Journeys in the Land of Spirits

By Linda W. Ostrander

Mike Mullins, an Investigative Reporter, seeks to unravel a mystery that has terrified residents of Organ and Las Cruces, New Mexico. Plagued by stories and visions of the Ghosts of Greenwood Hills in the house next door, Mike and his family struggle to solve the old case and reconcile their experience of ghosts, angels and demons with their own beliefs.
Did Jacob Holst kill his beautiful, intelligent young wife, Eva? Will their children recover from their traumatic loss? Will the Ghosts of Greenwood Hills rest in peace? Will Mike finally accept "all things visible and invisible?" Many questions remain and continue to haunt Mike. What will he do to resolve this infamous case?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Linda W. Ostrander
• Release date: Nov 2, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370908684

Linda W. Ostrander

As a mother, grandmother and teacher, Linda W. Ostrander has had many years of experience listening to teens’ stories. She created the fascinating fairy tales in the PRINCESS AND OWL TALES and PRINCE AND OWL TALES, for teens, young adults, parents, teachers and counselors who may identify with the problems of the princesses and princess in the stories. These books do not have any adult content!During her fifty-year teaching career Linda taught students of all ages, individually and in classes, at Adelphi Suffolk College, Southampton College of Long Island University, Bunker Hill Community College, Lesley University, Cambridge College and The University of Phoenix. She particularly enjoyed her many years mentoring teachers in Master’s degree programs. Also a pianist and composer, Linda holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Oberlin College, a Master of Music degree from Smith College, a Doctor of Musical Arts in Music Composition from Boston University, and a Ph.D. in Cultural Studies from The Union Institute.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

THE MYSTERIOUS STRANGER

Darkness fell quickly in the valley, turning the Organ Mountains orange, pink, and purple. Mike Mullins checked the oil and antifreeze in his van. A cold wind suddenly dashed the dormers of the old farm house, and he hurried inside where his wife and children huddled before a fire.

Dad told me we’re going to have a blizzard, Annie. Isn’t that unusual in New Mexico?

Well, I just hope Grandma Millie and Grandpa Sam will be able to get over the pass, his wife replied, getting up to stir the stew on the stove. That’s such a treacherous route, but it would be sad not to have them with us for Christmas.

Dad doesn’t see that well and Mom can’t drive, Mike reminded her. Maybe I should go get them.

We should go to their house for Christmas, nine-year-old Nancy suggested.

Can we, Daddy, please? begged seven-year-old Buddy.

Mike’s family had been there only once, in November, when his parents moved into their new house over the mountains. He had encouraged them to move to New Mexico shortly after his family moved, so they would be closer to his family and farm.

I think we can get there if we leave early in the morning, before the snow starts, Annie announced. I’ll call Grandma Millie and make sure it’s okay for us to come tomorrow.

The next day Mike was up early. He hadn’t slept well, and had fleeting memories of a disturbing dream. He kept seeing a dark figure crossing the road in front of his van.

Wanting to clear his mind in the fresh air and check the weather, he went outside. Their front walk was covered with ice, but no snow.

Perhaps the snow will hold off another day, Mike mused as he came inside. "It would be so nice to have a white Christmas."

He and Annie loved to see snow on the mountains. After all, they were accustomed to it, since they had spent many years in New Hampshire. It was quite another thing in the southwest, where the weather to them seemed so unpredictable, and they didn’t know the roads well yet.

I think we should start out as soon as possible, Annie. I’ll pack everything in the van while you get the children ready.

They’re already up and dressed. They’re so excited about the trip, answered Annie. I’ll have them bring some presents to the car.

After a quick breakfast of oatmeal and hot chocolate they all piled into the van, equipped with blankets, snacks, water and a snow shovel, just in case.

The radio reported there will be 40 to 50 mile-an-hour winds, but that may not happen until later in the day, Mike told his wife. "With luck, we should be there in three hours.

As they approached the mountains the wind did pick up, making everyone a bit nervous. Annie started singing holiday songs and the two in the back chimed in.

From Here Comes Santa Claus, and I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus, to familiar carols, they sang every Christmas song they knew until the children, tired because they went to bed late and got up so early, fell asleep.

