Small Town USA The Dark Side of Town

The woman picked up a small boy, turned and walked toward her front door and then spoke. "That's what I want to know. If you can answer that, then come inside and tell me."

Julie followed the woman through the front door and into the kitchen. The mother sat the little boy at the table, next to three other children. Julie's eyes widened when she saw the table set with plenty of food; fried potatoes, bacon, biscuits and eggs. "This looks very appetizing."

The woman responded kindly. "Would you care to join us? I have coffee on the stove. Help yourself."

Julie nodded and walked to the stove, "Thank you. I hadn't realized how hungry that walk made me." Retrieving a cup from a small hook above the stove, Julie poured the coffee and sat next to the woman.

The children were fidgeting, but none of them touched the food. Instead they all focused on the mother, except for a few quick stares at Julie.

The mother turned to the oldest child, "Luana, please say grace this morning."

Luana lowered her head and clasped her hands together.

Julie studied Luana, who was about fourteen years old but already seemed much more mature.

Luana prayed, "Bless us Lord for this bountiful food and for keeping our family together."

The mother looked at Luana.

Luana continued, "Oh, and bless all those less fortunate, especially those that suffered from the terrible accident." Luana looked at her mother, who now nodded affirmatively and Luana finished, "Amen."