Julian couldn’t get the thought of Natalie spending Christmas alone out of his head. He couldn’t help but reflect on how lucky he was to have his family around for the holidays as he headed to the farm where her father worked. He also reflected on his own journey and the cost his parents paid to be there for him.
All Natalie wanted for Christmas was to spend it with her remote-working parents. Her dream came true after she made a wish to Jesus with the help of the cashier in the store. Julian was brought up in humble surroundings by his parents, who were both junior civil servants. He wanted to go to college, but his parents didn’t have the money to support him.
So to save what little money he could for college, he left home and got a job as a cashier at a grocery store. His parents’ inability to support his aspirations led to a rift in their relationship. Julian was angry at them for not believing in him because he didn’t realize that they really couldn’t afford it. He eventually resorted to striking out on his own and finding himself.
While he mourned his parents, the absence of his adored younger sister was what really broke his heart. Christmas was approaching and it had been a few years since he had returned home, so he was beginning to miss it.
Julian often observed her grocery shopping himself, but he never thought to ask why the young girl kept doing it.
Something in him compelled him to assist as he watched the girl fumble with the bags of food. He felt for her and couldn’t help but notice how much she resembled his sister. After informing his manager that he was taking a break, he rushed outside to help the girl. I really appreciate it, sir,” Natalie replied gracefully. After Julian picked up the bags, they headed to her house.
“I noticed you were visiting the store. Tell me your name,” Julian asked.
“I see you too. This is Natalie,” she spoke. “I guess. Natalie, nice to meet you. This is Julian. I have a younger sister who is about your age,” Julian replied with a smile on his face.
“Oh, how beautiful. Missing. We could play together,” Natalie chirped.
“That would be nice. However, she is absent because she lives with my parents,” Julian said after a long silence. He finally asked, “Natalie, where are your parents? To be honest, it’s a little weird that a little lady like you is handling all these responsibilities alone.” They are not here.
But sometimes I see them” Natalie answered as she unlocked her front door. Julian was stunned to see a young girl standing alone as they entered.
“What do you mean they are not present? Where are they?” A worried Julian asked as he saw Natalie unpacking. The area appeared to be in disarray. It was obvious that there had been no adult supervision in Natalia’s house lately. They commute 150 kilometers each way to work on a farm outside the city. They don’t have a car, so I spend most of my time alone,” said Natalie dejectedly.
Julian moaned, “Oh,” he felt bad for the girl.
“It’s okay. My neighbor often takes care of me. But since his family is traveling this Christmas, he won’t be able to attend. I’ll be alone,” Natalie muttered, feeling defeated.
Julian said: “I’m sorry to hear that.
“I’m not! Do you think Christmas miracles are real?” Natalie suddenly looked excited and asked. Julian left Natalie’s residence, but Natalie was in his thoughts all night. He cared deeply about the girl and wanted to do everything in his power to support her.
The next day after work he visited Natalia at home to see how she was doing. When he asked further about her parents, she revealed their occupations. He was familiar with it. The same farm supplied some neighboring businesses.
He planned to talk to his management and find a way to get in touch with Natalia’s parents. The next day, he asked his manager for permission to use his car to talk to Natalie.
By promising to return with this week’s deliveries of fruit and vegetables, Julian was able to convince his management, thereby saving the company money. His manager agreed and he was on his way to the property the next day.
Driving back to the grocery store, Julian felt renewed sense of purpose and direction. He knew he wanted to continue helping others, and he also knew he had found a new family in Natalia and her parents. He smiled as he thought about the possibilities before him and felt grateful for the lessons he had learned from the experience.