As a mist rose up from the road Annie asked, Do you think we should continue? The road is getting slippery.

I think it will be okay, honey. Don’t worry, Mike replied.

Suddenly the clouds turned angry, and lightning struck.

Did you see that, Mike?

What?

I think I saw a man in a dark cloak walking toward us on the road.

It couldn’t be. Not on this isolated stretch of road, replied Mike.

Watch out! There he is again, a tall man in black, Annie pointed out.

I see him, answered Mike, as he braked, and skidded off the road into a ditch.

What’s happening? Nancy cried out.

We just skidded a little. Don’t worry! Everybody, just sit tight while I check everything, Mike ordered.

As he stepped out of the van there was another crack of thunder and lightning.

I’m scared, Buddy cried out, as he reached for his sister.

I’m scared too, Mom, Nancy cried out. Who’s that?

Annie tried to quiet the two while she looked out her side window at the approaching figure.

Mike, look! That man in the dark cloak and hood is coming to the van. Be careful! Don’t get too close! Annie shouted.

Mike, who was checking the tires, looked up.

Hello! Who are you? Mike shouted to the mysterious stranger as he approached.

I’m here to help you, the old man replied in a gravelly voice. Don’t be afraid.

But, of course, all of them were afraid. Who was he, and where did he come from?

Annie shouted, Mike, please get in the car!

No, Annie, he answered calmly. I need to see who this is.

The stranger extended his hand. Mike reached out to shake the man’s hand but felt nothing, and quickly pulled back. Then he looked closely at his face.

Uncle George? Is it really you? Mike asked.

Yes, Michael. I came to warn you. You must turn back! The road ahead is completely washed out, he replied. Your car would slide down the mountainside.

Uncle George, come with us. You shouldn’t be out in this weather! You’ll catch your death of cold! Please get in the van, Mike replied. We’ll take you wherever you want to go. Annie, Mike called through the open window, This is Uncle George. He just warned me that the road ahead is impassable. We’ll have to go back home and celebrate Christmas there.

No, Mike, I can’t come with you, the man answered. Thank you anyway. There’s more I must do. Take care.

Mike looked at him in disbelief as he walked away in the blowing rain.

Annie, worried about her husband, shouted, Please get in the car, Mike. We should go home,

Mike climbed back into the driver’s seat.

Annie asked quietly, Are you sure that was your Uncle George?

He looked like him, Mike replied, shaking his head, but I don’t know. George never lived in this area. I wonder how he got here.

Mom, who was that? Nancy asked.

That tall man scared me, Buddy complained reaching for his mother’s hand. Who was he? Did you know him, Daddy?

I think so, son. He was my favorite uncle. The last time I saw him was three years ago, just before we moved. He was in the hospital in Concord, New Hampshire, and very ill. What do you think, Annie?

I don’t know, she replied thoughtfully. Should we believe him? There was something strange about that man.

He was scary, agreed Buddy.

I lost touch with that side of our family, Mike replied. At that time I was too preoccupied with our own problems to reach out to others. Annie, please call Dad and tell him the roads are terrible and we may have to turn around. Ask him if George is living in this area now.

The phone rang and rang, but nobody answered.

A voice announced, Your call cannot be completed at this time. Please try your call later.

The lines must be down. We have to turn around and spend Christmas at home, Mike stated.

Oh, no! Nancy exclaimed.

Can’t we go on? Buddy begged.

No! his father replied vehemently. We can’t take a chance on the road being washed out. It’s too dangerous.

Yes, and even if the road isn’t washed out, the roads are icy and the visibility is terrible, Annie reasoned.

As they turned around and tried to get back on the road there was a loud thump and the car skidded once more. Mike jumped out to look at the front tires.

The tires are okay but we’re heading toward home.

As they left, once again they saw the mystery man, raising his right hand, as if he was giving a blessing.

They all had their own thoughts about ‘Uncle George.’ Annie knew they would discuss it later, out of earshot of their children.

The storm had intensified and as they drove they felt the wind pushing the vehicle from one side of the road to the other.

This is going to be a bad storm, a real blizzard, predicted Annie.

