Children from Heaven and When God Speaks

By Shelba Wilbur

Author Shelba Wilbur presents a collection of her writings, including the novella Children from Heaven and a collection of short stories titled When God Speaks.

Children from Heaven tells the story of Addie, who lost her husband, David, in a tragic automobile accident caused by an intoxicated driver. He was the love of her life. They had prayed to God for children throughout their marriage, but He kept saying Be patient. Once David was gone, Addie struggled with what to do with her life, feeling as though their patience had been in vain.

Then one day Addie opened her door to a friend, and her life changed forever. There, with her friend, stood four young boys who needed a place to live and someone to take care of them. They moved in with Addie, and as her family took root, Addie finally understood why God counseled her to be patient. Mama Addies family became her legacy!

When God Speaks presents a collection of inspirational short stories about the very special relationship that each person builds with God. These are the stories of people from many walks of life, people who listen when God speaks. They listen not only with their ears, but also with their hearts. Their stories are a testament to Gods love.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Trafford Publishing
• Release date: Nov 30, 2010
• ISBN: 9781426946493

Shelba Wilbur

Shelba Wilbur has been married to her husband, Bud, for thirty-seven years. They have eleven children, twenty-six grandchildren, twenty-two great grandchildren, and more on the way. She has been writing short stories and poems for years. This book is dedicated to her family.

Book preview

CONTENTS

CHILDREN FROM HEAVEN

ADDIE’S CHILDREN

ADDIE’S CHILDREN GROWN

THE CHILDREN’S PARENTS

ADDIE’S LEGACY

LOVE LETTERS TO ADDIE’S CHILDREN

WHEN GOD SPEAKS

Inspirational Short Stories

CHILDREN FROM HEAVEN

Addie lost David her husband and the love of her life in an automobile accident. Addie prayed to God about what to do with her life and He said as He always did Be patient. One day Addie opened her door and her heart and life changed forever. She learned in one fell swoop what God meant when He said for her to Be Patient.

Written By:

Shelba Wilbur

ADDIE’S CHILDREN

Sitting at her kitchen table, Addie, tears dropping into the cup of coffee could only think of David. It had been two weeks since her husband, her beloved David had been killed instantly in that senseless automobile accident. An intoxicated driver failed to heed the red traffic light. He ran into David’s car.

What am I going to do now? She thought to herself. David was my life. We wanted children. For some reason we didn’t have any. Now I am all alone. We prayed to God for children and he kept saying, Be patient. We had been patient for fifteen years and nothing happened! I won’t have a part of David to remember him by. She began to cry harder. She once again prayed to God as she had done so many times before. God, what am I going to do with my life? I feel so empty inside. Again she heard these words, Be patient.

Addie, short for Adeline, knew she was going to have to start doing something. She couldn’t sit around feeling sorry for herself any longer. She knew this wasn’t the answer. The next day she made some phone calls. The hospital where David had worked and the public library needed volunteers. She would be busy for a while.

Addie started her volunteering and really enjoyed it but something was still missing. At night it was almost unbearable to go home to the big empty house which was supposed to be filled with the children that she and David wanted so much. She had let Fanny, her housekeeper/cook go after the funeral. There was no use having a cook for one person and the house didn’t get that messy.

Addie sat thinking about the time they had bought the big old house. They had put so much work into it and finally got it the way they wanted it. They even decorated two bedrooms for the children they were planning on having a pink room for the girl and a blue room for the boy. Now it didn’t look like they were going to be used for any children of hers.

I might as well sell this big house and get a small apartment for myself, she thought. It had been six months since the accident and once again she put it in Gods hands by asking Him to tell her what to do. Once again these words came, Be patient.

But God, what do you mean to be patient? I have been patient for years and look where it has gotten me. No husband, no children, I am tired of waiting.

It’s almost time. These words came from nowhere and the hairs started to rise on the back of Addie’s neck. This is weird, she thought, Time for what?

