The Candy Kane Editorials

By Kurt Edwin Pearson

Asa was no stranger to tragedy. She had already had more than her fair share of obstacles in life considering she was only in seventh grade. After a heartbreaking accident had taken her parents away last year, she had been forced to move and live with her grandparents and attend a new school, Kane Creek Middle School. While her life had suddenly been turned upside down, her faith had remained strong while keeping her balanced and relatively positive.

Even so, she was having a hard time establishing new friends. With assistance from Mandy, her youth pastor, she realized that she wasn't making things easy on herself. She couldn't keep pushing people away.

She also came to terms with the fact that her grandparents, Nana and Pap, were having difficulty moving on from the accident. They had turned away from their church and their faith as they struggled daily with their loss.

Then one fateful day, Mr. Kane, a kindly neighbor and editor of the local newspaper, introduced Asa to the Guest Editorial where readers could express ideas and concerns to challenge the community into action. Asa humbly asked to give it a try, and an idea began to take shape that would forever alter her life and many others living in the town of Kane Creek and beyond.

Time was running out. The Christmas anniversary of her parents' death was approaching. A miracle was needed, and Asa felt that she was being led to fashion one with the direction and oversight of the Holy Spirit.

New obstacles confronted her consistently. Tragedy and sorrow continued to confound her, but new answers and new friends miraculously appeared to guide Asa through the challenges.

Would she be able to help piece together another Christmas miracle that God could use to show the rest of the world what she already knew?

God is good. Miracles are real.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Nov 2, 2022
• ISBN: 9798886856743

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The Candy Kane Editorials

Kurt Edwin Pearson

ISBN 979-8-88685-673-6 (paperback)

ISBN 979-8-88685-674-3 (digital)

Copyright © 2022 by Kurt Edwin Pearson

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission requests, solicit the publisher via the address below.

Christian Faith Publishing

832 Park Avenue

Meadville, PA 16335

www.christianfaithpublishing.com

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Acknowledgments

About the Author

This book is dedicated to all who help others by any and every way.

Prologue

Asa was sitting in her safe zone—alone at her desk.

She stared nonchalantly down at the oblong, half-full, muddy retaining pond from her second-story rear bedroom window. She liked to pretend that the icky accumulation of water, muck, and trash was her own pristine private swimming pool. She had a great imagination.

She allowed herself to contemplate reality and wondered how many mosquitoes were going to be released into the world from the stagnant liquid during that muggy, late-August afternoon. The sun had slowly plodded across the sky until its rays were strategically reflecting off the top of the pond's metal overflow cap and right into her eyes. She turned her head slightly and tried to ignore the rays by squinting her eyes until they were practically closed. Finally, she had to give up and return her gaze to the silver-framed photo in her hands.

The dark sunspot in her vision diminished until she could once more make out the smiling faces of her parents. She had stared at that photo for dozens of hours over the last months. They looked so happy in that moment, which was not unlike the countless other mundane moments that had been so overlooked while doing life in the fast lane. She recalled fondly that her parents were almost always happy, especially so when they were together as a family.

This specific photo was one of the first shots she had taken with her new high-tech Nikon camera, which was an early Christmas present last November. The grandiose Biltmore house filled out the backdrop, even from that long distance away on the driveway bridge that circled in front of the castle-like home. That was a wonderful trip, especially since it had been on her father's short list of places to visit. He had wished for years to go see the home when it was fully decorated for the holidays.

The Biltmore Estate and gardens would be the perfect instrument to throw a person's perspective out the window. However, to Asa, that small five-by-seven photo would always be one of her prized possessions no matter what else happened in her life since it would remain the last photo that she'd ever take of her parents. Those beautiful smiles would forever be etched in her mind. Forever.

She smiled back at them longingly.

Asa? came the call from downstairs. Mandy's going to be here in a few minutes to pick you up.

Okay, Nana. Coming, Asa replied.

Asa offered one more quick smile to her parents before she placed the frame back on the corner of her desk. She spun her rotating chair around but sat there scrutinizing her unadorned room. White walls. Sparse and simple finishings. Little to no flair anywhere. She wished she had her perfectly pink, eccentric, and eye-catching bedroom back at her old house across town. She also wished she had her shady fenced-in yard. She wished… Don't! she reminded herself with a mild shake of her head. She couldn't go down that road today.

She needed to be grateful and cheerful, especially for her grandparents' sake. She stood up and grabbed her American Eagle ballcap off the end of the bed and walked to the dresser mirror. With a slight flick of her head, she tossed her naturally curly long brown hair behind her shoulders and quickly pulled the cap down low until she could barely see her eyes under the lid. She figured the typical nondescript T-shirt and khaki shorts would be fine for youth church—once again. She was used to trying to hide away from the world these last few months and didn't really want anyone to notice her anyway. Anonymity was just fine with her.

