to listen.”

Alfredo hugged his sister. They had reached a new level of understanding.

Request A Free Copy of "Children of Plains" Series

05/18/2012 12:00:00

A reader advised me yesterday that she read the series in a week.and couldn't put it down so to show my appreciation for the over 30,000 hits to my website I will send a copy of the series to the first 10 requests. Please send your request with mailing address to claudette.milner@yahoo.com.

The website will close June 2, 2012. The final post will be the script to the short film. I believe that it is meant to be produced if not by me by someone.

This is God's work so I will leave it in his hands.

Claudette

Happy Mother's Day

05/16/2012 23:35:00

This is the first Mother's Day without my mom. I thought about her many times while in church today. She was my biggest supporter. I smiled when I thought about how she would sell copies of my books while she was in the nursing home suffering from pancreatic cancer. She always made me bring a copy of my books to sit on the desk beside her no matter if she was in the hospital. home or the nursing home.

Her hospice aid was a member of a book club and she arranged for me to speak to the club and sell my books.

After she retired she would travel with me to speaking engagements.

My mother was born on April 2, 1934 She began her college career at Clark University in Atlanta. Her father died when she was 9 years old. My grandmother reared 6 children. My mother married my father and left school. She would later receive her degree from University of Louisville at the age of 46 years old.

My mother began her career at GE as a factory worker along side my dad. After fighting age and race discrimination she was promoted to foreman . During her tenure my mother continued to work on her Masters degree and teach classes at Western Kentucky University, She worked to raise over 1 million dollars to support educational programs in our community. My mother received a Black Achiever Award in the 1980's and finished her career at GE in Management and Training Development.

My mother helped anyone that asked. Women were her weakness and they played on her kindheartedness. She knew that she had been blessed and much was expected of her.

My mother and I had many heated debates regarding race, class and politics. She was a registered Democrat and a leaning Republican. She was a business woman. She was shrewd and calculating. She thought like a man. My mother manipulated the situation to her favor. She believed money was power and race was an insignificant factor in her success. The women on Dallas had nothing on my mother.

During my mother;s illness she would refuse medication when she was not in control of her brain. Every visit she would ask me about my day. One day she said enough about work let's discuss business.

My mother was a character and I miss her deeply. I still have conversations with her. I know she is still guiding me.

Mommy I love you.

Time has Expired

05/11/2012 12:15:00

The journey has come to an end. The project has expired. Without an agent or a credible publisher that I don't have to pay for every promotion and all traveling and marketing expenses I have to give up the dream. I have made great personal sacrifices and so has my family. God has said no so now I must be open to his will for my life. I will post again on March 31, 2012 then the website will close down.

Continue to pray for me.

God Bless

May 11, 2012 : 11:59 AM My Defining Moment

05/07/2012 11:42:00

I have not posted for the last few days. I sat in church on Sunday in thought. On May 11, 2012 at 11:59 AM my life will change. Either my project will be funded or it will not. What ever the result I will enjoy Mother's Day and be prepared to begin the first day of the rest of my life knowing that I have done everything possible to make my dreams a reality.

In life everything has a season. I am prepared for mine.

Pray for me.

Blessings,

Claudette Milner

My thoughts

05/01/2012 23:14:00

There is no way I can list all of my favorite excerpts. There are even some from "Hidden Truths I would like to showcase. As I watch the clock ticking down on my Kickstater project I feel an urgency to speak to my readers with the stories that God has placed in my heart.

I may never get the pilot completed or a weekly drama on NBC but as I read through my published works I felt a sense of pride. I have given a voice to those that have have been unheard voices crying silent tears. I hope that I have touched the hearts of my readers and changed the minds of some. At the very least I hope that I have challenged my readers to face their own stereotypes.

For the next two weeks my focus will be on completing "Hidden Truths" and then I will complete the series. "Children of Plains Estates: The Final Chapter..

If the excerpts have you wondering what happened next the books or ebooks may be odered on Amazon.com.

