Stephy's Christmas Dream Come True

She still couldn't shake the previous night's dream. She had cried herself to sleep again. After falling asleep, she dreamed of running through a field, as her parents waited for her with open arms. Her father picked her up, her mother came up behind her and they both hugged her. Her parents kissed her and said they both loved her. Stephy woke up with a smile until she realized it was just a dream and she became sad again.

Stephy is a beautiful seven-year-old girl born with moderately severe cerebral palsy. She can walk with crutches, occasionally falling, but can pretty much care for herself.

Stephy's parents had given up custody of her when she was two years old because they felt she would need too much care. Since that time, she has moved around from orphanage to orphanage, never staying in one place longer than a few months. She has been at the North Hills Home for Children for the past month. Christmas is a week away, one of the saddest times of year for Stephy because she sees how happy other children are on Christmas with their loving families. She often daydreams of a family and their daily activities.

An odd custodian, named Nick Palmino, joined the staff at North Hills a few weeks ago. He is an old man with shaggy white hair, moustache and a medium-length beard. His gentle, kind eyes are framed by big bushy white eyebrows and wire-rimmed glasses. He works at the home from 9 to 5 each week day diligently but always finds time to talk to the children.

Stephy has learned a lot of fascinating things about Nick. He lived in Italy until his late thirties and worked the old railroads, laying and maintaining tracks. He moved to America in the 1950s with his wife and children. His wife passed away a decade ago and all of his children have moved out west, only contacting him a few times a year.

Nick has a slight Italian accent and adoringly refers to Stephy as Torta Corta, which means "short cake" in Italian. The two have quickly become the closest of friends. If strangers were to see the two together, they would think that they were grandfather and granddaughter.

This morning, Nick sees her puffy eyes and nose that she had been crying. As little Stephy is on her way back from the bathroom, dressed in her Pooh Bear pajamas, she walks past Nick, her crutches tapping on the freshly buffed floor.

"Lil Torta Corta, what wrong? Why sad?" asks Nick with honest concern, unlike the cold staff at the home.

"I get lonely near Christmas, Nicky," Stephy responds sadly with downcast eyes.

They chat for a few minutes but Nick has to get back to work and Stephy has to get ready for her school lessons.

Stephy hugs Nicky warmly and whispers into his ear, "I wish you were my grandpa!"

"Oh Torta Corta, things get better for you soon. I know it," Nick responds enthusiastically.

"Do you really think so?" Stephy asks with big hopeful eyes.

"Yes, my little Torta Corta, I promise," Nick says with a wink of his eye before patting Stephy's head, her mood suddenly cheerful.

Stephy is cheerful all week, excited by Nick's words and expecting something big to happen on Christmas day. All of the other staff and fellow orphans notice an extra bounce in Stephy's steps and mood.

On Christmas Eve, Nick worked extra hours until eight o'clock, which is Stephy's bedtime. He sneaks into her room to tuck her into bed.

Nick bends down to hug Stephy goodnight and she whispers into his ear "I am so excited, Nicky! I just know that Santa will give me everything I want for Christmas!"

"Of course, Lil Torta Corta. Santa bring good to good little girls like you!" Nick assures her.

They say goodnight to one another and Stephy falls asleep immediately.

In the early morning, Stephy awakens to her parents hugging her. The administrator of the home smiles at her and tells her that she will be going home with her parents permanently.

Stephy is confused but her parents assure her that it's true and they want her back because they realize that they love her regardless of her disability. She is excited and ready to leave right away.

Stephy pulls her blanket down and goes to stand up. An odd expression comes over her face and everyone asks her what is wrong, to which she replies "I think I am cured!" She runs across the room and back without effort into the waiting arms of her parents, who shower her with loving kisses.

Looking over her parent's shoulders, Stephy exclaims "I need to tell Nicky!"

The administrator looks perplexed and asks "Nick who?"