I’ll be glad to get home to our cozy little house. We’ll enjoy a quiet Christmas at home, just the four of us.

An hour of treacherous but uneventful driving went by. There was no sunlight and the mist from the road created an eerie atmosphere.

It’s spooky, Nancy admitted. I wish I was home now.

I wish I was home now, too, Buddy echoed. Who was that old man, Daddy? Is he really your uncle?

I’m not sure. I’d like to find out for certain. I have no idea what he could be doing out here in the storm or how he got there.

Where did Uncle George live? asked Buddy.

In New Hampshire most of his life, replied Mike, but he grew up in Canada. You know, it’s odd. He always spoke with a slight Canadian accent, but I didn’t hear that accent in this man’s voice.

Well, who was he then? asked Nancy.

CHAPTER 2

CHRISTMAS IS COMING

The temperature fell and the mist turned to a hard, cold rain. Fortunately, Mike brought his family home safely through the mountains in a few hours. They all rushed inside, trying not to get drenched.

I’ll bring in the suitcases and leave the presents in the car, in case we decide to visit Mom and Dad on Christmas day.

Annie pulled some appetizers from the freezer and put them in the oven.

We’ll have a good Christmas Eve here. Don’t worry, she told the kids. We can see Grandma and Grandpa as soon as the weather clears.

As they enjoyed their Christmas Eve treats they talked about the strange old man they had met on the highway.

I’ve never seen anything like it. He appeared to be harmless, and I thought, nonthreatening, Annie remarked.

Yes. I don’t think he meant any harm. He wanted to help, observed Mike.

He looked a little like Grandpa, Buddy added.

That’s not surprising, since he’s Grandpa Sam’s older brother, Annie commented. However, it was very hard to see his face in the fog and mist. Besides, he had on a black cassock and cowl. He was dressed like a monk.

What’s a monk? asked Buddy.

It’s like a priest, who wears a long, close-fitting robe called a cassock, and sometimes a cowl or hood, answered his mother.

So is everyone who wears a cassock and hood a good person? Buddy asked.

I think that’s true most of the time, replied his father.

But how will I know when I meet someone dressed like that if he is a good man or a bad man? asked Buddy.

It is hard to know for sure, but most of the time you can assume he’s good, answered Mike. You have to listen to what he says and observe him carefully before you make up your mind.

Did you do that today, Daddy, when we were out on the mountain road? asked Nancy.

I tried to, but it all happened so quickly.

I think you were taking a chance, Mike, replied Annie.

Maybe. Why don’t we see what’s on TV tonight? he suggested, changing the subject. I’m sure there are some Christmas programs.

A local travel advisory came on:

"Travelers are advised to avoid Blue Mountain Highway tonight because of a washout. Winds are blowing at 60 miles per hour, snow is falling, and twelve inches may accumulate in some areas before morning. We will have a white Christmas!"

Just then Annie heard the phone ring and picked it up.

Yes, Sam, we started out and drove for two hours but we had to turn around. We tried to reach you but your phone was out of order.

She responded to his question, Yes, we knew you would worry, but we didn’t find out about the pass until we were almost in it, and then there was a very strange incident. I’ll let Mike tell you.

Hi, Dad. I’m sorry to have worried you. Listen, Dad. I have to ask you about something. Someone on the road stopped us and told us not to try to go over the pass, because it was washed out. He looked just like Uncle George!

There was complete silence on the other end.

Mike, I guess you didn’t hear that my brother died on December 6th. You know, he had a bad heart!

Mike’s face turned pale and then he responded, No, Dad, I didn’t hear about that. I’m so sorry. Why didn’t you tell me?

I was so upset at the time I couldn’t talk about it. George was such a good man. He loved you and your family, he replied with his voice cracking. That’s why he appeared to you today, to warn you. I am so grateful that you and the family are safe!

Dad, it’s alright. I loved Uncle George, too.

I was having so much trouble walking. I couldn’t get around very well or even go to his funeral.

One more thing, Dad. Where was George when he died?

Why, back in Henniker, New Hampshire, of course. You know where he lived.

Yes, of course, Mike replied, rethinking what he was going to say. I feel so bad to have missed Christmas Eve with you, but we’ll visit as soon as the road is passable. Good night, Dad.

