A Place To Stay (Part 4): Christmas Day
Author and Amish taxi driver Haley Straw shares part four of a four-part Christmas series. It follows the true story of a young boy from Chicago, whose longing for warmth and belonging sends him on an unlikely winter journey toward an Amish community he’d only read about in a library book.
This retelling draws from the original “Please Let Me Stay” account shared in a private family history book. If you missed part one, you’ll find it here, part two is here, and part three here.
We woke up early on Christmas Day.
They fitted me into some of Eli’s clothes and asked if I wanted to help him with his chores. Everything was fun to me—new sights of cows, pigs, chickens, and milk.
Breakfast was much like supper the night before, with plenty of food for everyone. I could eat a little more this time, since the lump in my throat was smaller.
The morning was spent getting ready for the family to be together. The children were excited, bubbling over with anticipation for the company that was coming.
The table was stretched out long, and another table was placed against it to make room for everyone. I had never seen such a big table.
And the food.
You cannot imagine the emotions I felt as I saw the steam rising from the mashed potatoes—and realized there was going to be enough for everyone.
Children laughed. Everyone was polite and considerate as they waited for one another to sit. There was talk of the afternoon’s plans. They couldn’t wait for Grandpa to tell them a story about when he was a boy.
Again, Henry said we would bow our heads in prayer. This time, we were to pray silently and thank the Lord for the blessing of Jesus’ birth.
I bowed my head, not knowing for sure how to pray. My prayer went something like this:
Dear Lord, please let me stay. Please let me stay here forever.
It was too much for my heart. I began to cry—not just cry, but sob and shake.
I was told later that all the heads came up and everyone looked at me.
Henry stood, came to my chair, and lifted me up with two strong arms. He carried me to the rocking chair by the stove. As he held me and rocked slowly, he said in his deep voice,
“Family, sing Joy to the World while W.M. settles down.”
And they did.
As they sang, Henry continued to rock me and hold me tight. When the last verse ended, Henry said, “It just dawned on me that W.M. must stand for Wise Men. I believe W.M. is like the Wise Men of long ago—who came from far away searching for Jesus, and found Him.”
But that was not the end of the story.
Christmas passed, and the question of what was to happen to me returned.
Two days later, Miss Barr came and took me into the nearby city. They gathered all the information they could, hoping to contact agencies in Chicago. They were never able to find where I came from. Perhaps today, with computer networks, they might have located my mother.
I have never returned to Chicago.
Two years after my arrival, Henry and his wife adopted me. The paperwork took time, but I always felt it a privilege to be part of their family. I was determined never to cause them any trouble.
They gave me the name William Melvin Yoder.
The years have rolled along. I am now in my fifties. I married an Amish girl named Miriam, and we have five boys and two girls. Of course, we named our first boy Henry and our first girl Mary.
Today, as a father and grandfather, I feel a great burden as we live in this modern world, with so many choices before us.
I will finish this story with a question you, dear reader, may be able to answer.
Many years ago, as a little boy, I left the south side of Chicago in search of a better life.
Why, then, do the boys and girls of our Plain churches leave their Anabaptist heritage in search of a worldly life—and places like the south side of Chicago?
I sob at times, as I did that day so many years ago, when I think of what they are throwing away.
And I pray that when I leave this earth and am ushered into the presence of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, He will honor my request when I ask Him:
“Let me stay, dear Lord. Please let me stay.”
Home is not always the place we come from.
Sometimes it is the place that chooses us—after the journey has taken everything else away.
Haley Straw is a barefoot Amish taxi driver with a storyteller’s heart and a knack for collecting the kinds of tales the Amish whisper on long night drives. She shares those stories — including this Christmas series — the way they were given to her: gently, gratefully, and with a little lantern-light warmth. You can find her books and free Amish-inspired goodies at haleystraw.com.
Sad for mom in Chicago
Shocking to read that he simply ran away from his family n in a couple days he was rapidly adopted. His bio mom n family had rights to better researches to find them back then and even now.
Better Life
Did you read in the first part how he wandered from place to place looking for a place to sleep? Ran away from a family? Even a mother rat makes a nest for her babies.
motherly instince
Denise, I appreciate your thoughts. I can relate to what W.M. went through – my mom didn’t want me either. Sadly, it happens, and what a blessing it is that there are families like the Yoders who are willing to open their homes and hearts to those who need it.
The Amish have a saying: “Difficulty is a miracle in its first stage.” It is through others’ kindness that many miracles happen.
According to the story, the adoption didn’t happen until two years later.
Huh?
You obviously did not read parts 1, 2, and 3.
Parental Rights
Hi Human Being, I appreciate your sentiment. The authorities looked for his mother, but were never able to locate her. The boy didn’t even know his name, so that made things more difficult. The Yoder family didn’t adopt William until after two years. I imagine things would have been different had this happened in the 21st century.
