CHAPTER ONE

"I'm going outside to the park to play with Jeff," said six year old Thomas to his Mother.

"Okay Thomas," said Mother. "Put your coat on."

"Oh Mom!" exclaimed Thomas. "Do I have to?"

"Thomas!" shouted Mother.

"Okay," relented Thomas, grabbing his coat out of the closet.

Thomas went over to the park. His best friend, Jeff, was standing beside the swings.

"What took you so long?" asked Jeff.

"Oh I had to put my coat on," said Thomas.

"So Thomas," said Jeff, pointing to a little girl in a bright red sweater, who was sitting on the swing at the opposite end of the swing set. "Will you ask Mary if she wants me to push her on the swings?"

"Your sweet on her," said Thomas. "Aren't you?"

"Kind of," said Jeff, blushing and kicking the sand with his foot.

"Why can't you ask her yourself?" asked Thomas. "She's right there."

"I'm too shy," said Jeff.

"Oh Jeff," cried Mary. "Could you come here for a minute?"

"There you go," said Thomas.

Jeff hurried to where Mary sat.

"Please push me?" Thomas heard Mary ask Jeff.

"Okay," said Jeff, shyly.

Thomas stayed in the park for about half an hour, when he decided he would go home. He just got to the other end of the park, when it started to pour rain.

"I'd better get home," said Thomas to himself, pulling the hood from his coat over his head. "And quick!"

Thomas decided to take a shortcut home. Just around the bend, Thomas noticed a tarp lying on the ground. As he got closer, he noticed something was under the tarp. Thomas lifted up a corner of it and was surprised to see a man huddled underneath it.

"What are you doing out here underneath this thing?" asked Thomas.

"Just leave me alone kid," said the man. "I have no place else to go."

"Really!" exclaimed Thomas, a little confused. "Don't you have a home?"

"No," said the man, pulling the corner of the tarp out of Thomas' hand. "I'm just a hobo. A hobo in the rain."

CHAPTER TWO

Thomas went into the kitchen the next afternoon. He was hungry and the smell of his Mother's freshly baked apple pie was driving him crazy. His Mother was over at the neighbors house. Thomas decided that he would help himself to a nice big slice of pie.

Thomas got down a plate out of the cupboard and started slicing himself a nice big slice, when he thought of George.

"Poor George," said Thomas. "He must be hungry out there in the park."

Thomas got down a paper plate of the cupboard and put the slice of pie on it. He put on his coat and shoes and went over to the park.

"Hi there!" said Thomas to George, who was sitting on a park bench.

"Hello young man," said George, gruffly.

"I brought you something," said Thomas, handing George the plate.

George ate the pie as quickly as he could.

"Thank you," mumbled George, when he was finished.

"Your welcome," said Thomas.

"That sure was good pie," said George.

"My Mother baked it," said Thomas.

"Your Mother does good baking," said George.

"I know she does," said Thomas.

"I hope you take care of your Mother," said George. "I hope you listen real hard when she tells you what to do."

"Yes," said Thomas. "I sure do."

"What about your Dad?" asked George. "What does he do?"

"My Daddy is away at work," said Thomas. "He works on the pipeline."

"That's a good job your Daddy has," said George.

"Yes it is," said Thomas. "Except I never see him."

CHAPTER THREE

"Thomas!" Mother called. "Hurry up! We have to get you a new pair of shoes and I would like to get going. The mall will be packed.''

"Okay," said Thomas. "I'm coming."

Thomas and Mother got to the mall a few minutes later. It was packed with people.

"Come on," said Mother to Thomas, who was lagging behind. "I know exactly where to get your shoes."

Mother held her hand out for Thomas to take. She whisked through the crowds as quickly as she could. Within half an hour, Thomas had the best pair of shoes that his Mother could find and they were even on sale, too. Thomas was very happy with his new shoes.

"That's my new friend, George, over there," said Thomas, pointing him.

"Thomas," scolded Mother. "It's not nice to point and since when did that ragged old man become your friend."

"Since the day before yesterday," said Thomas. "I met him in the park, when it was raining out. George sleeps underneath an old tarp. He doesn't have a home."

"I don't think you should be hanging around him," said Mother.

"That's not what Pastor Collins told us last Sunday at church," said Thomas. "He said that if we see someone like George, a hobo, than we are supposed to help them and not just walk by them."

"I'm so glad you are paying attention in church," smiled Mother. "And yes, you are right. We are supposed to help out the homeless and the under-privileged, but how can you help George?"

"Well," said Thomas. "I talk with him and I took him a piece of your apple pie."

"You did!" Mother exclaimed.

"Yes," said Thomas. "He loved it, too!"

"I'll bet he did," said Mother.

CHAPTER FOUR

Thomas went to see George every day, right after school. Sometimes Thomas would keep some of his lunch and give it to George. Sometimes Thomas would just sit with George and talk to him. George appreciated Thomas very much. At least when Thomas was around, it gave George someone to talk to.

"So," said George. "What did you learn about in school today?"