Good night, son. We hope to see you soon.

Annie went upstairs with the children. Mike sat down to think about their loss and fell asleep in his chair.

The cold winds blew, and the snow continued all through the night, to glisten on the mountains in the morning sun.

Look, Mike! We have a white Christmas! observed Annie. Let’s go tell the children.

No need, dear. They’re already awake and downstairs by the tree.

The children had awakened early, excited about their presents.

What’s that big present over there, Buddy? Nancy asked.

I know it’s a drone.

How do you know for sure, Buddy? Did you peek?

That’s what I asked for, and I saw Dad looking at them in the store one day. I’m pretty sure he bought it.

What do you want, Nancy?"

I asked for ballet slippers and a ballerina dress.

Good morning and Merry Christmas! exclaimed Annie and Mike.

Merry Christmas, Mom and Dad! replied the children.

Would you like to open your presents now? asked Annie.

Yes, right now, exclaimed Buddy, jumping up and down.

I can’t wait, Nancy admitted.

Well, I’m wearing the Santa hat, so I’ll give out the presents in just a minute, explained Mike as he went to the van to get them.

And I’ll get us some cinnamon rolls and hot chocolate, Annie declared.

As soon as Mom and Dad returned Buddy asked, Can I open the big one now, Mom, please?

She smiled and said, Yes, Buddy. Go ahead.

He started peeling off the Christmas wrapping on his big present, and, seeing the logo on the box he shouted, Look everyone. It’s a drone! Just what I wanted! Thank you so much.

Nancy opened her big present, wrapped all in silver, and inside she found a ballerina dress and ballet slippers! Immediately, she ran to try them on.

I’m so happy, Mom and Dad. Thank you! How do I look?

You look beautiful, dear! As soon as we can, we’ll sign you up for lessons.

When they finished opening their presents snow began falling again.

I heard the snow will continue all day, Mike informed everyone. We may get snowed in.

That’s alright, replied Annie. We have everything we need, and we’re not going anywhere today.

Uncle George, who was still observing them from afar, uttered quietly to himself, They’ll find out later if that’s true.

CHAPTER 3

AN UNUSUAL CHRISTMAS DAY

The children were anxiously waiting to go outside. Finally, around 1:00 the snow stopped, and settled down into huge mounds and drifts, making it difficult to see the roads.

Can we go sledding, Mom, please? asked Nancy.

Ask your Dad. If he’ll go with you, I will, too.

Mike immediately shouted, Yes! I’d love to go sledding! Let’s go.

They put on their warmest coats, hats, gloves, and boots, grabbed their sleds, and joined their dad in the van. Mom came running after them with a big bag of goodies.

I’m going to take you to a secret place I know, Mike explained to the children, that is, if we can get up there in the snow.

Mike revved up the engine and away they all flew, slipping and sliding in every direction, but since it was a private road on their property it didn’t matter. They climbed up a bit, then headed down and finally came to a smooth stop.

Here we are, boys and girls. We’re parked half way up the hill. Over there is Snowman’s Bluff. I can see that someone cleared a path with his sled already. If you can get to the top, you can sled down, but watch out for drifts.

Yay, the two children cheered. We can do it! they exclaimed as they started up the hill carrying the smaller toboggan.

Mike grabbed Annie’s hand and carried the big toboggan as they followed the children to the top.

Here we come! shouted the kids as they sped past their parents.

And here we come! shouted Annie and Mike, as they raced downhill.

The children landed safely at the bottom of the hill, just ahead of their parents.

We won, we won! they cheered, as Annie and Mike landed in a heap at their feet.

On the next round they climbed even higher, above Snowman’s Bluff.

You two go down first, Mike shouted to the children. We’ll give you a few minutes to get down and then we’ll follow.

So the kids went first, excited to have such a long run.

Watch us, shouted Nancy.

We’re the champs! yelled Buddy as they started down the slope, with Nancy holding tightly to her little brother.

Annie and Mike waited until they saw the kids waving to them at the bottom. Then they jumped on their toboggan which practically flew, seeming to steer itself this way and that, until it hit something and landed way off the trail in a deep drift.

