The late December sun rises early in Yellow Springs, the seat of Conestoga County.

On Monday, four days before Christmas, retired widow Wanda Wilton rose early and walked five laps around the perimeter of her property deep in the forest in the County's secluded north side. A playful golden retriever named Ranger ran in front, behind, and all around her every step of the way. The puppy had been a present for Wanda's ward, Angus, when he turned ten last spring. Angus was only five when he and his mother Stella came to Yellow Springs through the HARP program, which stands for Home Alternatives for Recovering People. It was a Church-sponsored outreach in which Yellow Springs folk provided living quarters for people who were fighting drug addictions. HARP gave recovering people a fresh start, away from the environments in which their addictions had taken hold. When she arrived in Yellow Springs, Stella had been drugdependent for years. She never spoke a word about where she and her son came from or what had happened there. It seemed odd that she never mentioned her family or hometown. More curious was that Angus never had any contact with his father -- not a card, letter, or phone call. Once, on Father's Day, Wanda asked Stella if maybe Angus would want to call his dad. With a distant look in her vacant gray eyes, Stella answered that Angus father was dead. That was all she ever said about him.

Bill Kennedy

1996 W. D. Kennedy 41 Birch road Malvern AP 19355 610-695-9419 kennedyw@whiteandwilliams.com

Wanda put up Stella and Angus in the apartment above the old carriage house, the downstairs of which Wanda now used as a workshop for the country crafts that she sold at various shows and country fairs throughout the year. She got Stella a job as a waitress down at the Coffee Grinder, and Angus enrolled in classes for the learning disabled. Everything went well for several months, but one morning, Stella left a note saying that she was going away for a while, and would Wanda please watch out for her son? Angus moved into Wanda's house and took a bedroom that had belonged to Wanda's daughter. Stella returned a few weeks later, but she left again not long afterwards. The pattern continued, as Stella again fell prey to the demons from the world she couldn't quite leave behind. Finally, when Angus was seven, Stella left for good. She begged Wanda to protect her son from the evil that she herself could not avoid. From then on, Angus occasionally heard from his mother, but it was understood that Stella wouldn't be coming back. As the years passed, contact with her grew less frequent. By the time they got word last summer that she had died, Angus had long been used to Grandma Wanda as his caregiver. After her morning jaunt with Ranger, Wanda packed up a bag lunch and ushered Angus out into the fenced backyard, where he could play with Ranger until the school bus honked at the end of the driveway. Then she retreated to her studio to make knickknacks that she would sell come springtime. Later, Wanda took a break and gazed out her window at the scattered snowflakes wafting down.

As she scanned the yard, her heart jumped when she saw the wooden gate swinging open. She quickly grabbed her coat and ran outside, calling for Ranger, but she knew the dog was gone. That pup could slip through an open gate faster than air from a broken balloon. It was ten thirty; the gate had been ajar for three hours, since Angus left for school. Wanda kicked herself for not checking it sooner. She figured Ranger was long gone from her fenced-in field. Wanda ran to her Jeep Cherokee as fast as a seventy-two year old woman with an artificial hip can run and headed off in search of the dog. By the time she got home at three oclock, Wanda had been all over the north side of the county, but there was no sign of Ranger. She called all the veterinarians listed in the Northern Conestoga Yellow Pages, but no one knew anything about Ranger. Even worse was what Rex Riptort, the County Animal Control Officer, had told her. Wanda had mentioned, Rangers got a license and name tag, so probably someone will find him and call us." Rex said he would hope so, but added, "Still, we got a lot of creeps out there, and a purebred golden would be worth quite a lot of money. What are you talking about? Kidnapping dogs? That sort of thing can't happen around Yellow Springs! I'm afraid it does. Not local folks, I don't think, but outsiders grab em out here in the country, then take em far away, far enough to defeat the dogs natural homing abilities and resell them to unsuspecting pet lovers. Thats terrible!

