Part 22

      Mr. Johnson sat leaning against his desk talking to several teachers that agreed to meet him after school. He had spoken to many of the staff professionals since his last meeting with James and Simone. What they had to share with him about Norton shocked him in so many ways.

     There are things that none of us ever really know about people we spend a great deal of time with, in this case he knew less than he thought he did about Norton and the people of this town.

     A few minutes after the last bell rang James and Si made it to Mr. Johnson room. On the way they said very little to each other. You never can tell what people with careers will or won't do, especially if their jobs could very well be on the line. All either of them could hope for was a little support from at least a few of them.

     Seeing the number of teachers, cafeteria workers and even the janitorial staff that had gathered caught James and Si off guard. Never, even in their wildest dreams could they have imaged such support for this event. This was a surprise indeed and one that was very welcomed.

      "Ah, our guests of honor have arrived. James, Simone please come in, we've been waiting on you." Mr. Johnson said with a gleam of excitement in his voice. He seemed like he was actually looking forward to what was about to unfold.

     Feeling a little awkward James hesitated in the doorway. Thanks goodness Simone didn't have those same feelings as she boldly stepped into the room smiling at those that had showed up. "Man, look at this James. Dude, we've got people on our side." She said with a grin that revealed almost all of her teeth.

     "James, Simone, we're glad you're here. So, I say let's get down to this thing. I've already explained what happen at the talent show and why. As you see we do have people in our town that care, and care a lot. So, let's begin."

     James sat his book bag down, taking a breath, he began, and “First, I want to thank all of you for coming. This will mean so much to not only Norton, but so many other people that need our help. So, Mr. Johnson told you about Norton?" He asked looking at each person there.

      There were so many people from all different backgrounds in that room, shaking their heads in agreement. James had never thought that the turn out would be so large. He was impressed with what was happening now for such a good cause.

     "Great" Simone said feeling very pleased at what was taking place. "Does anyone have any questions, um, easy questions anyway?" she asked, waiting on any response.

     The number of hands that went up help James and Simone truly understand that these people were on board. All they needed now was to make the final arrangements for what was to come. This community changing event was all but in the bag.

    With warm hearts, great care and a lot of planning with more people than James, Si or Norton could have expected it was only a matter of bringing everything together in one accord for this town to make changes that would touch the lives of so many in need.

     In every community where a little effort is made by a great number of persons, lives can be changed for the better. This was the hope that each of these people had, and it was the best goal to have.