Be blessed

Inside"Children of Plains Estates" Race and Class

05/01/2012 20:18:00

The human resource staff had arrived in Plains Estates just prior to the strike. Carla Dean and her son and the Williamson family would be moving into their homes on Saturday. The Williamson’s were an interracial couple.Their daughter Morgan and son Jeffrey would be attending school at Radcliff. Carla’s son Clayton would be going to Martin Luther King middle school.

Morgan was obviously mulatto. She had the hardest time in school with her peers. She didn’t seem to fit in anywhere. Now she would be in a school that was already divided racially. Jeffrey,darker in skin color would migrate toward the African Americans. She would be an outcast from both races. She tried to talk her parents out of making her attend Radcliff but they insisted it would be different than her last school. She would make friends. The racial issues had been resolved. Radcliff had been officially integrated.She had cried all night. Her parents didn’t understand. They looked at the world through their eyes only. They loved each other and the world needed to accept them, their family, and their children. For her, knowing that she was loved was not enough. She didn’t want to fight any racial wars. She just wanted to be accepted for the person she was and not looked at as a half breed. Her parents made sure she and her brother were educated about their culture. Their mother was of Irish descent and their father African American. In her small world which included her immediate family she was loved and accepted.She felt safe but in the outside world she was called names, branded by her color. She wasn’t black enough and she wasn’t white. There was no safe haven for her. Silently she blamed her parents for making her an outcast. When they married they never thought about what it would do to their children. They assumed that their love would be enough. For that she blamed society. What right does anyone have to choose who someone else should love? Most importantly why did she have to pay the price for their ignorance?

Morgan bit her lip as they approached Radcliff. Jeffrey ran for the door. He was ready for the day. Jeffrey was a bit of a clown. This was his coping mechanism. He just laughed off everything. Morgan confronted her enemies and it kept her in the principle’s office. Silently, she was tired of fighting. She just wanted to attend school, get an education and most importantly make new friends. Adriana and Jesus were her friends but they were going to the Guardian Angels, the Catholic school. At this point she would even prefer to go to Catholic school than Radcliff. Her parents were interdenominational and did not want her to go to a Catholic school.

When they walked in to the admissions office they were greeted with stares. Ms Strom was expecting two white children because she had spoken at length with Mrs. Williamson. She quickly gained her composure and went to shake her hand. Mrs. Williamson “I am pleased to finally meet you”, said Mrs. Strom. Mrs. Strom thought back quickly. Were the children listed as bi-racial on the application?Radcliff was an all white school for so long only recently had they added the question on race and it was optional. Mrs. Williamson had not completed that part of the application. It was not an oversight on Karen’s part. Her children were bi-racial and there was no check for that. She would not have her children deny any part of their heritage. “How was your move from Kansas City?”

“We are still moving in.”, replied Mrs. Williamson. “Our furniture finally arrived yesterday”.

“Everything seems to be in order”, said Mrs. Strom. “Here are the children’s schedules. Martin and Shannon will you take Jeffery and Morgan to their homeroom class. Morgan you will be in Mr. Washington’s class and Jeffrey you will be assigned to Ms. Houston’s class. Martin and Shannon will be your peer partners for the day. They will have the same schedule as you and will help you get to all of your classes.Welcome to Radcliff. Ms. Williams you will need to pick the children up until we get them scheduled for the school bus”.

“That’s not a problem Mrs. Strom. Morgan and Jeffrey, I will meet you after school. Have a great day”.

“Hi,my name is Shannon. We better hurry if we’re going to get to homeroom on time.”

Ms.Strom didn’t know what to do. She had talked with Mrs. Williamson several times. She never even questioned the race of the children.Should she have peered them with African American students? Since Terri Garth integrated Radcliff a few other African Americans had enrolled. . Most of them were financially able to meet the school requirements so their transition was easier. There was less said about their entrance. The Williams children were not scholarship cases but they were biracial. What kind of background did they come from? Would they fit in at Radcliff? Ms. Strom kept her thoughts to herself.