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Reason I mention it is because were already investigating a dognapping over in West Wheelton. Happened last week. And they usually go for the popular breeds like Goldens. After that, Wanda grew more concerned. Ranger was a handsome pure bred with a white spot on his nose that made him look distinguished. She knew hed bring a nice price for anyone so cruel as to steal him. She felt sick to her stomach as she wondered what on earth she would tell Angus. That afternoon, Angus bounded off the school bus and ran straight to the post and rail fence to call for Ranger, same as always. Wanda was quick to go out and greet the boy. "Where's Ranger, Gramma?" Angus asked anxiously. "Come on inside," Wanda began. "I have something to tell you." With the gentleness of a floating feather, she told him of Ranger's escape, and all she had done to look for him. Angus bravely choked back tears. "Maybe it would help if we went out and looked some more," he suggested. Wanda doubted they'd be successful, but she kept her thoughts to herself while they scoured the woodlands around their home. At sunset, Wanda convinced Angus they should go home, in case Ranger found his own way back in time for supper. At Wanda's suggestion, Angus filled Ranger's food dish on the porch with an extra helping. He pulled a chair over to the window so he could see if the pup came back and ate. He remained there faithfully, long past the time that the Golden would normally eat. Eight o' clock, nine o' clock, finally ten o'

clock came and went. Wanda hated to disrupt Angus' vigil, but it was well past bedtime. "Come on, Angus. Time for bed. I'll keep a good eye on Ranger's dish for you." Angus reluctantly agreed, but made Wanda promise to awaken him "when" -- not "if" -- Ranger came back. Wanda agreed, and issued the usual nighttime instructions: wash your face, brush your teeth, and don't forget to say your prayers. The boy ran up the steps. Meanwhile, Wanda grew convinced that the dog wouldn't be coming back. If Ranger were able, he'd have returned already. She worried about what Rex Riptort had said about dognapping. After a few minutes, Wanda crept upstairs. Angus' door was left open just a crack, and through the slim opening, Wanda heard his soft voice reciting his bedside prayers. "...and God bless Gramma Wanda, and all my teachers and friends. And thank you, God, for bringing Ranger back, because I really missed him a lot. A---men." As Angus climbed into bed, Wanda sadly shook her head. There he goes again, thanking God for something that hasn't happened -- and isn't even likely to! Wanda's heart sank with the weight of the disappointment the boy would surely face when Ranger didn't come back. Wanda knew that one of the disabilities from which Angus suffered was that he had trouble discerning fact from fantasy. The special ed teachers had a big name for it, but the way Wanda saw it, Angus was just plain incapable of critical thought. He was gullible; he'd believe whatever you told him.

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Worse, he'd extrapolate his belief to extremes. For example, tonight, despite telling Angus that we were only putting food in Ranger's dish just in case he came back, in Angus' confused mind, the poor boy must have believed Ranger was as good as home. Wanda could have kicked herself for having been too loose with her words and somehow misleading him. Angus' prayer reminded Wanda of the old days, shortly after Stella left. Angus seemed to take it pretty well. He'd include in his prayers a request for God to watch out for his mother and take care of her. Intuitively, Angus seemed to know that his mother was a troubled soul who needed more divine care than he himself did. A few weeks later, however, Angus began adding a new character in his prayers -- his father. He'd pray for his mother, then he'd thank God for "bringing my daddy back to me." It had confused Wanda to hear him thanking God for something that hadn't happened. She wished Stella had explained to him about his father. Angus' counselors said it wasn't unusual for someone like Angus to imagine fantasy lives for absent parents. Together with the therapist, Wanda explained that Angus' daddy wasn't actually here, but that she, Wanda, loved Angus more than any ol' father would have. Wanda thought the therapy worked, because eventually Angus stopped thanking God for the return of the non-existent man. Now, Wanda took it as a warning sign that Angus was again blending fantasy into his prayers. She would make an