"We're learning about the solar system," said Thomas. "I like it, too. I think I'd like to be an astronaut when I get older."

"An astronaut," repeated George. "That sounds interesting. When I was a boy, I wanted to be a fireman," said George.

"That sounds interesting," said Thomas. "George, how come you never became a fireman?"

"I don't know," said George, thinking back. "It's funny how life turns out. I fell in love in high school, married young and had three kids."

"You got kids," said Thomas.

"Three of them," said George. "But, they're all grown up and gone now."

"So," said Thomas. "How come you don't have a home?"

"It's a long story," said George.

"I got a couple of minutes," said Thomas.

"Well," said George. "A few years back my little Carol was swimming in the lake out behind our house and she drowned. I was in the garage, working on the car, at the time. My wife said I should have been watching Carol. She blames me. She kicked me out of the house."

Thomas could see a tear roll down George's face.

"It wasn't your fault," said Thomas.

"Yes it was," said George. "My wife always told me that I spent too much time in the garage and not enough time with the kids. She's right."

It started to rain, again.

"Look kid," said George. "You'd better be getting home now. There's no sense in the both of us getting wet."

Thomas went home and kept thinking about George being outside in the pouring rain, probably by now huddled underneath that old tarp. Thomas went upstairs to his bedroom and grabbed the blanket from his bed. He took the blanket to George.

"Thanks kid," muttered George between shivers.

CHAPTER FIVE

The next Sunday, Thomas and his Mother went to church.

"How are you today, Thomas?" asked Pastor Collins after the service.

"I'm okay," said Thomas.

"Any word on when your Dad will be back in town?" Pastor Collins asked.

"In another couple of weeks," said Thomas.

"That's too bad," said Pastor Collins. "I was hoping you and your Dad could make our Father and son breakfast, next Saturday morning."

"Hey," said Thomas. "Could I bring a friend with me instead?"

"Sure," said Pastor Collins.

"Mom," said Thomas in the car, on the way home from church. "Pastor Collins said I could bring a friend with me to the Father and son breakfast this Saturday. I'm going to ask George if he'd like to come."

''Thomas," said Mother. "I am really proud of you. I know that you gave that poor man the blanket from your bed the other night when it was raining. George brought the blanket back the next morning. I just want to tell you that I'm sorry for what I said about George the other day in the mall. I also think it would do George a world of good to go to church."

The next afternoon, Thomas went straight to see George.

"George! George!" exclaimed Thomas, when he saw his friend sitting on a park bench.

"What has gotten into you?" asked George, when he saw how excited Thomas was.

"Do you want to come to church with me this Saturday?" Thomas asked.

"Church!" exclaimed George. "And that is what has you so riled up. No, I don't think so."

"It's not really church," said Thomas. "It's just a time of fellowship with friends. You get a free breakfast."

"Okay," said George. "I'll go."

CHAPTER SIX

Thomas went over to see George early the next morning.

"Hi George!" exclaimed Thomas. "Did you have a good time at the breakfast, yesterday?"

"It was okay," said George. "The toast was a little soggy, though."

Thomas laughed because he and George had made the toast.

"That was our own fault, though," said Thomas.

"What are you all dudded up for?" asked George, noticing that Thomas had a nice suit and tie on.

"I'm going to church this morning," said Thomas.

"And you have to get all dudded up for that," said George.

"I don't have to," said Thomas. "I want to."

"But why?" asked George.

"Because," said Thomas. "When I go to church, I am going to worship the Lord. I can't go worship the Lord in my dirty old jeans now, can I?"

"I guess not," said George.

"Would you like to come to church with me?" asked Thomas.

"Now you don't expect me to go worship the Lord in my dirty old jeans, now do you?" asked George.

"You are funny!" laughed Thomas. "Really funny."

"Anyway," said George. "I would like to go to church with you sometime."

"Great," said Thomas, handing George a bag that was behind his back. "Well, I took some of my Dad's old clothes that don't fit him anymore. They should fit you."

"Thanks," said George, peering into the bag.

"Now you don't have to wear your dirty old blue jeans to church," said Thomas.

Thomas left and went back home.

"Well," said Mother, once Thomas got back. "Is he coming to church this morning?"

"I don't know," said Thomas. "He said he wanted to."

"Leave it in the Lords hands," said Mother.

CHAPTER SEVEN

Thomas and Mother were standing in the aisle of the church, just getting ready to sit down when Pastor Collins came up to them.

"Thomas," said Pastor Collins. "I see that your friend has come to join us this morning.".

Thomas turned and saw George standing at the entranceway. George looked like a completely different person. Thomas waved to George.

"Hi George!" said Thomas, waving to him. "Come and sit here."

George sat down on the pew beside Thomas.

"Hi George," said Pastor Collins, after the service. "I'm so glad you could join us."

"It was a nice service," said George.

"Well thank you," said Pastor Collins. "I'm glad you liked it. Listen George. One of the members of the church, Danny Harcourt, has a job opening. It's construction work, hard labour but good pay. Would you be interested?"

"Interested!" exclaimed George. "When do I start?"