Stunned and mystified at their destination, they stood up and looked around. To the right was a grove of trees and dense brush, to the left another snow drift. They didn’t recognize the scenery, and they didn’t see their children anywhere.

Buddy, Nancy, they called out. Where are you?

Again they called, but heard only their own voices echoing through the hills.

The children were playing at the bottom of the trail. They decided to build a huge snowman and lost track of time. Not until it started getting dark did they begin to worry.

Where’s Mom and Dad? Buddy asked.

I don’t know, but now I’m getting worried, admitted Nancy. They should have been here a long time ago. Something must have happened to them!

What should we do? asked Buddy.

Meanwhile, Annie and Mike wandered around, blinded by the increasing snowfall.

Look, Annie, there’s a cave up ahead. Let’s go in and get out of the weather.

They stepped inside into another world.

I can’t believe this! The walls look like crystal, and the ceiling glistens like diamonds, exclaimed Annie.

As they walked deeper into the cave they saw stalagmites re up to meet the stalactites, white, yellow, blue, green, and purple, some reaching toward another to make a column. A trail lured them down toward more outlandish formations. Soon they were deep inside the mountain.

Mike, Annie confided as she took his hand, I think we’re hopelessly lost! Can we backtrack and get to the surface?

I don’t know, Annie. This was so awe-inspiring I didn’t mark our trail, and I don’t think I can remember all our twists and turns.

What will we do? The children are at the bottom of the hill all alone. We have to get out! she pleaded and her eyes began to tear.

Don’t worry, Mike reassured her, though he, too, was beginning to worry. I believe they’re okay. Our path wasn’t very long. I’m sure we can find our way out.

They walked for a while, but couldn’t recognize any landmarks.

Now I’m really frightened, Mike. What can we do?

He put his hands in his pockets, as he often did, and found something.

Look what I found! We’re in a strong magnetic field due to the iron ore in the mountains. This compass will point directly north.

What does that tell us? Annie asked.

It’s pointing back, to the north, so we should go straight ahead, south toward our house.

She took his arm and they began walking. Suddenly, a light appeared ahead, seeming to beckon them to follow.

Look at that, Annie. The light’s pointing the way out. Let’s follow it.

In about 10 minutes the light led them to the cave entrance.

Look, Mike. We’re out of the cave and out of danger!

We should sled down this little hill to the children now, Mike stated as he spotted their toboggan in the snow. Something tells me the kids will be there, too.

Mike held the toboggan so Annie could climb on, and shouted, Here we go!

As they came to a stop at their kids’ feet, Buddy asked, Mommy, Daddy, where were you?

Buddy and Nancy! You’re here! exclaimed Annie. "We skidded off the trail and got lost in a cave! We’re so sorry to have left you alone for so long.

That’s okay, Nancy answered. We weren’t alone.

Oh? replied Mike.

No. Uncle George was with us!

Is that right, Nancy? You saw Uncle George again? asked Annie.

Yes, she replied, as if it was to be expected.

He told us that he would make sure you’d get here soon, and not to worry, replied Nancy. We had a good time making a snow man with him. See, over there? she explained and pointed to a huge snowman.

Annie asked, What time is it, Mike?

This can’t be right. My watch says 4:30! We must have been gone for several hours, but it seemed like just a few minutes.

Yes. Isn’t that strange? asked Annie.

Where is Uncle George now? Mike asked the children.

He had to leave because he had more work to do, but he knew you’d be here soon, answered Buddy.

Annie looked at Mike. They would talk later about this strange episode with Uncle George. She felt Mike was struggling to make sense of it. Although he had been raised in the Anglican Church, he had some doubts about spirits.

I don’t believe in angels or demons! Mike whispered to Annie.

I know, but I do, replied Annie. Thank you, Uncle George, wherever you are!

Thank you, Uncle George, Buddy and Nancy echoed. Come back soon.

CHAPTER 4

A MOVABLE FEAST

That night right after dinner the children went to their rooms, exhausted after their sledding adventure. The two were excited about Christmas and their second encounter with Uncle George.

I asked him if he was a monk because he was wearing a cassock and cowl, Buddy told Nancy, but he told me, ‘No.’ Do you think he looks like Grandpa?