appointment to see the therapist again, maybe after Christmas, if it kept up. The next morning, when Angus saw that the food dish had been undisturbed, he was disappointed, but not hopeless. "I can't go to school today," he announced. "We have to keep looking for Ranger." Wanda was surprised -- Angus loved school. Wanda agreed that Angus could take the day off. Being so worked up about the dog, Wanda figured the boy wouldn't learn anything anyhow. They spent all of Tuesday driving around, posting signs, calling for Ranger, and asking if people had seen him. Then that night, just like before, Angus gave thanks to God for bringing Ranger back. Wednesday brought more of the same luckless searching, followed by Angus' bizarre prayers of thanksgiving. Thursday was Christmas Eve day, and Wanda finally persuaded Angus to return for the half-day of school. She made final holiday preparations, and worried how to prepare Angus for the disappointment of not having Ranger back on Christmas. Later, she heard something in the driveway. She looked, and there was a silver and white camper-van, with a high roof and dark shaded windows, something youd take on vacation if you were driving cross-country. Drawing closer, Wanda saw the out-of-state license plate and wondered who had come to call. Was it a retired Yellow Springer, come back for the holidays? Wanda pulled on her parka and called a trusting, Hello, can I help you? as she walked toward the drivers door. Inside, the 30's-looking man with sunglasses and a ski

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cap rolled down the window. Wanda was sure she didnt know him, but the man looked familiar. I dont know, he said with reserve. You know anything about a lost dog? Wanda's heart went out to the man. Oh, Im sorry. Im afraid I dont. In fact, we lost our own pup just three days ago. The man eyed her skeptically. You lost a dog?" Yes -- a Golden Retriever, Wanda began, but she was interrupted by a low, weak bark coming from inside the van. A little voice in the back of her head warned Wanda to watch out -- maybe this stranger was the dognapper that Rex Riptort had told her about! She challenged him, I thought you said you were looking for a dog. Sounds like you got one." Oh, I havent lost a dog -- I found one. Can you tell me something about him so I can tell if hes yours. Something? I can tell you everything about him! Wanda described Ranger, from the peculiar white spot on his nose, all the way back to way he thumps his tail on the floor when you ask if hes ready for supper. And here, she added, pulling out her wallet, heres a picture of me and Ranger. Now let me see him! Wanda ran to the passenger side and slid open the door. Inside lay a tired but friendly Ranger with a bandage on a front leg and a Victorian collar around his neck. Clumps of hair were missing all over his body, and he had abrasions on his belly. At seeing her, Ranger lifted his head and muttered a weak bark. Wanda fell to her knees and hugged the animal.

Good Lord, Ranger -- what happened to you? Wanda heard the drivers voice lighten as he admitted, Well, he sure is your dog. Then he warned, Careful now, hes still healing. You must have been hit, Wanda said to the dog. I think he was, said the driver. I found him lying off the side of Route 113 on Monday night when I arrived in town. I picked him up and took him to the nearest vet I could find." Route 113? Why thats clear over on the opposite side of the county! Howd he get down there? Then Wanda remembered the dognappers. Ranger must have escaped from them. Let me guess, he didnt have his tags on, did he? No, Maam. If he had, Id have called you right away. Wanda turned and looked up at the man. You mean youve been caring for Ranger since Monday? He nodded. "I got him to the vet that night -- I got Dr. Oxthorn out of bed to begin treating him. He says the dog will be okay. Hes got cuts on his leg there, and an infected wound on his neck, but the rest are just scrapes. Hes been in the vets all week? Wanda asked. No, I picked him up on Tuesday, and we spent the afternoon looking for his owner -- for you. Then yesterday, I took him back to Dr. Oxthorn's for a follow up, but we started hunting for his home again in the afternoon. And now, here we are today."

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You must have been all over the county. I have. I started going door to door in all the neighborhoods near where I found him, then I began checking with other vets. This morning, a vet over in Dysonia told me it might be yours, so I came over. Looking at the weakened dog, the man added, He cant walk too well yet, and hes on medicine. Why dont I carry him inside for you? Wanda held the door open, then ran ahead into the family room and placed Rangers beanbag bed close to the hearth by the fire. Lay him down here, Wanda suggested, and the man complied. Once the dog was comfortable, Wanda offered, Id love for you to see the look on Anguss face when he sees Ranger! Hell be home from school soon. Take off your coat and hat and set a spell. Ill brew up some coffee. She retreated into the kitchen and called out to the family room from there. Youve done a wonderful thing. I dont know how I can ever thank you enough, Mr. ... uh, Im afraid I didnt catch your name. Manny. Manny Davidson, he answered, removing his sunglasses and winter wear. Wanda called back an introduction, adding, "I live here with my grandson, Angus.