Almost one year to the day when David passed away, Addie got a phone call from her friend Lola who worked for the county. She had a question to ask Addie and hoped she would say yes. Addie agreed to have Lola come to see her the next morning. When Lola arrived she was not alone. With her were four black boys. They looked as if they hadn’t eaten in about a week, which was close to the truth. Addie was introduced to the boys. Nate was twelve, Mike was ten, Eddie was eight, and little Bo was six. None of the boys looked their ages; they were so small and skinny. Addie took the boys into the kitchen and fixed them some sandwiches, cookies and milk. She went back into the living room where Lola was waiting to tell her about the boys. The boys lived with an abusive, alcoholic father and a mother on drugs. One of the boys was beaten almost daily by their father and their mother was so strung out on drugs she didn’t really take care of them. One of the neighbors called the police because they could hear what they alleged as beatings and the boys crying. By the time the police arrived the father was long gone. The boys were turned over to Children and Youth Services It was almost impossible that a home would be available for the four to remain together. This is when Lola thought of Addie and her love for children. As a bonus she had a big house with empty rooms which needed to be filled.

Addie had tears in her eyes by the time Lola was finished. She didn’t waste a minute in giving her answer which was yes. She would keep the boys if they wanted to stay with her. They might not want to live with a white lady. You didn’t have to ask them twice what they wanted to do. The boys wanted to stay in this beautiful big house.

Addie talked to the boys. There would have to be some rules to which they all agreed. She took them upstairs to the bedrooms. I hope you don’t mind sharing a room with one of your brothers. I thought you two older ones could have this room and the two younger ones could have the one next door with a bathroom in between. Is this okay with all of you?

Lady, we are use to sharing a bed, all four of us. We would get close together to keep warm. We didn’t have many blankets, Nate said. Then they started telling Addie about their life with their parents. Addie started to cry and taking the boys in her arms. She told them she was so sorry they had to live that way. Things would be better here.

"First of all boys, don’t call me Lady, my name is Addie and this is what you can call me okay? Anyway Lady sounds like a dog’s name. Second, we are going to have to see about getting you some new clothes. Let’s go shopping.

The boys couldn’t believe they were actually going to the store and get clothes. This was a new experience for them. Their mother went to the second hand clothing store and brought home some clothes. If they fit fine, if they didn’t, you wore them anyway. They hated to go to school, the kids made fun of them. Now they would be going to a new school where no one knew them and they would be dressed like everyone else.

Addie put all of the boys in her small car which proved to be a tight squeeze. This just isn’t going to work, she thought to herself. There was a car dealership on the way to the store. As she drove by, she noticed an SUV which looked like something she could use. Guess I’ll wait another day to see about a different car. I think one day of shopping with four boys who had never been shopping before is enough for one day. As they pulled up in front of the store, the boys’ eyes were as big as saucers.

This ought to be fun. On the way home maybe we will stop and get something to eat at a fast food place. How does that sound to all of you?

Great, was the reply from four different voices! They had never been to a fast food place.

As they entered the mall, Addie told them to stick together so they wouldn’t get lost. They were so interested in what they saw; they seemed to freeze in front of the door. Addie finally headed them toward the clothing store. She told them quietly how to look for their clothes. They would also need sneakers. The ones they had were full of holes. By the time they were done, each of the boys was outfitted with enough clothes to last him for a while. Addie and the boys decided to look at the rest of the store. They would all need hygiene items, tooth brushes, tooth paste and mouth wash. She purchased bath products for the boys. Hers were not suitable for them, the aroma was for women.

The toy department was a completely new adventure for them. The boys didn’t know what to think of everything. They were told they could each pick three things they wanted. Then the fun began. How do you ask four young boys to choose three things when there were hundreds to choose from? They had never been to a place like this before.

The first thing Nate got was a basketball. There had to be a hoop for the ball to go through, right? Mike loved baseball; there was a ball, bat and glove for him. The younger boys wanted skate boards and helmets and pads. There was hand held games for all of them and books. Nate told Addie when they were in bed at night he would read to the younger ones from books they had found in the trash outside of their apartment building. The first book chosen was Tom Sawyer. Their cart was bulging at the sides. Addie decided it was time to leave. Addie was thankful she could provide for her and the boys. On their way back to the house they stopped at McDonalds and once again the boys were fascinated. They ordered Big Mac’s and French fries, they ate as if it were their last meal.

That night, before the boys went to bed, Addie told them it was time to pray to God to keep them safe through the night. Eddie asked who God was. Addie explained about God and Jesus and how they were our salvation and they watch over us and keep us safe. Bo looked up at her with a big grin on his face and said, as only a six year old could say, Like bringing us here so we would be safe right?