"Danny will be here tonight," said Pastor Collins. "Why don't you come back then?"

"I'll be here," said George, excitedly.

Danny hired George on the spot, even offering him a place to stay.

CHAPTER EIGHT

George couldn't believe his luck. The very first time he goes to church, he gets a job and a place to stay.

"That's not luck," said Thomas. "God is working in you."

"You think so," said George.

"I know so," said Thomas.

"Then you think that I should go to church more often?" asked George.

"That would be a good thing," said Thomas.

"I suppose it would be," said George.

Thomas didn't see too much of George over the next few weeks. The only time he got to see him was at church. George was very busy with his new job. Thomas did notice that although George was tired and a little worn out that he was very happy.

"Thomas," said George one day after church. "I just want to thank you for everything you have done for me. If it weren't for you, I would have never come to church and I would have never gotten my job. I owe you, big time. If you ever need anything, anything at all, just ask."

"Thank you, George," said Thomas. "I'll keep that in mind. There is one thing I would like."

"What would that be?" asked George.

"I wish that we could spend more time together."

"I know," said George. "I wish we could too. My job just keeps me so busy."

"I miss coming to see you after school," said Thomas.

"I miss that too," said George. ''Look Thomas, why don't we go to a ball gamesome weekend, my treat."

"I'd love to," said Thomas.

CHAPTER NINE

"Thomas!" exclaimed Mother from the bottom of the stairs. "Come on. We have to go to church. We are going to be late."

Thomas stood at the top of the stairs in his pajamas.

"Thomas!" exclaimed Mother, looking at her son with a worried look on her face. "What's wrong? You look terrible."

Mother ran up the stairs, dropping her purse and her coat on the way.

"Oh my!" exclaimed Mother, feeling Thomas' forehead. "You've got a very bad fever. You get back into your bed right now."

Thomas didn't argue with his Mother. Besides the warm blankets and big fluffy pillow looked so good to him.

Mother went to get the thermometer. By the time she got back to his room, Thomas was sound asleep. Mother didn't have the heart to wake him. Instead she went downstairs and called Pastor Collins to let him know that they would not be at church today.

"I'm sorry that Thomas is sick," said Pastor Collins. "We'll say a prayer for him. I hope he gets better soon."

"So do I," said Mother.

A few hours later, Thomas was still sleeping. Mother went in to check on him .She saw that Thomas was very weary and very weak. He still had a very bad fever. Mother quickly wrapped Thomas up in his blankets, carried him out to the car and drove him to the hospital.

"You have one very sick little boy," the doctor said to Mother, after examining Thomas. "We are going to keep him in the hospital and run some tests on him."

CHAPTER TEN

Mother immediately called Thomas' Father on the phone.

"I'll be home on the next plane," he said.

When Thomas' Father arrived a few hours later, both Thomas' Mother and Father stood vigil over their son.

A few hours later, the doctor came in to talk to them. The news was not good.

"I'm afraid your son has meningitis," said the doctor.

"Oh no!" cried Mother. "Is he going to die?"

"I can't answer that question right now," said the doctor. "The next 24 hours are crucial. We have one very sick little boy on our hands, but if he is strong enough he could just pull through."

That evening, Thomas' Mother and Father stood vigil by Thomas' bedside. George came by to see his little friend.

"Hello," said George. "How is Thomas?"

"He is a very sick little boy," said Mother.

"I'm so sorry to hear that," said George.

"Dear," said Mother, turning to her husband. "This is George, Thomas' friend."

"It is nice to meet you," said George, shaking Thomas' Fathers' hand. ''Only I wish it were under better circumstances."

"Me too," said Thomas' Father. "I've heard that Thomas thinks a lot about you."

"If it weren't for that little boy caring about me," said George. "I'd probably still be out on the street."

"Thomas is a good kid," said Father, proudly.

"How is he?" asked George, looking down on Thomas, sleeping in the bed.

"Not good," cried Mother. "He's in a semi-coma."

"I'm so sorry," said George, noticing the strain on the faces of Thomas' Mother and Father. "Listen, why don't you two go and eat something? I'll stay with Thomas until you get back."

Thomas' parents reluctantly took George up on his offer. They went down to the cafeteria and had something to eat. They both felt much better afterwards. When they got back to Thomas' room, they heard George praying.

"Dear Lord," said George. "This little boy needs your healing touch. He is a good little boy. Please don't take him yet, Lord. I've already lost my little Carol and I really couldn't bear to lose my little friend, Thomas."

"George," said Thomas, waking up.

"Oh my," said George. "You're awake!"

"Oh George!" cried Mother, bursting into Thomas' hospital room. "Your prayers right now have brought our son back to us!"

Thomas improved quickly and was soon allowed to go home. The doctors were stumped at Thomas' amazingly quick recovery.

"Thank you George," said Mother, the day George had come to visit Thomas at home. "I just want to tell you that I am sorry for thinking about you the way I did when Thomas first found you. I also want you to know that you are welcome in this house any time."

"Why that's not a problem," said George.