The morning had gone rather quickly. Shannon and Jeffrey had attended private school since pre-school so they were academically prepared for Radcliff. Her new math class was behind her old school so the curriculum was a review for her. She wasn’t going to tell her mom because she would immediately have her tested for a higher math class. Being a new student was difficult enough without having your mother in the office after only one day of school. She had heard horror stories about the race issue at Radcliff but the day seemed to be going well. She wondered if it would change when the students found out her mom was white. It always changed things for both races. She was stuck in the middle.

“Morgan”,Shannon called out. “Come on we’re sitting over here”. Terri Garth looked up and saw Morgan for the first time. She had heard the buzz around school. She was a little envious. Morgan was given a mentor and seemed to fit right in with her group. Terri was ostracized from the moment she entered Radcliff. She wondered if it was because Morgan was bi-racial or was it because she had money.Morgan was also light skinned with long wavy hair. Maybe they didn’t realize that she was black. Maybe they thought she was Oriental which would be a joke because her eyes aren’t even slanted. Latinos are accepted. Maybe they think she’s Latino. Maybe it was because she looked like an African American. . She had kinky hair and dark eyes and deep chocolate skin. Her father tells her she is beautiful everyday. In the morning in her kitchen she feels beautiful. Sometimes she wishes she could stop time, never leaving the loving environment of her home. Then she enters a world that judges her beauty based on white standards and she doesn’t measure up. Her butt is too big,her lips to thick and her skin too dark. She laughed quietly to herself. A big butt was actually in since J-lo and Beyonce hit the scene.

Her mother said that it was because she was the first African American to intergrate Radcliff. People don’t always except change well. They are frightened by change. Things seemed to get better after the first few weeks. Some students left because their parents didn’t want them attending Radcliff any longer. Then she entered the speech competition and even the students that seemed to accept her turned on her. As long as she stayed in her place people seemed to tolerate her being at Radcliff but they didn’t want her representing their school. Some students supported her right to enter, but the teasing and name calling started back up. Since then there have been 15 African Americans enter Radcliff. With every student the road seems less bumpy. Her family is always saying how proud they are of her that she stuck it out despite the adversity. Terri was not trying to make a difference. In the beginning she just wanted to attend a better school. She attended school everyday, completed all her assignments and stayed in the background. It was during her speech that she realized for the first time that she deserved to be here as much as all the rest of the students. She entered on her merit. She received an academic scholarship. She was not a charity case. She was just as important as every other student that attended Radcliff. She had a right to be here and nobody would keep her from accomplishing her goals. Terri didn’t know what would happen with Morgan but she was going to make a point of making her welcome at Radcliff. If she didn’t she was just as guilty as the students that ignored her.Terri walked to Morgan and Shannon’s lunch table.

“Hello Shannon, I came over to introduce myself to our new student. “ Morgan looked up and smiled. “My name is Terri Garth,” said Terri. “Welcome to Radcliff.”

“My name is Morgan Williamson, replied Morgan.” It’s nice to meet you. I was afraid I was walking into a battle ground coming to Radcliff but it’s been ok. From what I hear I have you to thank you for it.”

“Things have gotten better since last year but we’ve still got a ways to go before there is total acceptance, said Terri.

“Not being pessimistic but I don’t think there will ever be total acceptance of any group, said Shannon. There will always going to be individuals that practice ignorant behavior. The only thing we can hope to accomplish is that their attitudes will slowly change and they become the minority. When I say groups I don’t mean just racial groups. Kids tease each other for the strangest things. We wear uniforms and uniform shoes. My next door neighbor gets teased because she wears jeepers and her clothes aren’t name brand. What you don’t realize Terri is that you were one of the first academic scholarship winners. I was also admitted to Radcliff on an academic scholarship but no one questioned my right to be here because I was white. There were five of us in all. We just kept quiet and stayed to ourselves. We didn’t come from the right side of town. We were afraid they would call us trailer trash and tease us. We didn’t want to go through what you were going through so we didn’tparticipate in after school activities because they would find out we didn’t belong here. When you made your speech our opinions of ourselves changed. I am an A student and I wanted to enter the contest and this year I will so consider it a challenge. I will be a major competitor this year because I can. I decided to be a peer counselor so I could give to other students what I didn’t get from Radcliff when I came, acceptance.”

