Mr. Grissom walked to the microphone. “Good morning, students. I trust everyone had a great weekend and now you’re raring to go.” He laughed at the moans and boos. “I want to introduce someone to you and tell you about her. Come, Hope.”
There was a loud gasp as the large dog trotted obediently to Mr. Grissom. “Trina, you come, too.” He clapped his hands. “Come, Trina.” Laughter.
Mr. Grissom explained why Trina would have Hope with her in classes. “This is a working dog and you must be careful not to interfere with her working relationship with Trina. When you see her stand in front of Trina and lean against her, or if she puts her head on Trina’s lap when she’s seated, you’ll know the dog senses a seizure. Trina must put on her helmet and sit down on the floor.”
“Why does she have to sit on the floor?” Sharon Peterson asked.
“So she’ll be down and won’t fall down and hurt herself, stupid,” Roger Watkins answered with a sneer.
“Hey, none of that. It isn’t nice to call someone a name that will hurt them. Sharon has probably not heard of service dogs. Or maybe she hasn’t met Trina and is not aware of her illness.”
“Sorry, Chief,” Roger said cockily, but Mr. Grissom ignored him,
“Just remember,” Mr. Grissom continued. “Any of you could have had an accident that left you with the same problem Trina has. Thank your lucky stars and try to be understanding and helpful.”
“How does the dog help you, Trina?” Boyd Mullins asked.
Trina looked at Mr. Grissom and he nodded. She stepped to the microphone with Hope beside her. “Two nights ago Hope woke me by jumping on my bed, whining and licking my face. I was able to get out of bed and lie on the floor before the seizure started. If I had stayed on the bed, I might have fallen off and been hurt or broke bones. This beautiful, sweet animal has more common sense than a lot of people I know. I can never thank Tom and Tim Jackson enough for loaning me their dog.”
Several students whipped around to look at the twins. “Man, that’s your dog? Why are you loaning her to Trina? She’s intelligent and can help people.” Jordon Kirk exclaimed.
Tom stood and spoke loudly so he could be heard around the auditorium. “That’s why we’re loaning her to Trina. She is intelligent and is helping Trina.”
Hope, hearing Tom’s familiar voice, looked out at him and wagged her tail, but she stayed where she had been trained to stay.
“How long did it take to train her?” Marcie Ditmar asked.
“An animal can not be trained to smell chemical changes or sense changes. That’s why these dogs are so rare. They are born with the skill and we just enlarge it with training. Hope had the same basic training that any dog has. Her basic instinct is fine-tuned to sense something that’s going to happen and take care of the person. No one has been able to fully explain it.” Mr. Grissom told them.
“Will she lead a blind person?” Greg Faulkner asked.
“If she were trained to do so. Dogs are carefully chosen to do what they show an inborn sense to do. They can lead the blind, help a deaf person, pull a wheelchair and be a companion and many areas of skill.”
“Do all the dogs, uh, I mean are they all successful and good for the job?” Sheila Tritt asked.
“No. Very few fail,” Tim explained. “If they do, they’re trained to do something else. Some go to the police for specialized work or to guard a business. A rare few turn out to be just good family pets.”
“Sorry, but that’s all the time we have,” Mr. Grissom interrupted. “Thank you all for being so attentive and remember, don’t pet the dog unless Trina says you can. She is working and can not be distracted.”
That afternoon in Algebra class, Mr. Orr happened to see Hope place her head on Trina’s lap. “Trina, get your helmet on and get on the floor.” Trina quickly followed orders and sat with her back against the wall. Hope stood across Trina’s legs and leaned gently against her chest. The seizure was not as severe as some had been. Trina soon focused her eyes and was embarrassed, but her classmates cheered and told Hope what a good dog she was.
Ted Groden went to Trina and reached down to help her up. Hope growled at him and refused to let Trina get up. “Thank you, Ted, but I’ll get up as soon as my legs don’t feel like wet spaghetti,” she laughed. The class laughed with her. She used Hope’s back to pull herself up.