Happy Holidays!
Thank you!
I am so glad for this happy ending! And I’m so glad there is not a part 5! I am a crier so at least I don’t need to order a wagon full of kleenex. As for the question, what I think and see in life is that people, like a magnet, will gravitate to what pulls them. Sometimes it is only temporary. Sometimes it is God’s plan. I know this world is getting worse by the second and will get even worse before I’m done typing this comment. I have often fantasized about living with the Amish myself. There are so many details to that it would make for a long comment. I feel like the only place I truly belong is in heaven, I just can’t find any sort of real ‘home’ here or true ‘family’ or friends even. That is another reason this story resonates with me so much. Well I’m in my 50’s also and things in the Bible are coming to pass so soon my wait may be over.
God bless you and thank you for sharing this touching story!
Merry Christmas!
You are welcome!
Leana – Me too—I’m a crier as well. I also believe that what we focus on has a way of shaping our experiences.
Have you heard of the red car theory? The idea is that once something is on our minds, we begin to notice it everywhere. Not because it suddenly appears more, but because our hearts have tuned in to it. Longing works much the same way.
The Amish speak often of heaven, and of holding this world lightly. One of their sayings fits here beautifully: “When you rest in God’s hands, worries have no grip.”
I’m so glad this story resonated with you. That was my hope—and the hope of the Amish family who so generously allowed it to be shared.
Wishing you peace, comfort, and a very Merry Christmas.
I Think I Understand
Hi, Leana . . . I’m in my 50s as well and my life has been extremely lonely for the past few years. I often ask God, “Why do you keep me here on Earth?? What is my purpose??” I confess I really have no idea and that I find myself longing for my One True Home (Heaven). I hope things improve for you very soon. Have a marvelous day & know that you are not alone. Holidays can be especially tough for a great many of us. I will say a few prayers for you. Peace to you . . . And to all on this site. Thanks to Erik and Haley.
A finale worth waiting for
Tears came to my eyes as I read this final part, especially when he was rocked in strong arms. To feel safe, loved, provided for, are insurmountably important things. Things his own family clearly couldn’t give him. And he found His saviour through their actions. Thank you for this story.
Thanks for sharing this inspiring story. I like the way you shared it in segments. I’m hoping that you will share other stories of your many experiences with Amish people.
I also really enjoyed your sharing of several Amish sayings. I will long remember a comment shared with me several years ago by an Amish mother. I had bought produce from “Mary” and her husband “Bill” for several years and we had become good friends. I observed their several children in different contexts — working around the farmyard, playing together outdoors, eating meals together with their family, greeting other produce customers, etc. One day after the children had left for school, I said to Bill and Mary something like “Your children are really an inspiration. I think you’re doing a good job raising them”. Mary and Bill responded with smiles and Mary simply said, “Now Al, let’s put that where it belongs,” (meaning “Let’s give God the glory”).
Another story...
Christmas greetings!
Years ago our neighbors lived on the south of Chicago and became foster parents. They got a call from a social worker that they had two siblings who had been living under a bridge, and would they take them in? Yes. The girl was 13, and her brother was 5. The first thing on the to-do list for the boy was a bath. After three water changes and three shampoos, they learned he had blonde hair! It turned out that the girl was too street smart and was removed from their home. The boy stayed, and after due process, they adopted him. He now had parents, two brothers, a loving home, and life was good!
You never know how the day is going to pan out, and what new challenge will come with it.
Wishing you a blessed new year!
Remembering what God can do,
Terry
Reply
I am quite late to respond, but I was busy over the holiday. I hope all had a great Christmas and will have a happy New Year.
“Why, then, do the boys and girls of our Plain churches leave their Anabaptist heritage in search of a worldly life—and places like the south side of Chicago?”
“I sob at times, as I did that day so many years ago, when I think of what they are throwing away.”
I could not agree more. I often think that when young people leave, it is out of selfishness and a refusal to let God shine through their lives. The same is true for us English kids. We become selfish and focus only on the bad things that have happened in life, or we look at what others have that we do not. We fail to stop and recognize what we do have, and that we were placed where we are for a reason.
God sends people down different paths in life. Amish life is not for everyone, even for those born into the culture. Still, I believe we should reflect honestly and look at the facts instead of seeking the lies and deceit this world has to offer. I am only 17 and know the temptation this world has to offer but it brings no peace in the end.
The world looks fulfilling, but nowadays we see unanswered promises, a great deal of emptiness, and people pushing further and further away from one another—and away from the meaning of living for God rather than for self.
Thank you, Hailey, for your great articles. I will miss seeing them, but I will look onward while also looking back at what has brought me to where I am today. I will be leaving this Saturday. God Bless!