“Black lung?”
“Black lung is a disease that miners can contract from breathing in coal dust over a long period of time. I pray my boys don’t ever have to experience such misery. They watched their father die a painful and slow death. I know it’s always in the back of their minds.”
Donna shook her head. “I don’t mean to be out of line, but why aren’t the boys in school?”
Sara looked shamefully down. “We need the money. I work at a sewing factory, but the income I make doesn’t go very far. Besides, the boys aren’t much on schooling.”
Donna decided not to pursue the conversation. Sara seemed uncomfortable talking about her two boys working at the coal mine.
The front door swung open. Two tall, slender young men entered, followed by two adorable little redheaded girls. Sara stood. “Daniel, Christopher, this is Donna Dubois. She is the missionary worker I told you about, who will be staying with us for a while.”
Jessie and Lexie peeped from behind the boys, looking curiously at Donna. Bending down to Jessie and Lexie’s level, Donna told them how much she enjoyed meeting them. Then she stood and expressed to Daniel and Christopher how sorry she was to put them out of their room. They politely replied that they didn’t mind, but still she hated the thought of the boys sleeping on the floor in that cold, half a room.
Announcing dinner would be ready in a couple of hours, Sara told the children to do their homework. After they finished eating, Sara sent the children to prepare for bed.
Sara looked at Donna. “If you don’t mind, I think I’ll turn in also. Five o’clock comes very early in the morning.”
“Of course, I’m tired myself. Well, good night then.” Donna went into the room she was sharing with the little girls. The well-behaved youngsters were already in their pajamas and tucked in when Sara came to kiss them. After she left, Donna quietly changed into her flannel pajamas and slipped into bed. She was thankful Ellie suggested she pack thermal underwear. She had a feeling she would be wearing the warm attire a lot.
Exhausted from traveling, Donna curled in the bed. Too late, she wished she was at home snuggled on her king-size mattress, lying in her soft comfortable sheets. She said her prayers, asking the Lord that the time apart from Mark would do them both good. With that as her last thought, she fell asleep.
Want to find out what happens? The Christmas Answer can be purchased through most major eBook retailers, or directly from the publisher at http://www.prismbookgroup.com.
Thank you for sampling this novel. Please read on for more information about the author.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kimberly first started to write to encourage her little boy to read. After including his favorite stuffed animal in four short children’s stories, she decided to tackle her lifelong dream of writing Christian fiction. After placing second in a writing contest, her career of being a published author became a reality. She has been blessed to be married for over two decades to her husband, Jim and they have one son, Cole. She resides in a small town, outside of Birmingham, Alabama and attends a local Baptist Church. Kimberly likes to write books that inspire and uplift people. You can contact her at kimberlybjackson.blogspot.com.
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A Christmas Gift for Mary Jones Page 7
