It took Val a few months to get use to the place and his new parents for there was no more yelling or hitting just lots of hugs and kisses. There was no more sleeping on a cold floor instead he had a soft bed with plenty of blankets. Even a comforter she had made a long time ago was his. Another thing was he didn't have to go without food for long periods of time either.

            Their next-door neighbor and good friend Gary Larson came over for a visit and to see how they were doing. Walking into the kitchen to see a child sitting at the table took him totally off guard but managed to cover it up. Over coffee Ivan explained the situation to him and could tell that he was very upset. Waiting a few minutes to get his temper under control before he told them that the new school year has just started.  Gary mentioned that a board meeting was coming up and was going to see if the boy could start next year. With all the things that has happened to him a year off would help a lot.  Later that evening Gary phoned to let them know that the boy starts school next year.

            Several months have passed since the Special Ops Unit dropped the boy off at the farm when a letter arrived for them. Opening the envelope Ivan saw some cash with a note attached to it which he gave to his wife to read. Reading the note out loud for her husband it said

“Our assignment was a success, and the reward money was divided up between you and the child. Every month you will receive an envelope of money which is to be used for clothing, food, repair to the place and so on. Every month a certain amount of money will be deposit into an account till he is eighteen. This account was set up in Lockey and when he turns eighteen there will be a letter sent to him telling him which bank it was at. A restriction was put on it that he had to wait till he was twenty to use it.  Take care. Andrew, Heath, Mark, Will.”

            There was enough money in the envelope to pay off their mortgage, buy a few things for the house and for their son. They sat there for a long time unsure what to do when Ivan suggests they go into town for supper. There was still time to go to the bank and deposit the money plus put some on their mortgage. That night the family enjoyed their supper at one of the best restaurants the town of Baillie had.

            The years slipped by rather fast for them for today was his high school graduation. Looking over the crowd he saw his mom clapping and crying at the same time. Gary Larson and his family was sitting beside her for they considered him their godson. Too bad his father wasn't here to see him graduate, but a fatal heart attack took him three years ago. Gary had stepped in as a father figure for him and Mitch(Gary’s son) was more like a brother to him even, thou he was a few years older.  When the closing ceremony was finished, and the class walked off single file towards their family. Val pulled his mom into his arms and whispered, “I love you, mom.” then kissed her cheek. She returned his hug mumbling love you forever. Gary and his wife Ellen came over to graduate him with Mitch following behind with his girlfriend Maria. They couldn't stay for too long cause they had to go to her parent’s place for supper. When Mitch got home later that night, he told his parents that him and Maria had decided to go their separate ways.

            Walking out of the gym he announced that he was taking her to supper as his date. She tried to convince him to go home so she could prepare a meal for him. But he insisted that they go out for supper which she agreed because he wasn't going to change his mind. They went to the Star Cafe for it was his parent’s favorite restaurant. Entering the cafe he remembered his dad saying she like to sit by the flower garden. When the hostess came over, he asked her if they could be seated by the garden window. Lucky for them there was a table vacant, and he helped his mom sit down then he sat down across from her. Handing them their menu card and told them she would be back in a few minutes. Within five minutes she was back for their order which Julia started to give but Val changed it to the fish special and he had the steak special with coffee to drink.

            “Val, that is way too much for me to eat.” said Julia. “Besides it is very expensive.”

            “Mom, I graduate only once so let’s make it a special night and go out in style.” said Val. “Can always take the leftovers home.”

            “Alright, lets do it.” said Julia smiling at her son.

            The meal was very good and there were no leftovers to take home for she ate everything on her plate. For dessert he ordered apple pie for himself, and his mom wanted cherry cheesecake to finish it off. Escorting her to the truck he helped her in then drove around the town for awhile. He noticed that she liked to look at the houses for dad would drive around on Sundays after church. Then asked her what changes she wanted done to the house. On the way home he was telling her his plans for the future and wanting to join the police force in the drug enforcement area. She reminded him that it was very dangerous but promised her that he would be very careful. Pulling into the yard she got out of the truck making her way to the house while he put the vehicle in the garage.

            For the last three years he had been helping the Larson out by lending a hand with the chores till Mitch got home. Mitch was at the university in Lockney taking an agriculture course and wouldn't be home till late November. The last envelope arrived a few days ago which they were expecting. Also, he received a letter from the Lockney bank informing him of his account. Finishing the chores that night he drove home to do his evening chores and noticed the lights were all off. Something was very wrong. Running into the house he turned the lights on to see that nothing was made for supper. He checked her sewing room, but it was empty so was the living room.