Terri was floored byShannon’s words. She was just as afraid to come to Radcliff as Terri. Terri had a lot of thinking to do. Maybe she had more work to do also.

“Hey you guys,that’s the bell.” said Shannon. “Morgan we have to get going.Mrs. Duer is a stickler for punctuality and she doesn’t care who you are.”

“Wait up my class is right next door. I’ll walk with you.” replied Terri.

No problems we resolved but it was a beginning. For the first time since Terri had gotten to Radcliff the dialogue had been opened. Maybe things were really changing at Radcliff.

Mexican Racism

05/01/2012 08:09:00

Meet Jesus.

Jesus went into the store to fill out a job application. It was off season and he needed to make some extra money. He was 15 and he didn’t want to ask his mother for money. Jesus made sure he was dressed neatly and that his penmanship could be clearly read before the interviewer came out for the interview. His mother had always taught him to make a good impression. She cautioned him. Always speak English during the entire interview. If they are looking for bi-lingual cashiers then let them know you speak fluent Spanish. When the interviewer came out Jesus stood up to shake his hands just like his mother had taught him. The interviewer ignored his hand and sat down at the table.

“Before I start with this interview Jesus is it. I have to ask. Are you in this country legally? I can’t afford to have any more immigration problems. I mean you all are hard workers and come cheap but I have to look out for fake green cards. You know what I mean?

“Jesus knew to keep his composure. He needed this job. Sir, my mother is an American citizen. I am an American citizen. I have my birth certificate and my social security card with me.”

Jesus had been humiliated in front of the people at the surrounding tables. The man was talking loud enough that everyone could hear. Some even smirked when he asked him the question. His father lived in Mexico. He came across the border every spring to work the crops in order to take care of his family in Mexico. His parents had never married His father had a wife and children in Mexico. The part of Mexico that his father was from was very poor. He worked for little money picking fruit during the harvest season so that he could feed his family during the winter months. Immigration was easy on the immigrants during harvest time because they were cheap labor but as soon as the harvest was over they would crack down. He knew his father was wrong but there was no other way for him to feed his family. Sometimes he resented the illegal immigrants because the only Mexicans you hear about on the news or in the papers are those that enter this country illegally. His mother worked for a furniture store that had a large Hispanic customers. They even had Hispanic salesman. You never heard about Mexicans like his mother and Alberto. If you did it would change attitudes and make working conditions better for Hispanics and not worse. Hispanics are resented by Americans. They think of them as job stealer. In reality Americans don’t want to work most of the jobs given to Hispanics and wouldn’t accept the wages that they earn. We work harder because we want to prove that we deserve to be in this country and treated equally. Jesus didn’t want to work for men like this one but until times change he would hold his tongue and be respectful.

“Everything looks in order. The manager is out today so you can come in tomorrow and he will interview you. Can you come back or do you have to meet with your gang?”

“I can come back tomorrow sir, replied Jesus. It will have to be after school.”

“I thought you all dropped out of school by your age, he chuckled. “Come back around 4:00 PM”

Jesus did not discuss the interview with his mother. He only told her that he had a second interview at 4:00 pm.

Jesus went to the court to shoot around some balls. He looked on the second court and saw John Humphres. They played basketball together at Thomas Jefferson High School.