From the den, Mr. Davidson answered, Angus, huh? Theres a name you dont hear too often. More to himself, he added, "Only ever heard of one other...." Wanda pulled a new coffee can from the pantry. Its a family name, I believe. Im not sure. Actually, Angus isnt really my grandson. Hes an orphan; Im his guardian, so I dont know much about his family." Changing topics, she asked, "What brings you to Yellow Springs? Work or family? Family. I guess you could say Im tracking down a branch of the family tree. Wanda cranked the can opener. Really? I dont recall any Davidsons in Yellow Springs. Her guest laughed. Im not sure there are, but I'll find out." Wanda measured the coffee grounds into the basket. Sounds like a fun way to spend your holiday vacation. Oh, this is no vacation. Ive been doing this for a couple of months. I quit work and everything." Pouring the water into the coffee maker, Wanda commented, Youre certainly serious about this, arent you? That makes your sacrifice of time to help Ranger all the more remarkable. I dont know how we can ever thank you. In the den, Mr. Davidson bent to stroke Rangers nose. Standing up by the fireplace, he called in to the kitchen, Say, this is a beautiful mirror you have on the mantel here.

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Wanda smiled to herself. Everyone always remarked about the unique wooden frame surrounding the mantelpiece mirror. You like that? My grandfather hand-carved it. Mr. Davidson called again, this time with a slightly more purposeful tone of voice. Is this Angus, in the picture under the mirror? Yes, sir, Wanda said as proudly as if she were the boys blood kin. What is he," Mr. Davidson wondered, "about ten?" He'll be eleven in the spring. Mr. Davidson held the photograph and stared at it. Finally, he muttered, That makes sense. Wanda hit the start button on her coffee maker and returned to the den. Whats that? I couldnt hear --. The words died in her mouth as she saw her guest holding Angus photograph. She whispered, Sweet Mother of Pearls.... Mr. Davidson held the picture up next to his face, gazing into the mirror so he could see both images at once. Wanda saw what had caught his attention. She quietly walked behind him, her eyes glued to the dual images. Exactly what branch of the family tree did you say you were looking for? Stunned, Mr. Davidon answered softly, Ive been looking for my child. Wanda looked carefully at Mr. Davidson and the photo, then their images in the mirror. All four faces were

unmistakably alike. Same nose, same big ears, same narrow face and chiseled chin. Well, sir, I believe you found him. Wanda sat Manny down on the couch. Angus will be home from school soon. You best tell me the whole story. Manny nodded. When I was eighteen, I fell for a beautiful, mysterious young girl -- Stella. We wanted to get married, but folks didnt approve of us -- they said we were too young and immature to make it work. So we ran off together." Then he added, "By the way -- her grandfather was named Angus. I know they were very close. He died when she was about fourteen. That's when she began her downhill slide." You knew about her ... uh, substance abuse problems? Manny nodded. For our first few years, I was into the same stuff she was. We were ruining our bodies and poisoning our minds, all out of rebellion against parents who, it turns out, actually knew what they were talking about all along. He shook his head in disgust at his youthful foolishness. Then he continued. Thats how we got split apart. I was arrested for possession, and did time in jail. When I went in, Stella moved out. I never heard from her again. No letters, no visits, no phone calls, nothing. When I was released, I really didnt know where to look for her. And, to be honest, I wasnt real interested, either. I was clean, sober, and glad to have that part of my life over with. I figured if Stella didn't want me, I was better off without her. I pulled myself together, went to school, and got a responsible job.

