Before Grandpa started his story for the kids in children’s ministry, he said, “Who can tell me what today is?“
Usually, Larry is the one who speaks up before anybody else gets a chance. But Larry’s mind seemed to be on another planet. He didn’t even know that Grandpa had asked a question.

Sally raised her hand and Grandpa pointed to her. “Today is New Year’s Eve. Happy New Year’s Eve, everybody.“

Grandpa said, “That’s right. Many adults have a tradition that they call New Year’s Resolutions. Does anyone know what that means?”

George said, “They write down a bunch of stuff about how they’re going to change their lives, to become real smart or real healthy. After a few days, they realize they can’t do any of them, so they forget about the things they wrote.“

Grandpa said, “That’s a pretty good summary.”

Larry woke and came back to earth. “Get on with it, Grandpa. We wanna hear the story.”

Grandpa responded, “I guess we’ll talk more about New Year’s Resolutions later.”

Grandpa began the story.

Albert’s mom gave him one dollar, so that he could go to the candy store and buy something for himself.

Larry interrupted, “Come on, Grandpa, you gotta be kidding. How much candy is a boy going to be able to buy with just one dollar?”

Grandpa responded, “All right, Larry, let’s just get on with the story.”

Larry made a funny noise. Then, Grandpa continued with the story.

As Albert was running down to the store, actually skipping, with a smile on his face. Albert loved going to the candy store on Monday, because there was a special two for one.

As Albert was skipping along, a memory came back to him about the accident. He didn’t like thinking about it, but it just came back to him from time to time. Albert started to remember what it was like when he could run like the rest of the boys. But now, Albert was different than the rest. On the outside, it appeared that Albert was OK with it, but there were some emotions hiding inside.

Mary interrupted, “That’s so sad. What was the accident?”

Grandpa answered, “We’ll have to wait and see.” Grandpa continued with the story.

When Albert got to the candy store, he walked around, looking in all the display cases. He slowly looked at each piece of candy, imagining in his mind what it would taste like. He wanted every single piece, but he knew that he didn’t have enough money. He couldn’t get close enough to the candy to taste it, so he touched the display case with his fingers as he was imagining what it tasted like.

The shop owner was watching Albert walk around his shop. Albert did this every time he came in. After Albert left the shop, the owner cleaned all of the display cases.

Frank said, “That sounds like Larry.“

Larry responded, “I’m not the only one.”

Grandpa continued with the story.

Mr. Steinberg said, “So, Albert, what are you gonna have today?”

Albert replied, “I’m still trying to decide.”

After Albert, walked around the whole store, he came back to where the store owner was standing. Albert asked what he always asked, “Where is the special of the week, Mr. Steinberg?”

Mr. Steinberg rolled his eyes, looked at Albert, and replied, “So, young man, you’ve decided you don’t like any of these other luscious candies?”

Albert said, “That’s not it, Mr. Steinberg. I love all of your candy. I just want to find out what your special is today.”

Mr. Steinberg questioned, “Does it have anything to do with the fact that you get two pieces for the price of one?”

After no response from Albert, Mr. Steinberg continued, “Well, this is my special. It is a strawberry mint truffle, which is mostly strawberry flavored with just a touch of mint.”

Several of the kids said, “Yum.”

Albert thought for his usual length of time. Mr. Steinberg estimated it to be about three seconds. Then Albert said, “I’ve decided I’ll go with your special today. I have one dollar to spend on the candy.”

Mr. Steinberg chuckled, “I figured that’s what you were going to decide. I already have it ready for you, all packaged up in a little box like you always want it.”

Albert repeated, “Mr. Steinberg, I really do like all of your candy. I’m just excited when you have new stuff each week.”

As Albert started to go home, he wasn’t skipping. He was walking slowly along the sidewalk as he was starting to recall the accident, again. But this time he decided he was not going to dwell on it.

Albert stopped at his friend’s house to share his candy with him.