John was pretty cool. They had never associated outside of basketball practice but he got along well with everyone on the team. John was black, he thought about it a minute, African American so maybe he would understand what he was feeling. Jesus knew how sensitive he was about people grouping all Hispanics in one group. The Cubans were Castro’s throw aways and Mexicans were illegal. Growing up he was told that blacks were lazy, didn’t want to work, drank and lived on welfare. Jews were stingy money hungry and controlled all of Hollywood. Asians were smart. They didn’t respect other minorities. They thought they were better, different. They owned all the wig stores and beauty supply shops. They were pretty smart though because all the girls are wearing weave. Jesus thought this was a good move. Whites were paranoid. They blamed all their economic problems on other races. If they couldn’t find a job it was because of affirmative action. My mom said it was always somebody’s fought. He had found that those stereotypes were just as wrong as the stereotypes about Hispanics. After he started reading the paper he made an observation. The media played on these stereotypes. They use them to keep everybody upset so they forget about the real issues like Iraq, and the economy. His friends for the most part were Hispanics. John seemed to have many friends outside his race. As long as we allow the prejudices of a few to keep us distracted we are never going to learn from each other. I would like to own a shopping center like the Asians. Maybe instead of resenting them I could learn from them and become an entrepreneur myself. Maybe instead of trying to work for a racist I can apply for a job at the beauty supply store. He wondered if the guys on the team would think he was a sissy. He thought about what he just said. He said to himself. Man you need to check your own self. I guess we all are racist in some way. Jesus walked over to speak with John.

“Hey John, do you want to shoot a few baskets,” asked Jesus.

“Sure, I’m trying to stay in shape during the off season. I usually shoot with my dad and Tommy but my dad had a heart attack and I’ve been staying close to home. He’s doing better now so I’ll be out more,” replied John. “I didn’t know you practiced on these courts. Maybe we can meet up and play some time.”

“I’d like that but I just applied for a job at Shelton’s, said Jesus. If I get the job I’m not sure how much time I will have to play between work and homework. My mom said I can only work if it doesn’t affect my grades.”

“You too, I thought I was the only one on the team with a mom with an iron club over your head.”

They both laughed.

“John can I talk to you about something?” asked Jesus.

“My jump shot is a secret,” replied John. No really come on over to the table and we’ll talk.”

“When I went to the interview the employee that took my application was a racist. He suggested that I was illegally in the country and I had obtained fake identification. I have a second interview tomorrow. Should I go or just walk away?” asked Jesus. “What would you do?

“Man, my dad grew up in the south. He went through a lot. The one thing he has always said is, do not let the ignorance of one person or group give you an excuse not to succeed. Go to the interview. Even if you don’t get the job you didn’t let him stop you from applying. He wanted you to quit and not come back, and then he would have said you didn’t want to work and he would have a reason not to hire other Hispanics. Don’t give him an easy way out. Continue to be professional throughout the interview process and don’t allow him to bate you. I’m sure you will do fine. Come on so I can dust you on the court.”

Jesus and John played two games of 21. They exchanged telephone numbers and promised to talk at school.

Jesus walked into Shelton’s for his interview. He braced himself for his interview. He knew it was with the store manger. He prepared for the worst and hoped for the best. A young lady came and advised him that the manager would meet with him in the office.

Jesus walked into the room. The manager stood up and extended his hand.

“I’m pleased to meet you Jesus. My name is Jose Gonzales. Please sit down and we’ll begin the interview process………………

Inside Children of Plains Estates: The strike

04/30/2012 21:44:00

The strike that rocks Plains Estates and pits Management against labor, Friends against each other in the families fight to protect their families livelihood.

Meet the families of Plains Estates:

Phillip called everyone into the room. Phillip was a foreman at the plant and the union would vote on the contract on Monday. He wanted to make sure that his family was ready for the fallout in case of a strike. It was management against the union. He was a part of management.

John Walker, his best friend was part of the union. Everyone wanted to avoid a strike but nobody was ready to make concessions until after the vote. Phillip and Jan had gone through financial problems earlier in the year. Jan had gone to work and with the help of family and financial counseling they were back on strike. The plans were for Jan to quit after they were back on their feet but with the strike looming over everyone’s head they decided to pay extra on their bills in case of the inevitable. Unlike the union workers he would be guaranteed a check but no additional bonus or extra hours. This would cut into his salary. He didn’t know how the others would make it on the union benefits alone. Henry Humphres had worked long hours negotiating with the union and the workers to agree on a contract.Concessions had to be made on both sides. While most companies were opting to contract overseas the plant had kept its promise to keep jobs in America. They were having a hard time competing with othercompanies’ prices that used cheaper labor by outsourcing. With tax breaks going to companies that out source it was getting even harder for the plant to keep its promise. If the workers turned their back on the plant, management would be forced to cut cost else where which would eliminate jobs. This is what the company is trying to avoid.

