That night, at dinner in the Stewart house, Josh told his father about what he and Ashley had discovered in Justice Woods.
“Do you think it might be something, Dad?” asked Josh.
Mr. Stewart scratched his chin and said, “It just might be, son. I’ll take a group of my students in the woods tomorrow and we’ll see what we can find.”
The next morning, Ashley and Josh went back to Justice Woods with Mr. Stewart and twelve of his archeology students from the university. They led the way into Justice Woods.
When Mr. Stewart saw the outline of the foundation, he gave a low whistle. “Kids,” he said looking at Ashley and his son. “I think you really may have stumbled across something here. And, knowing Josh, I do mean stumble!” He tousled his son’s head.
Ashley and Josh watched for hours as Mr. Stewart and his students started to investigate the site. First, the students used string to make a grid of squares in the entire area. Then, the students started to carefully dig in the marked areas. It wasn’t very long before the students began to uncover bowls and utensils.
At the end of a very long day, Mr. Stewart held a press conference at the University. He announced that the homestead of Donnybrook’s very own pilgrim, William Justice, had been found. “I’d like to thank Ashley Enright and my son, Josh, for leading us to the pilgrim’s path. All of the artifacts that we have discovered will be on exhibit at the university.”
On Thanksgiving in the Enright house, everyone gathered around the table before dinner and said what he or she was most thankful for.
Gram said, “I’m thankful for my wonderful family and that ‘Old Bessie’ still gets me where I need to go…eventually.” ‘Old Bessie’ was her old blue Chevrolet that didn’t always like to start up on the first turn of the ignition.
Mr. Enright said, “I’m thankful for my wife, my two beautiful daughters and a loving mother-in-law.” He winked at Gram. “Oh, and I’m grateful for the New York Mets.”
Mrs. Enright said, “I’m thankful for my loving husband, my two wonderful daughters and my supportive mother.”
Kelly said, “I’m thankful we can almost eat!”
Everyone laughed at Kelly’s eagerness to eat!
Ashley said, “I’m thankful for my wonderful, loving, funny and supportive family, and for good friends. I’m thankful that on this Thanksgiving Day, we’ve finally found the homestead of Donnybrook’s very own pilgrim.”
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!