She forced one more thin-lipped grin, this time toward her reflection, and turned to head down the stairs and away from her safe zone.

Chapter 1

So how's it going today, kiddo? Mandy asked as Asa plopped into the passenger seat of her old, ragged Ford Escort. Mandy looked like she had walked right out of a trendy and stylish fashion magazine—as usual—with her pressed bright-green mid-thigh-length skirt, white cotton button-up short sleeve blouse, and fashionable slip-on heels. So slim and too pretty for one person, Asa thought. On cue, Mandy gave her one of her beautiful, perfect smiles. The ends of her long golden hair fluttered playfully from the air-conditioning blowing at full strength as it tried to negate the heat and humidity of the day.

Asa closed the door quickly and clicked her seatbelt. Going…good, I guess.

Mandy flicked the bill of Asa's ballcap up. Gotcha! She laughed, flashing the picture-perfect teeth again.

I hate it when you do that, Asa replied through her own giggle as she repositioned the hat back low on her forehead.

Mandy gave her a bogus stare and a shake of a finger. "No, no, young lady. We don't hate, do we?"

I know. Okay. Asa shook her finger back. But I very strongly dislike you doing that, almost even hating it.

Mandy chuckled. You're too smart and witty for your meager, little age. You sure you're only in seventh grade?

I guarantee I'm only in seventh grade. I wish… She left the statement hanging since she remembered she was going to be positive today.

And we don't wish our life away, kiddo. So for that… Mandy darted her hand over and gave the bill another heavy flick. The hat flung off Asa's head completely which made her hair fly wildly in all directions.

Mandy laughed heartily as Asa turned with a death stare, but the disheveled locks in front of her face ruined the delivery. She calmly started rearranging and asked wickedly, "You sure you're the twenty-four-year-old youth pastor and not a seventh grader?"

Mandy stopped laughing and leveled, You see, it's quick smarty-pants comments like that. You're too witty, or maybe you're just a total smart aleck. Mandy reached over and helped Asa coral the remaining stray hair and summarized, Either way, I'm surprised you're not the most popular person in your school.

Asa pulled the hat over her head once more and quipped, "I'm not the most popular person in my school, and you know it."

Mandy put the car in reverse and started backing out of the driveway. I don't see how that's possible. You've got all your friends in youth group at church, and your old friends at your previous school, and we can't leave out your wonderful townhouse neighbor Mr. Kane. But I don't understand the trouble you've had at your new school. Is there a reason for it… I wonder? Mandy gave her an accusatory stare.

No, Asa answered quickly. "It's simple. I'm just not popular at Kane Middle School. I'm just trying to make it to high school in a couple of years."

As Mandy began circling her way out of the townhouse development's parking lot, she added, You need to give the kids in your new school a chance to know the real you. Open up a bit. It wouldn't take long for you to have a gaggle of new friends.

"I'm not sure I want a gaggle of anything."

Mandy glanced in her direction and shook her accusing finger once again. See, there you go again. Just too cool. Too cool.

I appreciate you thinking so, but—

No buts about it! Mandy interrupted. You've got to start reaching out to the world again, kiddo.

I…don't…can't. Asa shrugged her shoulders and gave up. Change the subject.

At the last second, Mandy turned abruptly into the pool's parking lot at the entrance to the development. She placed the car in park and turned in her seat to confront Asa. Seriously, you've got too much love and personality to keep it from the world. Asa turned away to look out the side window. Mandy gently took Asa's chin and turned her to look her in the eye. I know you're still hurting from losing your parents. I'm still hurting too. But—

Asa pulled away from her touch and turned her head to the side window again. "Like you said, no buts."

"Dang it, Asa! You've got to move forward! As I've told you over and over, they'd want you to remember them and move on with your life. You know it's true. You can remember, can celebrate, and continue to love them as you move on and have a good life. You owe that to them and to yourself. They still want that for you, even now."

Asa began to tremble in her seat, still looking out the side window, tears flowing down her cheeks. Mandy lowered her head and rubbed her forehead. I'm sorry, kiddo. That was too harsh. I'm sorry. It's just that you, well, you… Mandy didn't know what else to say. She placed a gentle and caring hand on Asa's shoulder.

Asa eventually whispered, It's just so hard. Nana and Pap, they're so…torn up. They're lost. I can't help them, and…

I know. I know. Mandy patted Asa's shoulder gently. "You can't feel responsible for their sadness, or happiness for that matter, Asa. They loved your parents as much as you did, maybe more even. You must remember that they lost a daughter and a son-in-law they loved like their own. Give them time. They'll come around, eventually. You know, you may have to show them a way. It's not right to ask that of you, at your age, but maybe you can show them a way out of the darkness. Certainly, at the least, you've got to do it for yourself."

"Christmas is coming." Asa sniffled quietly.