Addie replied, Yes, like bringing you all here so you would be safe from any harm that may have come to you. Now let’s kneel beside the bed and pray to God. I’ll begin and Nate you finish.

Addie began to pray, Dear God, You knew my heart was empty and you filled it by bringing these boys into my life. For this I say thank you. Watch over us through the night. Amen.

Each boy said a small prayer each thanking Him for this house and for Miss Addie. Nate finished with a prayer that made Addie cry.

Dear God, I don’t know who you are but I know now that someone was watching over all of us when we lived with mommy and daddy to make sure nothing really bad would happen to us. Now we live in a real home with Miss Addie. Keep us safe through the night. Amen.

She gave each of the boys a hug good night. She made sure each was in his own room. She went to her own room and once again prayed, took her bible from the place on the shelf and read it, something she had neglected to do for a while. As Addie read a chosen selection; peace came over her, one she had not felt in a long time. She now knew everything would be alright. Maybe she wouldn’t have the boys for very long whether it was for a week or a year she would treasure every second. Addie slept the best she had since losing David.

The next morning she was up early. She sat drinking a cup of coffee she began to realize just how much work her new life entailed. She made and important phone call to Fanny, her former housekeeper and cook. She told Fanny about the boys and asked her if she wanted to be employed again. Fanny said yes.

For ten years Fanny had worked for David and Addie Williams. Her husband had passed away. Her children had grown and moved to other parts of the country. At the time she started to work, Fanny felt it was an answer to another prayer. She was once again going to work for Miss Addie.

When Addie went upstairs to waken the boys she looked in the first bedroom, to her surprise all four boys were in one bed. She awakened them and asked the two younger ones if there was something wrong with their room. They said it was to far away from their brothers. The bed they were sharing wasn’t really large enough for four boys, so she asked if they would feel better if all were sleeping in one room. They shouted, Yes.

Well, I guess this means we will have to go shopping for bunk beds. How does that sound? She said.

Great, was the reply. Then we will really be close together. With that the boys got out of bed, got dressed and went down stairs for breakfast.

While they were eating there was a knock on the door. In came a short, plump lady with the nicest smile. She said her name was Fanny and she was there to help. Addie explained to the boys how Fanny had worked for her before and agreed to come to work again when she heard there was a house full of boys. Nate thought she could have been their grandmother; her skin color was the same as theirs. It was love at first sight between the boys and Fanny. Fanny told them they could call her Mammy as her grandchildren did.

As Fanny was talking to the boys an idea came to Addie. Would Fanny consider living with them all of the time? Off the kitchen was a large room which had been David’s office. It had its own bathroom and a door opening out into the garden. After the boys had finished eating and had gone to play, Addie mentioned the idea to Fanny. She was delighted. Now the fun began. A plan went into motion about what to do with everything in the room. The desk and chair would fit into the dining room and the rest could be stored in the storage room over the garage.

Fanny went home to her small apartment to decide what she wanted to move to her new home. She decided on her bed, dresser and nightstand. She thought the room would be large enough for her easy chair and a stand with a lamp on it. She wasn’t sure about the couch but she could probably find someone who could use it. Then she began to pack. Oh how much she had accumulated over the last ten years. She could probably get the good will to come and get what she didn’t want. This was going to be fun. It was as she was starting over again. Although it wasn’t to a new place, she was going back to a place she has missed this past year.

It took all day for Addie and the boys to move everything from David’s office and put into storage. When it was done and the room was cleaned it looked pretty good. Addie knew Fanny would love it. She would also love being a grandmother to the boys. So all was ready for the moving day for Fanny, it would be tomorrow if all went well. She wanted to get everything settled before the boys had to start school on Monday, this was already Friday. Then Addie remembered about the bunk beds and SUV. Oh well, tomorrow is another day. Today we will just enjoy being a family and get ready for Fanny, she said.

Finally everything started to fall into place. Fanny moved in and the boys adored her. The boys got their bunk beds and that seemed to be working well. Adjustments and change would be settled as needed. Most important they got a new SUV. Now they could all ride comfortably.

The boys started their new school and seemed to be doing well. They made new friends. The two older boys played junior football and looked forward to playing basketball when the season started.

Addie was happy and contented but God continued to tell her she wasn’t done yet and she had to wonder what it meant.

