Christmas Runaway and the Angel

By Gabriel H. Merril

A warm-hearted Christmas adventure story full of wonder, excitement, and lessons for boys and girls. Truly wonderful things happen when a young boy encounters an angel and finds the true spirit of Christmas.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Gabriel H. Merril
• Release date: Aug 11, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223531920

Book preview

DEDICATION

I dedicate this book to my dear son Joseph Albert Merrill, who passed away of heart failure at the age of 42. Joe was autistic and struggled with it all through his life.  Because of the fact that he had trouble communicating well he had few friends. He was only able to finish high school. Yet he loved his job as a warehouse worker and he did his work very well. He is missed and fondly remembered by his family and friends.

Joseph Albert Merrill

Chapter 1

The Ski Trip

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It was a crisp, cold afternoon when the scary thing happened. My name is Joey and I am ten years old. I had just gotten out of school and boarded the school bus, happy and excited about Christmas. I'd prayed for a white Christmas, and though it snowed overnight, out the window I saw that the school grounds were covered with only a little snow. Of course, it wasn't Christmas day yet. It was still about a week away. The school bus was taking everyone home and everyone's mind was on the excitement of the holidays. Then the bus stopped to let Mike out—one of my friends.

Just as the bus driver closed the door, a thick six-foot tall tree branch came crashing down on the front of the bus. The startled bus driver was missed by the crashed-in roof of the bus and many kids screamed. Wow, I thought, nature was freaking out.

The driver got up from his seat and faced us.

Don't worry, keep calm and stay put. I'm going out to inspect the damage.

When the bus driver went outside, I got up from my seat and went to the front, so did a few of the other kids. We overheard the driver talk to himself.

Oh, great! Besides damaging the hood, the branch bent the safety arm.  Maybe I can fix it.

I could see him pick up the large branch and throw it to the side in anger. He then tried to lift and straighten the safety arm, which broke off completely. I snickered a little when it broke and he fell back. He got up and brushed his pants of snow and debris. Then we retreated to our seats before the driver got back on the bus. He put the safety arm under the

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unoccupied row of seats, and said something to us kids about the safety

of crossing the street. I didn't pay attention to what he said. He continued on with his delivery of the school kids to their homes.

The school bus stopped to let me and some other kids off. I lived with my mom and dad,