The anniversary of…the accident, yes. Mandy patted her shoulder some more. "But you've got to remember how much both of your parents loved Christmas, Asa. Christmas fanatics! The two of them were basically responsible for the church's extensive Christmas decorations and numerous parties. Mandy suddenly straightened in her seat. That's it! You can celebrate your parents' memory by finding a way to celebrate Christmas with a joyful heart this year. If there's a way to bring you and your grandparents out of the gloom, it's a good old Christmas miracle. It can be your Christmas present for me, for yourself, for your grandparents, for your parents, and for the whole world!"

Asa turned away from the side window and wiped at her face. She glanced at Mandy through moist eyes. "They did really love Christmas. She wiped her nose on her sleeve. Even if I liked this idea, how do I actually pull this off? How do you pull off some sort of perfect Hallmark Christmas miracle?"

Mandy flashed another stunning smile. That's your problem, kiddo. But it certainly settles it for me. You should roll with it and consider this your new lifegoal. Mandy rubbed her chin in thought, However, this one could be difficult, so don't be discouraged if things get rough. They wouldn't call them miracles if the solutions were obvious and easy. But if anyone can do it, I believe you can do it, Asa!

Chapter 2

Asa lay in bed that night with a grin on her face. She warmed inside remembering the fond embraces from her youth group friends when Mandy and she had arrived at church. She always knew where to go if she needed support—church. And Mandy was a huge part of that equation.

Asa's thoughts flashed to her discussion with Mandy in the car. She had known for a long time that she needed to reach out and make friends at her new school. Many people in her classroom had tried to connect with her in the past, but she had pushed them all away for months on end. One by one. She shouldn't have treated others in that manner. Asa's head began to tingle as a sense of embarrassment was beginning to simmer inside her.

Her thoughts transitioned to the lesson that afternoon in youth group. They had talked about looking for ways to help others, knowing that there were many lost and sad people in the world who didn't know the love of God—or that Jesus had sacrificed himself for them personally.

Her personal actions out in the world were inexcusable. She should have known better. She knew the love of God and had accepted Jesus as her Savior. How could she not extend the joy she knew? She tried to rationalize it by proposing she was just trying to protect herself.

It wasn't working.

She lay there in bed getting hotter and hotter, mentally and physically. She eventually pushed off the covers since she was sweating profusely. She rapidly tapped her hands and feet on the mattress in disgust wishing that she hadn't acted like a petty baby for months on end.

Yes, she had been hurting. Yes, she had been forced to change schools in the middle of the year, leaving all her established and wonderful friends behind. But that shouldn't have soured her attitude to the point of ruining her chances to make new friends at Kane Middle School. And she'd had plenty of chances to right the wrongs. Many times over the last few months, her classmates had approached her to try to get to know her. Often, they had gone out of their way to try to involve her in group conversations. Asa had responded and talked to them, but at a bare minimum. She had never opened up or been truly approachable. She had been a classmate to all, but a friend to no one in particular.

One day, when she had been feeling especially sorry for herself, she remembered telling one girl that she wasn't looking for friends after the classmate had invited her to go to the library with her to pick up some class materials. Understandably, that specific girl never tried to talk to her again. That had been a low point for her. The interaction had haunted Asa ever since.

Asa obviously knew it hadn't been right to behave this way. She had cringed inside each time she pushed others away. She knew better. Regrettably, it had become harder and harder to break out of this pattern, until her classmates gave up altogether. It was her own fault she didn't have any good friends at her new school. She knew she hadn't been friendly, and certainly, she hadn't acted Christlike at all.

Before she realized it was happening, a tear fell out of her eye as she lay there staring at the ceiling. She wiped at it in a rush. She had to do better! She had to try to make amends and fix the whole mess. She knew she needed to help others which meant at a minimum she had to be nice to people. At least nice!

She lay there continuing to think of ways to turn it all around. First, she would need to reach back out to the kids who had tried to befriend her. How could she do that? Would they push back and ignore her? Had she blown her opportunities to make new friends once and for all? She spent the better part of the night pondering and worrying herself into a tizzy. Suddenly, she remembered what Mandy reiterated and preached continuously—she should send her concerns to Jesus to handle. She couldn't take care of them alone. And that was okay. She whispered quietly, God, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have treated people so badly. I've really messed up. Please help me fix it. Jesus, please take these worries from me and lead me. Help me be better—and nice. Amen. Soon after, a calm washed over her, and she fell into a deep sleep.

*****

Most of the next morning had flown by at school. Asa was getting anxious. She hadn't found an opportunity to extend an olive branch to anyone…yet. By hook or crook, she was going to make an effort today. That was a certainty. She couldn't have another sleepless night worrying without trying something.

They had been released to go to gym class, which was scheduled right before lunch. She noticed a girl named Aubrey