Part 30

         As each of the floats passed by the platform that held the most important town leaders, Norton, James and Si wondered if any of this had taken hold. Trying to make other people see the greater need just wasn’t that easy.

         For Norton, he had to make a choice about how to go about getting the attention drawn to those that really needed help. Once he found out about his birth mother and realized that as he grew into a wonderful life, her life had not been so great. He knew after he tried to write the play about the subject, that it just wasn't enough to shed light on homeless people’s circumstances.

         His search for his birth mother hadn't taken him very far from his own home. Just a few miles from his comfortable house, under that nice expensive bridge was where he would find her. It broke his heart to know that he had spent his own life in such great comfort and she was eating out of garbage cans.

         Norton knew from the moment he spotted her for the first time that his life could never be the same. What good did it do to be raised as a Good Samaritan and never actually do anything good, for anyone? Sometimes you have to sacrifice something of yourself in order to achieve greatness. This was what Norton had chosen to do by leaving his parents, his home and his friends behind. He too would live as a homeless person till he could figure out what to do about the problem and his mother.

         It was James that had helped to bring this all into play. If James hadn't found him that night standing in front of a barrel, none of this could have been possible. Now, Norton watched all of these wonderful people that had come together to support him in his efforts to bring this problem to light. How remarkable people can be when you ask the impossible of them.

         As the last float moved out of sight of the platform, Mr. and Mrs. Gibbs stood up and hugged each other. Even though Norton had gone to such great lengths to prove his point they were very happy that he was safe. Both of his parents felt a great sense of pride that he would be so bold as to do this incredible thing to bring awareness about the homeless.

         Now, there was much to be done in order for the town to come together and get a plan started for helping these residents. Everyone that matter stood in a circle talking among themselves about today's event. It was obvious that there was so much to do if things were going to change.

         An hour and a half after the start of the parade it had reached its conclusion. Norton, his birth mother, James, Simone and Mr. Johnson stood in a circle with Walter Gibbs and his wife. The mayor, several members of his staff, three or four business owners and some of the clergy found their way to where Norton was standing.

          Finally, it was time to get the ball rolling as Mayor George Henry spoke first, "Norton, I got to say young man you really got things shook up around here." he said as he extended his right hand to Norton. Continuing he said, “I’d like to thank you for being brave enough to scare the heck out of all of us, first of all. Well, and for being bold enough to do something so grand." Clearing his throat the mayor still holding Norton's hand went on, "I hear you, loud and clear. You're right young man. It's time we took care of our own."

         There had been so much to lose, yet Norton knew that he would have to risk a great deal to get what he needed from all of the residents in Wood Berry. As the day’s festivities drew to an end Norton found James and Si getting ready to head home. He wanted them to know how much their support meant to him, but especially their friendship. He waved at James hollering, "Yo, James, dude you got a minute?"

         James turned seeing Norton coming his way, "Hi ya. What's up?"

         "I just wanted to thank you and Simone for standing up with me. I know I ask a lot from you, you know, getting all involved in this stuff. But it means everything to me and my mother." Norton turned, looking over his shoulder at his birth mother, knowing that she was safe for the first time in many years.

         "Ah, man it's all good. You had something you had to do. That's cool. Look how great it turned out. All these people came here to witness a brand new beginning. Man, this is great." James replied giving Norton a shoulder bump.

         "Hey, look at it this way. We just invented a new theme for the up and coming seniors of our high school. Dude, we rock!" Si jumped in. "Norton, you scared the crap out of us, but you did a good thing. Be proud of yourself. You got courage."

         "You think things will work out, for real?" Norton asked. "You betcha." Both James and Si answered at the same time.

         All three stood in the road watching the people of their small, but growing town shaking hands with those that needed help. There was a flurry of activity in the town and along the streets that felt good.

         It was the feeling of humanity, changing for the better, becoming the best it could be.

This was humanity at its best.