“Let’s get the show on the road,” Mr. Orr called for their attention. “This is the first time you’ve seen this happen. From now on I don’t expect any interruptions in class. Just go about your business and let Trina go about hers. Trina, don’t be embarrassed. You can’t help what has happened to you. Just be thankful for that great dog.”
A few nights later Tom answered the phone and gave a yell when he heard the message. As Tim ran in and asked what was happening, Tom waved his hand in the air for silence. “Thanks for calling, Jim and I am going to beat you so bad.”
“What? What?” Tim was impatient as Tom hung up.
“What’s all the racket about?” Herb and Irene came into the room.
“That was Jimmy. His uncle, the state policeman, is going to give us a driving test this weekend. Tom danced around with David and Chuckles being so excited they were under foot.
“I am now so ready for my license,” Tim agreed. “I haven’t been interested, but we’re going to college soon and I’ll want to drive.”
“Okay boys, here’s the deal.” Jimmy’s uncle, Sergeant Earl Dodd, told them. “Corporal Thurbow, down there, is going to help us. We have an imaginary street laid out with deep curves, dead ends and all kinds of obstacles. You’ll drive through the course. Be alert for Cpl. Thurbow to change what is there. You’ll have to make an instant decision. After you’ve finished, you’ll pull beside the cones and do parallel parking. Any questions? No. then who is first?”
Tim and Tom, Dan Baxter, James Horn and Jimmy Dodd looked at each other and each one stepped back. They jerked around at someone laughing out loud at them. Alex sat in a wheelchair. “Hey, guys. We’ve all mouthed off for weeks. I put myself here and can’t do what I dreamed of doing, but all of you can. Now get to it.”
“Alex, there are specially built, but very expensive, cars built for the handicapped. You might not do exactly what you would like, but you’ll be surprised at what you can do with a little effort,” Anna stepped behind him and put her hands on the chair. “Let’s you and I wait over here and let these chickens do their stuff.” Anna was a pleasant surprise to the twins.
“Okay,” Tom gulped. “I’ll go first.”
Sgt. Dodd watched as Tom got in the car, clicked the seatbelt, checked all mirrors and the position of his seat. Dodd wrote on his clipboard.
“Wait,” Tom called. “You didn’t tell us at what speed we’re to drive.”
Sgt. Dodd smiled. “There are signs at various points. However, at all times, use your common sense. The road conditions may be such that a driver cannot safely drive the posted speed limit.”
Tom looked behind him to make sure it was safe for him to pull out. He turned on the signal light to show he was moving out in that direction. As he came around a curve, Cpl. Thurbow kicked some cones in front of him to represent a child running out or an obstruction of some sort. Later he piled things up to represent a wreck. Tom reacted quickly and safely. Cpl. Hooked up a fireman’s powerful water hose and suddenly turned in on the windshield to represent a storm. Tom finished the course and pulled up to park. He looked to make sure it was safe to back. He suddenly braked and looked around.
“Something wrong?” Sgt. Dodd called out.
“Yes, sir. I was looking in my right side mirror and saw a cat run behind me. I didn’t want to hit it.”
Everyone looked to see a big yellow tom cat strolling across the field. Tom finished backing in smoothly and correctly. Sgt. Wrote on his pad and then called for the next driver.
The others took their turn with Cpl. Thurbow pulling different kind of surprises and testing them.
“Gather around, fellows. As soon as I confer with Cpl. Thurbow, I’ll tell you the scores.” the boys stood nervously beside Alex’s chair and talked.
“I wanted to be with y’all so badly,” Alex moaned. “I bet I’d uh done the best. Face it. I brought this on myself. In a childish way, I guess I was trying to get at my parents for not being like yours.” He looked at the twins. “I used to be so jealous that you could talk to your parents about anything and that they were always there for you. They might punish you for something, but they loved you and proved they cared.”