“Dad, what’s going on?” asked David.

“As you know we are getting ready to sign our new contract. The union votes on Monday. If they don’t approve the contract there will be a strike.A strike will affect not only our family but the livelihood of our friends. It may cause tension between union and non-union members. We will definitely take a financial hit but we will be okay. If the strike is delayed other families will take a major loss. I just wanted you all to know in case the union decides to strike. Your mom will continue to work the remainder of the school year unless it starts to affect our household. How do you all feel about her continuing to work?

“It was a little strange at first but mom comes home by the time we get home and she seems happier,” said Jennifer.

“I didn’t like the extra chores but it got better. We learned to cook. Cooking with dad has been fun. We were all pretty scared last year. We thought the two of you were going to get a divorce. The family counseling has really helped us talk about our fears. Things were good before but they are so much better now. Dad you are not stressed out all the time about bills and things. Mom is much more relaxed. Before it was like we were all sitting on a volcano waiting for it to erupt and it finally did but then things started to get better. It’s like things had to explode before we worked together to make things better. I’mglad you’re talking to us this time before a major explosion. Is there something that we can do to help?” asked David.

“No, we will all pray that the union signs the contract but if not just be a good friend to our neighbors. Hopefully we can all survive this with our relationships in tack”, said Mr. McKnight.

“Bill, what do you think?” asked Toni Colbert. “How will the union vote?”

“I just don’tknow Toni. Henry has been working late every night trying to work out a compromise between union and management. It was different before. I never really met the workers before. I stayed isolated living in my own world of self pity. On the outside I was a liberal but now I know the men. I’ve played ball with their children and wives. I care about their families. The Hayden’s and the Worthington’s both have children with illnesses. If the cost of medical insurance keeps rising how will they be able to provide for their family? They are only two of the one thousand employees but I’m sure there are anymore that depend on their health insurance. Toni, we have some very tough decisions to make. All of them will affect the profitability of the company and the lives of our employees. Carmen Ray and the others in human resources will be here in the morning to meet with the workers.” Carmen is a single parent herself so she is well aware of the problems faced by single parent households. If we have to increase wages by more than 3% we will have to out source jobs and lay off workers”.

“When are Carla and crew making the official move to Plains Estates?” asked Toni.“Maybe if they saw them moving into the area they would see that they are committed to this plant and its workers.”

“They will be staying in hotels for a couple of weeks then bring their families down in a couple of weeks. They need time to find schools and get their furniture moved. Their homes are ready. Carla and her son will be on Elliot Street. I’m not sure about the Hernandez family or the Williams,” replied Bill. Toni I’m going back to the plant and meet with Henry. I want to see how things are progressing. I’m sorry this is taking up so much of my time. I forgot to ask you about your day and I haven’t seen one of Tommy’s games this year. I promise I will make it up to you as soon as this is resolved. Thank you for being my partner again. I don’t know what I would do if Ididn’t have you with me. I love you and I don’t ever want to forget to tell you, not ever again.”

“I love you to.Now go to the office so you can come home,” replied Toni.

Toni decided to attend a meeting tonight. She was attending her meetings on a regular basis and continuing with her counseling sessions. She was still scared she would relapse and disappoint her family again. All she could do was to take it one day at a time.

Tammy and Jonathan knew that their parents were stressed over the impending strike. They had heard them talking late into the night. Mr. Walker was a union worker. If they voted down the contract their income would be drastically cut. They had put some money in savings but that would go fast. Mrs. Walker loved teaching. She had been offered better paying jobs but they were willing to make sacrifices so that she could continue to teach. They depended on Mr. Walker’s salary for the mortgage and other major bills. If necessary Mrs. Walker could pickup some consultant work in order to earn extra money but it would take her away from the family. Mr. Walker would take up the slack on the home front. For him and some of the others the strike was inevitable. They had to have health care at a rate they could afford and a decent retirement plan. They were willing to compromise on the salary increase because they didn’t want any layoffs. If management could only understand their need to protect their family and their future they would meet them halfway.