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Astounded, Wanda asked, But what about Angus? Your son! Manny held up his hands in innocent protest. I didnt know I had a child! Stella must have been pregnant when I went in jail, but she never told me. She never told anyone. She just disappeared." The fire snapped, and a spark flew out and burned in midair. So how did you find out? It never really sat right with me -- the way things were left between us. So a few years ago, I got in touch with Stella's parents. They didn't know where she was either, but then last summer, someone from one of the rehab centers she had been in notified her folks that she had died of an overdose. They mentioned Stella having said had left behind a child. They didn't know who or where, they just knew about how old he was. Which meant he had to be mine. Manny reached down to rub Rangers ears, and the pup growled low with contentment. That news changed everything for me. I had to find my child, so I quit my job and began trying to find out where Stella had been all these years. But she had moved around a lot, you know? Six states, dozens of towns, and a handful of rehabs." "You've been to all those places looking for your boy?"

"Yes, maam. At most of them, all I could get was confirmation of the dates she was there. The harder part was getting a lead on where she went. Stella had this habit not leaving forwarding addresses. "So I hear," Wanda agreed. "Eventually, I traced Stella to a halfway house where they had heard of the HARP program here in Yellow Springs, so I came on here." "So you've been living in your car, without any income, all these months?" He nodded. "Mostly staying at campgrounds or cheap motels, but sometimes, I'd just pull off into a parking lot. I figured I'd give it to the end of the year, and if I hadn't found my child by then, I'd have to stop and work to save up some money to start again." Wanda warmly invited, "Well, you're welcome to stay here with us now." Manny politely protested that he didn't want to intrude, but Wanda persisted. "Nonsense, it's no imposition. We have plenty of room. Plus, what's waiting for you back where you came from? No job, no home -- and your son's here! I'm sure we can find you some work to tide you over until you decide what you want to do." Wanda then explained about Angus' learning disability. "So you're going to need some time to get to know Angus before you can explain who you are."

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Manny thanked Wanda and accepted her invitation. Then they heard the squeal of the school bus braking at the end of the driveway. Despite the frosty weather, Wanda ran outside without taking the time to put on her coat. "Angus -- come inside -- quickly! Ranger's back! He's hurt, but he's going to be okay!" Angus's eyes lit like the living room Christmas tree. He raced through the front door, right past Manny Davidson, and fell down at his dog's feet. "Oh Ranger," he cried, "I knew you'd be back! I just knew it!" He hugged Ranger and laughed as the puppy licked his face. Wanda smiled as Manny gaped at his son. While Angus showered the dog with affection, Manny slowly approached the two of them. "Are you the one who found my dog?" Angus asked. Manny said he did, and knelt down beside them. "What's your name?" Angus inquired. Manny told him, and they shook hands. "Nice to meet you," Angus said, just the way Wanda had taught him to say when he met new people. Then he added, "I knew you'd come." "You did?" "Uh huh. I knew it all along. I've been waiting a long time.

From the hallway, Wanda wondered if Angus knew just how true his words were. The next day, after Angus had ripped open the presents Santa had left, he asked Manny to tell him a Christmas story. Manny pondered for a moment. "Alright," he grinned warmly, "see if you can understand this one. Its a very special story thats never been told before. You see, once upon a time there was a Daddy...." Slowly, as the fire crackled behind him, Manny told Angus about a father who lost a child -- "Sort of like how you lost Ranger" -- and how the father gave up everything to try to find his precious child -- "Sort of like how you gave up school to look for your puppy." Eventually, Manny explained, the father found the child, and the two became friends forever. "You see, Angus, there wasn't anything that father wouldn't do to find the missing child. Listening from the kitchen, Wanda mused how appropriate the tale was. She was sure Manny was just preparing Angus to learn the truth about who he was, and yet didn't he capture the essence of Christmas? Of God entering human history to seek his lost children? And when God found them, he came and lived among them to start a new, more intimate relationship, just as Manny would now with Angus. Wanda heard Angus ask, "So how's the story end?'

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Manny hugged him close -- so close that the boy wouldn't be able to see the tears welling in his eyes. "Well, Angus, I think you and I are just going to have to see how it ends. We'll just have to see."

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