“Believe me, Alex. We do understand.” Tim put a hand on Alex’s shoulder. “I’m sorry that everyone in the world doesn’t have parents like ours.”
“Hey, pal.” Tom knelt down in front of Alex. “You said you wanted a different crowd to buddy with, why don’t you attend our Youth Bible Training with us? You won’t find anyone there that’s trying to get you into trouble.”
“I don’t know,” Alex said slowly. “I’ve never been in church.”
“You’re never too old or too late,” Tom grinned.
Anna put an arm across Alex’s shoulders. “I am so proud of you for taking the blame for your own decisions. It’s a rotten shame that you had to pay the price like this, but who knows? In the meantime, talk to younger children, and your peers, and tell them what can happen. Some youngster might need a nice big brother like you, and you can help in many ways.”
“Okay, gang, this is it.” Sgt. Dodd and Cpl Thurbow walked to the group. “Tom, since you were first, we’ll start with you. You didn’t have a chance to observe what others were doing, so you did extra well. I was impressed that you checked everything carefully before starting. Even though you had a 45 speed limit at one point, you slowed to make the curve. You checked all three mirrors before you backed and saw the cat. It could have been a child that ran out or an elderly person moving slowly. If you do as well on the written test, you’ll make a top score.”
“Jason, I realize you were nervous, but never get behind the wheel of a car unless you feel alert and good about yourself. You didn’t check mirrors or anything before you started. When the ‘child’ ran in front of you bouncing a ball, you did stop in time, but you braked so hard, you turned sideways in traffic. All in all you’re not doing badly, but you need more practice.”
“Tim, I thought I was watching Tom again. Whoever taught you two did a superb job.” Tim hugged Anna and grinned.
“Did you teach these rascals, young lady?”
“Yes, sir. I did and it was a lot of fun. I’m proud of my brothers.”
“Rightly you should be. They’re both doing extremely well.”
“Dan, my man, you did well, but you did drag on the speed. Apparently you were unsure. I would far rather that you start like that and then pick up speed with experience and confidence than be a speed demon and have an accident. You did well.”
“Jimmy, you didn’t check anything before you pulled out. Otherwise, you were good. All of you are going to do well when you go for your test. The written part will be first. If you pass it, then you’ll be taken on the street by a designated state police. Just be yourself. I’m pleased that you boys waited until you were old enough, and mature enough, to do the job well. Too many youngsters start too early and aren’t mentally or emotionally ready. I’m giving each of you the notes I made. Good luck to all of you.”
“Thanks a million, Uncle Earl and Cpl. Thurbow. This started out as a bet as to who could do the best.”
“Jimmy, driving is a big responsibility. You’re not only responsible for your vehicle, your passengers, but also other drivers on the road. It isn’t smart to try to outdo others. A car can be a dangerous weapon if not handled correctly. I have a Virginia State Highway Manuel for each of you to study for your test. Keep it in the glove compartment after you have a license.”
“Excuse me, sir,” Alex spoke to Sgt. Dodd. “Do you have an extra copy of the manual I might have? I’d like to learn what is required. I drove illegally and carelessly, and now two innocent girls and I are paying for it, I caused trouble and heartache for other families. I’m honestly sorry for that, but it’s too late to be sorry. The damage is done.”
“It’s never too late to be sorry and recognize our mistakes. Don’t give up. Keep exercising. You’re young yet and you don’t know what might be in your future. There are special built cars for your needs.”
They were interrupted by a figure yelling and running into the group. “Am I too late? Don’t tell me I’m too late. I wanted to watch.”
Tom squatted in front of David, looking at him in surprise. “Where’s mom and dad?”
“Oh, I guess they’re at home. I’m big enough to come by myself.”
“David,” Anna spoke firmly, did you tell mom and dad where you would be?”
“No. Cause they wouldn’t uh let me come,” he pouted.
Tim glared at the others for giggling. Sgt. Dodd quickly caught on and squatted down in front of David.
