The photograph of Mrs. Mueller that I took with my camera captures her seated on the sofa in our living room, smiling shyly. Mrs. Mueller was our next-door neighbor. My sister Laurel and I got to know her after her husband died. She didn't have children of her own and no relatives that we knew of. She was gentle and kind, and we considered her our special friend.
Early one December, Mrs. Mueller went into the hospital. Laurel and I were busy making Christmas presents, and we pondered (琢磨) what to make for Mrs. Mueller. It dawned on us that she would be coming home a few days before Christmas to an empty house with no holiday decorations. We lit upon the idea of decorating a small tree that would greet her with lights and cheer. We were wondering how to carry out our plan when the answer appeared.
I was in Miss O'Keefe's sixth grade class that year, and we had decorated a small tree with paper-link chains and ornaments (装饰品). It was beautiful. Best of all, it had to be removed from the classroom before Christmas vacation. Miss O'Keefe said there would be a drawing (抽签) for the tree. We would each write our name on a piece of paper and put it in the shoebox she had decorated. On the last day of school before vacation, she would draw a name, and that student could take home the tree.
After I put my folded piece of paper into the box, I closed my eyes and clasped my hands, praying quietly. Miss O'Keefe noticed me and asked, "Holly, why were you praying just now?" I told her Mrs. Mueller's story and our wish to make her happy. "Good luck!" Miss O'Keefe said with a smile. After school, I was beside myself with excitement! My mother pointed out there were 30 children who might win the tree, but I was certain I would get it because God would definitely hear my sincere prayer.
The day before vacation finally arrived. Laurel and I usually walked to and from school, but I was so sure I would win the tree that I persuaded Mom to pick us up in the car that day.
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Late that afternoon, Miss O'Keefe announced it was time for the drawing.
……
The next day, when Mrs. Mueller's car turned into her driveway, we hurried over to welcome her back.
