Chapter 16

      Apparently, the word was out that Sam had won the lotto. She pulled into the parking lot of the Union Gospel Mission homeless shelter only to find just about everyone she had ever known at the shelter and a few people she didn’t, standing around as if they were waiting just for her. She got out of the vehicle and was swamped like a rock star. She slowly navigated her way through the crowd of about forty to fifty people. Once inside the shelter she found Brad and rushed him back to his office.

      “Hey Brad, I guess the words out. Did you see that crowd out there?”

      “Yeah, sorry about that. I guess the word is out.”

      “How are things coming along getting the kids all set up for tonight?”

      “They’re going great. I’ve got people out getting all the presents, I contacted several charitable agencies and they're interested in your proposal for the jobs. We can have people registered in rehab whenever you’re ready. We’ve also got people working on housing.”

      “Alright, sounds great. This is really rolling along. What do you think about getting a bus really quick and takin the other people in the shelter to the mall and letting them get some presents. Ya know, the older people. Can we get that done.”

      “Funny you said that I’ve got a bus enroute. I was going to take the oldies to the mall and let them buy some small thing on the shelter’s dime.”

      Sam laughed, “Noooooo, no, take them to the mall. They can buy anything they want. I mean anything! On me. We’re going to do Christmas the right way. The people of this shelter are going to have the best Christmas they’ve had in a long time.”

      Brad just smiled, “Yeah, and it’s all because of you Sam. You’ve done a great job. Thanks Sam, thank you from everyone.”

      Sam stood there looking at Brad thinking what a great guy he was. He hadn’t asked for a single thing for himself. Sam suddenly got a big smile on her face and said, “By the way Brad, I’ve got a little something for you.”

      Sam handed the check to Brad.

      Brad looked at the check with his name on it, “What’s this? Oh no Sam. I can’t take this. I don’t need it Sam.”

      “I know you don’t need it. That’s what the hell money. You do whatever the hell you want with it. If you’re too goody goody to spend it on something you want, give it to someone else or give it to a relative. Ya can’t give it to the shelter though. That’s my job. Spend it, have fun! Come on man!”

      Brad looked at the check, “Sam, that’s too much money.”

      “I know! But it’s okay! If I was still homeless this wouldn’t be happening. Now, I have tons of money. Take it, enjoy it!”

      Brad just stood there staring at the check.

      “Don’t say anything, I really appreciate everything you’ve done for me over the years as well as everything you’ve done on this little project. Not to mention taking me down to Austin to actually get the money. I wouldn’t even have the money if you hadn’t taken me down there. It’s yours to do with as you wish. Now don’t go getting all mushy on me. Just take the check and let’s get those old people to the mall to get some Christmas presents.”

      Brad smiled, “Thanks Sam, this means a lot to me. I’ve never had any kind of money or financial security. Thank you.”

      About that time someone yelled from the front door where everyone was standing, “Hey, the bus is here!”

      Brad again thanked Sam and got to work on getting the bus ready to go to the mall. The bus had to make three trips to get everyone there. In the meantime, Sam went to the mall with all the old shelter patrons. She was doing what he liked best. She was swiping her debit card paying for all the purchases made by everyone.

      Most of the people from the shelter were older and hadn’t had a good Christmas in years. They each walked by scanning their purchases, telling Sam what they had gotten and thanks for the presents.

      An older skinny man who really looked down on his luck came by, “Thanks Sam, I really needed this jacket.”

      Coley looked at the man and hesitated, “Wait a minute, you need some new shoes too. Go over to the shoe department and pick some, then come back and we’ll check you out.”

      The old man began to sob quietly, “Thanks Sam, I, I, I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it.”

      Sam laughed, “Thank the Texas Lotto system. The only reason I can do this is because of them. Now, don’t you worry about it. Go get some of those thick warm shoes,” As she patted him on the back.

      It was the same all through the line, people thanking Sam for all the presents they were being given. When they returned to the shelter everyone was filled with the Christmas spirit. Sam found Brad lounging in the main lobby getting ready for the kids’ big night.