Yes, a little, Nancy answered.

Daddy told us Uncle George died a few weeks ago. I believe he’s an angel now, reasoned Buddy.

Annie and Mike sat at the kitchen table discussing the same subject.

No, he can’t be dead! I can’t accept it! I don’t believe he’s gone. He must be playing tricks on us. He always loved to joke around!

What did your father tell you?

He told me that George died of a heart attack at his home in New Hampshire three weeks ago.

Well, why don’t you believe that? asked Annie.

Dad didn’t actually see him in his coffin, Mike replied. He explained he just didn’t have the physical or emotional energy to go to George’s funeral.

You know it’s hard for your mom and dad to travel very far. I’m sure they just thought it too difficult to go all the way across the country at that time, added Annie. Sam’s had several falls, trouble walking, and Millie has problems, too.

I know, dear, Mike answered. I just find it difficult to accept that George is gone and that he’s an angel. Maybe George wanted to see us one more time. He was a stubborn old coot!

Well, I like having George around. He helped us on the road, and possibly saved our lives, Annie stated. He warned us about the pass, and watched the children for us when we were lost. He may even have helped us find our way out of the cave.

I want to talk to Dad about this.

Mike went into the living room to make the call.

Dad, how are you? Did you get snowed in too?

We did, son, but we didn’t need to go out for anything. I told Mom that we could celebrate Christmas with you when the weather clears.

Yes, Dad, we decided the same. Listen, there’s something I want to ask you. The last time we spoke I mentioned that Uncle George appeared to us on Blue Mountain Road. Did you mean he died, and now he’s an angel?

Yes, son, that’s exactly what I meant. George was a good man. He was watching over you. He knew you needed help, and needed to turn around to avoid a catastrophe on that washed out road. He saved your life!

I have a hard time accepting that, Dad.

Yes, I figured you would, but you told me you saw him. Didn’t everyone say he looked like Uncle George? asked Sam.

They told me he looked like you, Dad.

Well, of course, there is a family resemblance! agreed Sam. I know George died. I talked to his wife to explain why we couldn’t attend his funeral. I know he went to Heaven and now he’s an angel, Sam continued. He’ll always watch over you and protect your family.

That’s a lot for me to believe, Dad. I’ll have to think about it.

It’s alright, son. I understand. Call me when the weather clears and let us know when you want to visit.

I will, Dad. Have a good night! I love you, Dad, Mom, and Uncle George, Mike concluded.

Annie, hearing him finish their conversation, came in to see if Mike had learned anything.

I brought you a cup of your favorite tea, Earl Grey! Annie said, putting two cups on the coffee table. Did you hear any other news?

No. Dad told me George did indeed die three weeks ago at his home in Henniker, New Hampshire. He told me he was certain George was in Heaven and he’s now our guardian angel.

I agree with that! commented Annie.

Well, if he’s here to help us, he’s welcome! answered Mike. I don’t care if he’s a ghost or an angel.

Annie knew that was not the end of their conversation, but she let it go. She knew they would see Uncle George again.

By the day after Christmas the sun had melted most of the snow. Mike took the van out to check on the roads, and then rushed home to tell everyone the good news.

Annie, the major roads are clear. Do you know what that means?

Does it mean you’re ready to try Blue Mountain Road again? Annie asked.

I called the Highway Patrol. The pass was repaired and open to traffic.

We can be ready in 30 minutes! exclaimed Annie. I’ll call Mom and Dad to let them know we’re coming today.

Buddy and Nancy, come help us pack the van again, called Annie. We’re going to see Grandma and Grandpa!

I think because it’s only 9:00 AM, we can probably be there by noon, Mike announced as they climbed into the van.

When they started out everyone was cheerful, looking forward to visiting Grandma and Grandpa, celebrating Christmas all over again, and seeing the beautiful scenery along the way.

I wonder how much snow will be on the road, asked Annie.

There shouldn’t be much, replied Mike, as he accelerated, hoping to make better time than previously.

The kids passed the time playing travel games. Buddy loved the license plate game.

"Look, Nancy. It’s a Missouri, and a New Jersey!

