I Am Joshua
Heart Matters Series
by
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The squeaking of the back porch door opening and slamming made the hair on the back of my neck stand up. Once again, I’d hoped he would stop in the den and pass out in his recliner before coming upstairs. That didn’t happen.
My heart raced as I opened the door just enough to peek out. Mom walked out of her bedroom as Dad topped the stairs.
“Bart, how are you tonight, Sweetheart?” she asked him.
“How do you think I am? I worked all day at that blasted factory and I’m tired. Why isn’t my dinner on the table?” he asked as he grabbed her by the hair.
I stepped into the hallway. “She has your dinner ready; let her go!”
He released her blonde hair and turned around to face me. “Oh, are you trying to act like a man now, Joshie?” He turned back to my mom and said, “Lillian, get your butt downstairs and put my food on the table.” He slapped her rear end as she walked by and laughed.
For once, he didn’t say anything to me. I went to bed with my heart racing and hoped nothing else would happen. I listened to the night sounds. It took a while to go to sleep, but I finally did.
When I awoke, I realized that today I was a junior in high school. I knew Dad had already left for work, and so I ran downstairs. Mom had breakfast ready, but after seeing the bruise on her cheek, I lost my appetite.
This time I left slamming the door. As I walked, I listened to the birds singing. As much as I loved them and wanted to paint them, even they couldn’t make me feel better this morning. But something else did.
As I turned off the lane and onto the sidewalk, I spotted a red-haired girl I’d never seen before. The sun bounced off her hair. I don’t think I’d ever seen a shade of red that beautiful. My hands itched to paint her. She was taller than I, but she didn’t look any older. I knew she must be new in town.
I didn’t figure she would want anything to do with me, so I passed her by. I thought I heard her say something, and turned around. We introduced ourselves. I had no idea that meeting this girl would be the beginning of an incredible journey.
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About the Book
Joshua is a disappointment to his father because he is small for his age and is an artist. His alcoholic father lost his football scholarship after an injury his senior year in high school. Joshua’s mother suffers from battered women’s syndrome. Joshua is removed from the home after being abused by the father.
Joshua hates his father, is angry with his mother, and broken-hearted to leave his best friend, Becky.
Join Joshua’s journey as he travels from one foster home to another. Meet Jake, a Tae Kwon Do instructor; Claudia, a librarian and Jake’s friend; Mr. and Mrs. Simpson, his new foster parents; Barney, the Simpsons’ dog; and Kinkade, Barney’s son. How will they impact Joshua’s life? How will they impact yours?
About the Author
Anna resides in Bainbridge, Georgia. She retired after thirty years in education. She has been published in the Georgia magazine. Her affiliations include the Long Ridge Writers Group and the Institute of Children’s Literature. This is her first novel.