“Tammy”, do you think I should get a paper route or mow lawns to earn extra money in case the plant goes on strike? I have never seen mom and dad so tense. Debbie said her parents have been upset also. Rita’s father and Mr. Colbert have been working late every night trying to avoid a strike. I don’t understand if everybody is trying to avoid a strike why they just don’t accept the contract,” said Jonathan.

“It’s not that simple we all talked about it at the park. Mr. Colbert is the plant vice-president. His job is to protect the profits of the company. Mr.Humphres is the union negotiator. He protects the company interest and the interest of the union workers. Mr. McKnight is management so he has to side with Mr. Colbert. Dad works in the plant just like Mr.Worthington, and Mr. Hayden. They take the side of the union.Everybody wants to protect their livelihood. It’s all very complicated,” replied Tammy.

“I hope we don’thave to pick sides”, said Jonathan. “I just want to remain friends with everybody. Grown-ups complicate everything. It seems too me if they keep health care the same and keep matching retirement the workers would be willing to take a small raise. At least that’s what we worked out. Why can’t their solution be as simple?”

“The problem is both sides want two out of three for their side”, said Jonathan.

“Maybe each side gets one thing. The workers get the same health care costs,management gets a 3% raise and they compromise on retirement. Maybe they match funds now until the economy gets better then raise it later. See that was simple. We worked it out and nobody went on strike and nobody lost their job.

“If adults made things as simple as us there would be a lot less drama. Everyone wants to win and you know what everyone is going to lose,” replied Tammy. “I just don’t want our family to go through what the McKnight’s went through last year. They had it pretty rough for awhile. Do you think that will happen to us?”

They both got silent, both a little afraid of what might happen to their family.

Robert Hayden was deep in thought. What would he do if the plant went out on strike?He was between a rock and a hard place. He wanted to support the union and his fellow co-workers but he also needed a job. He was the only provider for his family. Michael Anderson and Stacey were the joys of their life. Michael was born with Down’s syndrome. He was diagnosed mildly retarded. The medical bills were beginning to add up. Without medical coverage they would have to file bankruptcy. Head weighed all sides of the issue but his first obligation was this family. He would vote for the contract.

The days passed quickly. The voting was over. Everyone was waiting on the final count. If they voted the contract down the plant would officially go on strike at 12:00 pm.

Henry came home to eat dinner and returned immediately to the plant. Mary was worried about his health. The last few weeks had taken a toll on him. His blood pressure was up. He hadn’t been getting proper exercise. He didn’t need the additional stress but there is no way he would let his workers down. He would fight to make sure they got what they deserved. After polling the union workers he knew a strike was inevitable. The plant wanted the union to compromise on health care,raises and taxes and takes a decrease in retirement contributions from the company. The union was willing to meet the company half way on retirement and raises but not on health care benefits. They wanted to raise the cost by 5%. Health insurance was already high for family insurance but with lower raises they could not afford a raise in health care also. Henry knew a strike would be devastating to the employees that were living paycheck to paycheck. He could only pray for a quick resolution.

“Mom”, yelled David. “Tell dad Mr. Humphres is on the telephone”.

“Phillip its Henry, the union has voted to strike. I wanted you to know before you go in today. The union has already started picketing,” said Henry.

“Henry, I hate this situation. We all hoped for a last minute compromise. Are the two sides at least willing to go back to the bargaining table?”asked Phillip.

“I am on my way to a meeting with the union representatives now to try and hammer out a compromise that everyone can live with. Management is meeting with Bill Colbert and the human resources team. No one wants to see a prolonged strike”, replied Henry.

Henry left the meeting feeling totally helpless. He would return to the union without a new plan. Management was going to stand their grown until the workers compromised on both retirement and health care. The workers could not afford to compromise on health care. If the workers received a raise it would get absorbed with additional health care cost. It would be a long battle and it would affect the lives of the residents of Plains Estates.