32. Chapter Thirty-Two
Chapter Thirty-Two
Eddie had delivered his mother’s cookies to the rescue mission for the last several years, so he knew to drop them off at the back door. His mother had packaged them in three white bakery boxes, the kind that held large sheet cakes, and filled them to the brim with gingerbread men.
The woman who came to the door had gray hair covered by a hairnet and a wide apron over her dress. She grinned when Eddie told her what he’d brought. “Wonderful!” she said, clapping her hands. “We get other bakery donations, but your mother’s cookies are a favorite here. Tell her thank you from all of us. I can’t even imagine how long it took her to bake and decorate this many. She’s an angel here on earth.”
“I’ll let her know,” Eddie said, handing them over. “Merry Christmas!”
“Merry Christmas to you too. ”
Getting behind the wheel of the Packard, he realized that he had absolutely no idea how long it had taken his mother to make the cookies. Couldn’t even guess. It was just something she did every year, without fail. As reliable as the sun rising every morning. Everyone in the Sheridan household, including him, took her and her kindness for granted. He made a vow to be more heedful of the thoughtful deeds and charitable contributions she made everywhere she went.
Turning the corner of the building, Eddie saw the line of people, mostly men, forming down the block. Poor souls. Judging from the strained faces, they were tired and probably hungry. Some good food and Christmas cheer would make the day a little brighter for them.