The Broken Lantern

    On a wild July night, the storm was getting worse and worse. Kate Shelley, who lived between Honey Creek(小溪) and Des Moines River, was1looking out of the window, wondering2it would wash away the bridges over them, when suddenly came the loud3of breaking wood, then followed by a great splash(飞溅的水花). She realized the bridge over the creek was4. At that time, the midnight train was almost due. If no one told the engineer to5the train, it would fall into the creek with a hundred or more6. The situation was so urgent that Kate7to go to Moingon Railway Station to get help. Immediately she8out into the storm with her father's railway lantern.

    Moingon lay on the far side of Des Moines River. The only way to get there was to cross a long wooden railroad bridge. Even in the daytime, it was9to walk on it because there was no foot walk or railing(栏杆) except only rails and ties. The ties were 10enough apart for the girl to fall through.

    Kate stopped when she came to the 11  She had never seen the river rising so high that she was 12  Her father had been killed in a train accident by that river and her brother had drowned there. But she soon managed to 13thinking more of the past happenings for she knew that train had to be stopped14it was too late. She started to step on that dangerous bridge, knowing she might fall into the rush water at any moment. What's worse, she broke her lantern while making her way, exposing herself to the 15  She had to climb on her hands and knees…It seemed like a long time. At last she 16the other side. She stopped just long enough to catch her breath. Then she ran 17to the railway station. When she finally got there, she was out of 18  wet all over, her hat blown away, her hands and knees still bleeding and her eyes looking 19. She told the station man what had happened to the Honey Creek Bridge before her fainting. Finally, the passengers were saved. The girl's heroic deed was rewarded. For her 20act, Kate enjoyed a right of getting on or off the train at her door when she wanted.

    A little boy was visiting his grandparents on their farm. He was given a slingshot (弹弓) to play with out in the woods. He 1 in the woods, but he could never hit anything. Getting a little2, he headed back for dinner. As he was 3 back he saw Grandma's pet 4. Just out of impulse (冲动), he let the slingshot 5, hit the duck right in the head and killed it. He was shocked and 6.

    In a panic, he hid the7duck in the wood pile, only to see his sister watching! Sally had seen it all, but she said 8.After lunch the next day Grandma said, "Sally, let's wash the 9." But Sally said, "Grandma, Johnny told me he10to help in the kitchen." Then she11to him, "Remember the duck?" So Johnny washed the dishes. Later that day, Grandpa asked if the children wanted to go fishing. Before they left, Grandma said, "I'm sorry but I12Sally to help me make supper," Sally just smiled and said, "Well, you needn't worry about it13Johnny told me he wanted to help." She whispered again, "Remember the duck?" So Sally went 14 and Johnny stayed to help. After several days of doing both his15and Sally's, he finally couldn't 16 it any longer. He came to Grandma and admitted that he had 17 the duck.

    Grandma squatted down(蹲下), gave him a 18 , and said, "Sweetheart, I know. You see, I was standing at the window and I saw the 19 thing, but because I love you. I forgave you. I was just wondering how long you would let Sally make a 20 of you. If you make a mistake, just be brave to admit to it and promise not to make it again. In that way, everyone will forgive you."

A Love Note to My Mom

    When I was a little girl, I would often accompany you as you modeled for fashion photographers. It was years later that I finally understood what role modeling 1 in your life. Little did I know you were 2every penny you earned to go to 3 school.

    I cannot thank you enough for 4 you told me one autumn afternoon when I was nine. After finishing my homework, I wandered into the dining room where you were buried 5 piles of law books. I was 6. Why were you doing what I do—memorizing textbooks and studying for 7? When you said you were in law school, I was more puzzled. I didn't know Moms 8 be lawyers too. You smiled and said, "In life, you can do anything you want to do."

    As young as I was, that statement kept 9 in my ears. I watched as you faced the 10 of completing your studies, starting companies with Dad, while still being a 11 and a Mom of five kids. I was exhausted just watching you 12. With your words of wisdom in my 13 mind, I suddenly felt unlimited freedom to dream. My whole world 14. I set out to live my life filled with 15 seeing endless possibilities for personal and professional achievements.

    Your words became my motto. I 16 found myself in the unique position of being either the first (woman doctor in Maryland Rotary) 17 one of the few women (chief medical reporters) in my field. I gained strength every time I said, "Yes, I'll try that."

    Encouraged by your 18 , I have forged ahead (毅然前行) with my life's journey, less afraid to make mistakes, and 19 meeting each challenge. You did it, and now I'm 20 it. Sorry, got to run. So much to do, so many dreams to live.

    Over the years, I never thought of my father as being very emotional（感性）. He never was, 1 not in front of me. My father never told me he loved me when I was a child，and I never held it against him. I think that all I really wanted was for my dad to be 2 of me.

    On November 9^th, 1990, I received 3 that my National Guard unit would be sent to the front. I went on to my father and gave him the news. I could feel he was 4 about me going. We never 5 it much more, and eight days later I was gone.

    A few days after Thanksgiving I was able to call my wife. She told me that my father said his usual Thanksgiving prayer（祷告）. But this time he 6 one last sentence. As he lowered his voice and a tear ran 7 his cheek, he said, “Dear Lord, please 8 over and guide my son, Rick, with your hand in his time of need as he 9 his country, and bring him to home 10.” At that point he burst into tears I had never seen my father cry, and when I heard this, I couldn't help but cry myself.

    Eight months later, when I returned home from 11, I ran over and hugged my wife and children in tears. When I came to my father, I gave him a huge hug. He whispered in my ear, “I'm very proud of you, Son, and I love you.” I looked that man, my dad, 12 in the eyes as I held his head between my hands and I said, I love you too, Dad,” and we hugged again. And then together, both of us cried.

    Ever since that day, my 13 with my father has never been the same. We have had many 14 conversations. I learned that he's always being proud of me, and he's not afraid to say “I love you” anymore. 15 am I. I'm just sorry it took 29 years and a war to find it out.

A Story on an Island

    A ship was lost at sea and the only survivor was washed up on a small, inhabited (无人居住的) island. He prayed 1 for God to rescue him and for hours he just 2 at the horizon (地平线), waiting for a heaven-sent 3 but it never came.

    Then he decided to do something. 4 tired and upset, he 5 some branches and dry grass. Hours of hard work paid off and a little shelter was built. The "Robinson Crusoe" began his life on the island. Believe it or not, a couple of days going by, he 6 and it seemed not that hard.

    But then one day, after 7 for food, he arrived home to find his little shelter in flames and the 8 rolling up to the sky.

    The 9 had happened: everything was lost.

    "God, how could you do this to me!" he cried with 10 and anger.

    Early the next day, 11, he was awakened by the 12 of a ship that was coming near to the island. It had come to rescue him!

    "13 did you know that I was here?" he asked one of his rescuers.

    "We saw your smoke 14", they replied.

    It is easy to get 15 when things are going bad. But we shouldn't lose 16, because God is at work in our lives, 17 when we are in pains and sufferings.

    Remember, next time your little 18 is burning to the ground, it just may be a smoke signal that calls 19 the grace of God. For all the negative (消极的) things we have to say to ourselves, God has a/an 20 answer for it.