            Taking a deep breath to brace himself for what was coming he entered their bedroom. His mom was laying on the bed just like she was taking a nap. Just looking at her he knew she had passed away. Leaning down he kissed her cold forehead and saw she had a picture of Ivan in her hands. Kneeling beside the bed he broke down in tears for now he had no one. Phoning the Larson, he couldn't stop crying while trying to tell them what happened, so they were coming over. Gary and Ellen arrived in no time at all and walked into the house toward the sound of crying. Stepped into the room to see Val sitting on the floor sobbing.

            Picking the boy up he told Ellen to get him out of here. Taking a blanket, he covered her up then phone for an ambulance then placed a call to the police captain.  The police cruiser and ambulance arrived at the same time and Gary filled them in on what had just happened. The paramedics went into the room and gently laid her on the stretcher then wheeled her out to the ambulance. When Val looked up to see his mom being wheeled by him brought on another round of crying. After the ambulance left Ellen with the help of the police captain took Val to their truck. Gary locked up the house because they were taking him home with them for the night, as he was not in a good frame of mind at the moment. That night they put him to bed in the spare room where he slept all night till the next morning.

            In the morning, he helped with the chores then went in to have breakfast before going back home. Gary took him back to the farm so he could do the chores there. Before he got out of the truck Gary put his hand on his shoulder to stop him for a second.

            “Val, you’re not alone. You have us for a family, and you are part of our family.” said Gary. “If it is alright with you, I'll make the funeral arrangements.”

            Nodding his head for he couldn't speak at the moment because he was close to tears. Standing in the yard he watched him drive away then proceed to the barn to do the chores. Walking up to the house he drew in a breath of air then stepped into the quiet house. Looking all around the room he went to the sofa where he sat down and burst into tears for, he realized that there was nothing here for him. Just an empty home.

            Four days later the funeral took place as family, friends and neighbors came to pay their respect to her. She was buried in the Baillie cemetery beside her husband and their infant children. After the luncheon at the community hall Gary and Ellen took him back to the farm. Ellen took the food that was given to him and put it in the fridge while Gary went to do the chores for him. Ellen looked up to see that Val had sat down on the sofa and falling asleep. Taking the blanket off the rocker she laid it over him then kissed his cheek. During the night he awoke to find a blanket on him and note on the table. The note was from Ellen to say that there was food in the fridge for him. Laying back down he drifted off to sleep till morning.

            It felt very strange living in the house by himself because he was expecting his mom to come in any second. Spent most of the time outside repairing the things in the yard that needed repairing. Such as the chicken coop which needed a new roof and the pens in the barn needed new railing plus a paint job. There was a list of items to do which would keep him busy all winter.

            On Friday afternoon he went into town to pick up the mail and get a few groceries to tide him over. On the spur of the moment, he went into the law firm to see if he could talk to a lawyer about some issues.

            “Hello, Val. I'm Clark Morton.” said Clark. “How can I help you.”

            “I am planning on moving away for awhile and don't want to sell the farm or the land. Is there any way I can keep it till I decide to come back.” asked Val. “Plan to come back in about ten years. I was planning on giving the farmhouse and land to Gary Lawson or to Mitch.”

            “Let's do it this way. First, I'll make a deed out stating that farm will be turned over to the Larson to operate till the day you come back. Then the land titles will be put in their name also. Before I do anything, I want you to think it over first then come see me.” said Clark. “Never know might just change your mind.”

            “I'll do just that think it over and get back to you in a couple weeks.” said Val. “Would it be okay if I draw up a draft deed and give it to you.”

            “That would work too.” said Clark shaking his hand as he left the building.

            For the next two months he kept himself fairly busy, but it still didn't feel like home to him. The day he went into town he met Mitch's finance and went for coffee with her cause she had some things to ask him. They spent an enjoyable two hours talking about everything and nothing. After saying their goodbyes, he headed over to the law firm and asked to see Clark Morton.

            “Val. Nice to see you and merry Christmas.” said Clark. “Have you decided what you are going to do.”

            “Yes, I'm giving the farm and land titles to Mitch and Clara as a wedding gift from me.” said Val. “This is my draft deed with all the changes in it.”

            “I'll read it over make some adjustments if it is necessary then have them sign it.” said Clark. “Are you moving for sure.”

            “Yes. I need to get away for some time.” said Val “Merry Christmas to you and your family.” shaking his hand again.