“Young man, did you cross streets and traffic to get here?”
“Yes,” David said softly, hanging his head and hunching his shoulders.
“And you didn’t ask your parents’ permission?”
“No, I didn’t” David said loudly. “I didn’t ask cause they’d uh said no.”
“My goodness. They’re probably crying their eyes out wondering what happened to you. They must feel awfully bad. Do you know why they worry?”
“They don’t need to worry. I’m big enough to cross the street.” David now looked defiantly at the officer, but there was a hint of tears. He held up his arms for Tim to pick him up. “I just wanted to be with you.”
Sgt. Dodd quickly stood and took David’s hand. “Come on. I’m taking you home.”
“No!” David yelled. “I go with my sister and brothers.”
“Not this time, son. You did something wrong, so you have to go with me to talk to your parents. You know I could put you in jail. Or if your parents are not caring about you, I can put them in jail, son.”
“Not your son,” David stamped his foot.
“David,” Anna spoke. “Go with the policeman and mind your manners. If we had done something wrong, we would have to go with him. We’ll meet you at the house.” David stood still. “NOW David.”
“I thought you loved me,” David sobbed.
“Don’t start that,” Tom said. “You know we love you but when we make a mistake we have to face it. You said you were big enough to cross the street, well, be big enough to go with the policeman.”
David crawled in the seat of the officer’s car and slumped down. As the car pulled away the Jacksons had to turn away so David wouldn’t see their sad faces.
“It breaks my heart,” Alex said with a catch in his throat. “How could you stand there and do that to the little fellow?”
“He won’t learn any younger,” Anna answered. “If we always let him get by with what he wants, he’ll get into serious trouble because he’ll never learn to analyze a situation and maybe he would endanger many lives with his thoughtlessness. I’m sorry, Alex, but you, of all people, should know what we’re doing.”
Alex hung his head. “Yeah. I know. I wouldn’t be in the shape I’m in if someone had loved me enough to lay down the law when I was younger. You’re right.” He turned to push his chair away.
“Thanks for coming to give us support, Alex.” Tom said. “We appreciate it. We’ll pick you up next Wednesday at six for church.” Alex nodded and left.
Irene was sitting with tears in her eyes but not speaking. Herb looked sadly at David. “Son, why did you run away? We thought you loved us and were happy here. We were so afraid you wouldn’t come home again. Suppose Chuckles had followed you and got hit by a car. How would that make you feel?”
David hung his head and cried. “I’m sorry. I just wanted to see the boys drive for the policeman.”
Sgt. Dodd put an arm around David. “I think David now knows what he did was wrong and caused you a lot of worry. I bet he’ll tell you from now on where he’s going. Won’t you, David?”
David nodded. “I am sorry.” He sobbed louder. Irene opened her arms and ran into them. Anna and the twins walked in.
Sgt. Dodd stood up. “I have to go. I told my brother that my partner and I would be joining them for dinner. Thank you for including me in your driver training. You’re wise to want to be safe, courteous drivers.”
“You boys are going to be excellent drivers,” Cpl Thurbow said and left.
David,” Herb looked at him, “go to your room and stay there until I come up. You need to think about what you’ve done and I need to think what I’m going to do about it.”
“But I said I’m sorry,” David protested. Slapping his feet on the stairs he went on up to his room mumbling to himself.
“I don’t know whether to hug him or yell at him,” Tom sighed. “We explained to him how busy we would be and that there wouldn’t be anything for him to enjoy, but he did as he pleased. What do you do with a kid who does as he pleases without thinking?”
Herb threw his head back and laughed loudly. “I remember a boy who climbed out his bedroom window before daylight and scared the stuffing out of all of us.”
“Don’t forget the walrus and the exploding shed,” Tim grinned. “Oh, yes, and the scare at the Grand Canyon.”
Tom blushed and stammered. He smiled weakly as the family laughed and prepared for bed.