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could see the muscles in his jaw were clenched, along

with his fingers on the wheelchair handles.

"But there are documents that require both

signatures," Mrs. McGuire insisted.

"Sanford has power of attorney when it comes

to my signature," Celine countered. "Janet, can you

push my chair? I don't weigh all that much," she

added, smiling.

I looked at Mrs. McGuire. She nodded and Sanford stepped back so that I could take hold of the

handles.

"Where shall we go, Janet?" she asked me. "I guess we can go out to the garden," I said

uncertainly. Mrs. McGuire nodded again.

"That sounds wonderful. Don't be any longer

than you have to, Sanford," she called back as I

started to push her to the door. I went ahead and

opened it and then I pushed her through.

I started down the hallway, overwhelmed and

amazed with myself and what was happening. Not

only was I going to have parents, but I had found a

mother who wanted me to take care of her, almost as

much as I wanted her to take care of me. What a

strange and wonderful new beginning, I thought as I

wheeled my new mother toward the sunny day that

awaited us.

"Has it been difficult for you living here, Janet?" Celine asked after I had wheeled her outside. We followed the path to the garden.

"No, ma'am," I said, trying not to be distracted by the kids who were looking our way.

"Oh, don't call me ma'am, Janet. Please," she said, turning to place her hand over mine. It felt so warm. "Why don't you call me

Mother. Let's not wait to get to know each other. Just do that immediately," she pleaded.

"Okay," I said. I could tell already that Mrs. Delorice didn't like to be argued with.

"You speak so softly, darling. I suppose you've felt so insignificant, but you won't feel that way anymore. You're going to be famous, Janet. You're going to be spectacular," she declared with such passion in her voice it made the breath catch in my throat.