"And I have a Florida."

I have more than you—oo, Buddy sang.

After a few more cars Nancy admitted, I’m tired of playing this. There aren’t enough cars on this narrow road to make it interesting.

As they approached Blue Mountain Road, Mike turned on the radio.

"More snow, estimated at 10 inches, is expected in the afternoon. Increasing wind will make driving hazardous. Drivers are advised to avoid mountainous routes because of increasing ice."

Oh, no. Not again, exclaimed Annie. Mike, what should we do?

Call the Highway Patrol and ask about the pass.

Hello, Officer. Can you tell me if the pass on Blue Mountain Road is open?

Yes, Ma’am, the pass is open now. Driving should be good there until around 4:00 P.M.

Well, do you think we should attempt it? Annie asked Mike.

I think we can make it, he ventured.

Buddy overheard, and chimed in, We can make it, Dad, can’t we?

You bet, kids. We’re going to make it this time!

Nancy began the Alphabet Game. A, my name is Annie, my husband’s name is Al. We come from Alabama, and we sell apples. Your turn, Buddy.

B, my name is Buddy, my wife’s name is Babs. We come from Baltimore, and we sell…

Suddenly, the van spun out, crossed the highway and stopped on the opposite side, facing the mountain.

Uh, oh. I can’t believe this.

I can, Mike stated. Here we are again—the same spot where we had a problem on our last trip. Is it a coincidence?

Daddy, what happened? Is the car damaged? Nancy asked.

I think we hit something. I don’t know what, but the van won’t start now.

The four of them sat for a while, trying to decide what to do. Mike got out, inspected the tires and the brakes, and looked under the hood. He got in the car and announced, I couldn’t find anything wrong.

Then he pushed the starter button. Nothing.

We can wrap up in the sleeping bags, but it’s going to be very cold in the van, and we could get snowed in here, Annie feared.

I’m going to look around. Everybody just stay put ‘til I return.

Mike walked up the road trying to catch sight of any nearby houses, but there were none. As he walked in the other direction he saw a distant light approaching, then someone carrying a lantern, like in his dream. As he drew closer, he saw it was a man wearing a black cassock with a hood. He looked familiar.

Uncle George?

Yes, Mike. I’m here for you. I saw your van and I knew you needed my help.

Mike knew George had worked on cars at one time. Maybe he could fix the van.

I thought I hit something. I looked on the road but didn’t see anything, did you?

No, Mike, I didn’t. That was probably just the bumper hitting the curb.

As the two approached the van, the kids jumped out and ran up to them.

Uncle George, did you come to help us again?

Yes, kids, I did! he answered.

George peered under the hood.

Hold my lantern over here, George instructed Nancy.

Mike, please get your tool box.

Did you see anything, Uncle George? Mike asked.

Yes. The fan belt is loose, for one thing. The engine is over-heated, and you’re out of antifreeze, explained George.

What can I do, asked Mike?

I can fix it. Just give me a minute alone. All of you please get back in the van.

They complied, and George continued to peer deep under the hood.

What’s he doing? asked Annie.

I don’t know, but he seems to know what he’s doing, replied Mike.

It looks as if he’s waving something over the engine. There’s a glow all around the hood, Nancy observed.

In just a few minutes George walked around to the driver’s side, and tapped on Mike’s window.

It’s all fixed, Mike. Try the engine.

Mike pressed the starter button.

Listen, it’s purring like a kitten. How did you do it, George? Mike asked.

Oh, I have connections.

Why don’t you come with us, George? We’re going to see your brother. You can celebrate Christmas with the family.

I’d like to but I have more work to do now. Perhaps I’ll see you later.

Thank you so much, Uncle George. I hope we’ll see you soon.

CHAPTER 5

THE VISIT

The van continued on its way, and brought its passengers to their destination in less than two more hours. The children ran up the steps and rang the bell.

Buddy, Nancy, we’re so glad you made it! Grandma Millie and Grandpa Sam greeted them with hugs.

Sam, Millie, we’re so glad to be here. Christmas just didn’t seem right without you! their daughter-in-law commented.

Mike brought in the presents and put them under his parents’ tree.