Getting ready for the holidays was fun. Soon there would be a very large Christmas tree that the boys would help decorate. Already garland was wrapped around the staircase and the doors, they put lights everywhere. They hung lights outside, around the porch, down the railings, along the steps. Figurines were placed all over the yard. What a good time everyone had. After they finished they enjoyed hot chocolate and Christmas cookies that Fanny had just taken out of the oven. The boys had never had a Christmas like this. Their remembrance of a tree was a discarded little tree the boys had found on the street. They never had cookies hot from the oven. On Christmas morning there would be only one gift for each of them under the tree; it was usually something that didn’t cost much because there was never any extra money.

On Christmas morning the living room was covered with gifts for the boys. What a wonderful day it was for all of them. The boys had made a picture for Addie. It looked something like the house they were living in. Addie thought it was the nicest gift and planned on having it framed. It would hang over the fireplace as a reminder of this day.

The days slipped by with no word from the parents of the boys. One day in the spring Lola called with disturbing news for Addie. The boys’ father had come home drunk and beaten their mother. She was in the hospital in critical condition and the father was in jail for assault. If their mother didn’t survive it would be murder. Addie had to tell the boys when they came home from school. It was going to be one of the hardest things she was ever going to have to do. She called her lawyer and told him what happened. Could she get full custody of the boys? He didn’t think there would be any problem. He would have to look into the matter and get back to her.

When the boys came home from school Addie told them what had happened. They all started to cry for their mother. She wasn’t much of a mother but she was theirs. Addie called the hospital to see how she was doing. She explained who she was and that she was calling for the boys. The hospital couldn’t tell her much over the phone so she took the boys to the hospital to see their mother. It was against the rules for the younger children to go in. However because their mother was so bad the rule was bent a little for the boys. It was very sad to watch them see their mother like that. If anything happened at least they could say their goodbyes. Addie knew at this point their mother was never going to be the mother they knew. If she did live she would never be able to take care of her sons again.

When they got home the boys said they wanted to pray for their mother. All of them knelt in the living room and started to pray for God to ease their mother’s pain and to please forgive her for all the things she had done that displeased Him and when the time came, to take her home with Him. It would be a better place than what she had here on earth. Each said they felt at peace knowing that everything was going to be alright. They had come to know God and to accept Him into their lives since coming to live with Addie. Now they called her Mama Addie, and she loved it.

The boys mother passed away a week after the boys had said their good byes. Their father was no longer in their lives.

In May once again, there came a call from Lola. She called with another plea. She was wondering if Addie could find room for two little girls aged five and seven. Addie asked the boys who agreed to have the girls become part of their family. When the girls were brought to her, she never saw two more beautiful little girls. Each had big blue eyes and golden curls. They were so thin and the clothes they wore were so dirty. Once again she would have to go shopping for clothes. This time it would be in the girls department. She put her arms around the girls and started to talk to them. Their names were Ella and Emma. Ella was seven and Emma was five. She introduced the girls to the boys and suggested they take the girls into the kitchen to meet Fanny. Maybe there would be cookies and milk for all of them. Addie listened as Lola told her about the girls. What she heard was infuriating.

It seems that a neighbor in the apartment next to the girls had heard something he thought was a cat. It was against the rules to have pets so he went to get the manager of the building. The manager knocked on the door. There was no answer but they could still hear something. He unlocked the door and entered the apartment. The rooms were filthy. There didn’t seem to be anyone near by. A noise from a closet prompted him to open the locked door. There were two little girls huddled together. It appeared they could have been there for a few days. There was an empty cracker box and an empty water bottle. The floor had feces and urine on it. He called 911 and reported what he had found and stayed until the medics and the police came. The girls were taken to the hospital where the two told how their mother had been acting funny. She would complain of a headache and then started beating the girls. One day she told the girls she was going out for a while and they were to get into the closet and stay there. She locked the door and left. Ella thought it was about four days ago. Ella tried to open the door but couldn’t and then started yelling for help. That was when the neighbor had heard her. As Lola was telling Addie the story, Addie started to cry for those little girls and what they had been through.

The boys thought the girls were great. It didn’t matter that their skin was a different color. Theirs was like Fanny’s now Addie would have two who matched hers. . The boys showed them the room they would have. It was across the hall from theirs it looked like a girls’ room, done in pink and white.

Ella and Emma were both small for their ages. The boys where when they first came. Now they were all so tall and are right where they are suppose to be. Addie knew