Original subtitles

A new word for those little coincidences

that aren't coincidence, but come from divine origin.

Godwinks are always signs of hope.

With no power vested in me,

I hereby award the degree of

Master of Science in Nursing to my brilliant daughter,

Joy Fickett.

Who, by graduating early deprived me

the pride of attending an actual ceremony.

Oh, well also saving you a semester's tuition.

So, brilliant and practical.

You're welcome, Dad.

Oh, the house looks amazing.

Thanks.

I had a little help.

A little?

Your father had me over here stringing lights

until 3:00AM the other night.

Well, you're off the hook now because Joy's back.

Now I need you tomorrow afternoon for some baking.

There's a new family down the block

that hasn't had a proper welcome.

Dad, I actually booked an interview tomorrow.

Job interview? You just got back.

It's with Nursing International.

However, my interview's at noon

so I could help with the cookie baking after...

Oh, I wanted to take you to the new house

my company just bought.

So, interview at noon, house visit at 3:00PM

and then back here for 5:00PM

for the yule log and I'll just borrow this

so we can relax and eat all this food.

Dad, a family of 12 couldn't eat all this food.

Well, we could try, you know?

I see.

I understand.

Thank you for your time.

Happy holidays to you.

No job openings?

Not at the entry level.

Maybe this news writing thing wasn't a good idea.

Your professor said you had real writing talent.

My divinity school professor who said that right after

he told me that being a pastor wasn't for me.

You wrote on the year book staff.

In high school.

And the college paper and those freelance news articles.

I know.

I just thought I was on my way somewhere, you know?

That being a pastor was my calling.

Maybe I'll just help out with your road crew

until I figure it out.

You know I love having you as one of my drivers.

And if you don't keep space open for the right thing,

you'll wind up with a second choice by default.

But I'll tell you what you can do.

Run into town and grab replacement bulbs.

Some of these are out.

You just want me to keep busy.

We want you to be happy.

And also, I could use a peppermint latte from Cozy Bean,

it's right by the hardware store.

I'll make it two.

Thanks, guys.

This place is incredible.

I can't wait to see what you do with it.

Well, the good news is it hasn't been touched since 1924

and no weird additions or anything, of course.

The bad news is...

It hasn't been touched since 1924?

You know me well.

So, I guess the only question is,

who's gonna live in it?

Well, I'm sure you'll have more buyers

than you'll know what to do with.

Or it could be the one we talked about.

We always said, after you graduated.

Yeah, I just thought we'd find that one together.

Yeah, of course.

A few great ones are coming to market,

I could show you some listings

and we can decide which ones we want to go look at together.

Ok. Yeah, that's great.

So, that interviewing for a job abroad thing

was kind of a surprise.

We've talked about that before.

It's what my mom did.

And I know you want to follow in her footsteps,

I just didn't know you were actively pursuing it.

Look, it's only a first meeting. Who knows if I'll even get it

and it won't start till the new year.

So, we've got the whole holidays together.

It's one of the only opportunities out there

combining real life mentorship in specific fields

with service to our communities.

Community Cares has a nationwide network of volunteers

who work one on one with our fellows.

As fellows, you'll also give back,

helping local families who need an extra hand.

You'll work hard,

make a difference and be home in time for Christmas.

Thank you, I'll be here if you have any questions.

So, what do you think?

This sounds fantastic.

But, I'm in the middle of a job search

so maybe I should stay dialed in on that.

Oh, what do you do?

Um... writing.

I write, news.

We have a terrific mentor in Oshkosh.

I'm Angelo.

Eric.

Alums tell us that the fellowship

helped them get a leg up on work.

And, gave them a focus.

Why don't you take an application?

Never know what'll happen if you open up space

for something new.

Yeah. Thank you.

Well, thanks so much for meeting with me.

Thanks for coming in.

We have a few more candidates to interview,

so we'll be in touch after the holidays.

Have a great day.

- Bye. - Bye.

It's a crucial moment in your lives,

you're facing big life choices.

It might sound crazy,

but sometimes the best way

to find yourself and move forward

is to take a step back and help others.

So, grab your applications here or submit online.

Thanks for coming.

They've got impressive alumni, including a few great writers.

If you think this program will move the needle for you,

I hope you get it.

Think Mom feels the same?

Look, no one in the world wants more for you than her.

She might be disappointed but she'd understand.

And you'd be home before Christmas.

I'm sure I'm worrying for nothing.

With my experience being so limited,

I'm sure they've already filled their roster for the session.

That's the spirit.

Ah!

Perfect!

Hey, looks like I need to have that talk with Mom after all.

See, all that optimism paid off.

Congrats, and good luck with your mother.

Just because you don't have a job yet

doesn't mean you have to leave town.

Well, Dad, this is a really great opportunity.

Plus, the program director said, the best way to figure out

what you want in life is to spend some time helping others.

What you want in life.

Is this about Danny?

Well, in the last two years we haven't spent more than

summers and holidays together and I just graduated.

I don't know where I'm gonna find a job or when.

Maybe I will end up nursing abroad like Mom.

What if I just don't have an answer?

Then that's an answer.

Look, as much as I'd hate not having you here

in the run up to the holidays,

maybe getting away is the right thing.

Take the time and space to figure out how you feel.

As long as you're back by Christmas

or I'll come and track you down.

I know you will.

You know it.

Thanks, Dad.

Thank you.

- I think maybe that's my car. - I think this is my car.

- I... - Uh...

One of you named Eric?

I am.

Maybe your name is Eric too?

Sorry, it's a similar model just different license plate.

Sorry about that.

Hey, what was the address on the phone again?

Oh, looks like we're going to the same place.

- Advent in Oshkosh? - Advent in Oshkosh?

Guess we'll be spending the next two weeks together.

Yeah.

I'm Eric.

I heard.

Joy, Joy Fickett.

Joy Fickett.

Care to share a car?

Let's do it.

Thank you.

Here we go.

- After you. - Thank you.

Wow.

Wow, this is beautiful.

Welcome, welcome. You must be Joy and Eric.

Good guess.

I'm Katie.

The other two fellows got here about half an hour ago,

but don't worry,

I kept them from eating all the gingerbread cookies.

You can put your stuff over there.

Come on, I'll introduce you.

Thank you.

Ok.

Sadie and Adam, say hello to Joy and Eric.

- Hi. - Hey.

I think we're sharing an office.

I'll be amping up the website

while you're writing for the newsletter.

All right.

Sadie just graduated with her masters.

And this is Adam, he's a chef and he's designing

the new holiday menu for our free meal program.

Oh, fantastic.

I hope you're hungry.

You three are my guinea pigs the next two weeks.

And I just help out at the clinic here.

Oh, don't you let her fool you, she runs the joint.

Louis Graber.

Would you like a cookie?

- Oh. - No thank you.

Besides being my adorable husband,

Louis volunteers here twice a week doing health screenings.

And, he's the best darn surgeon in town,

if I do say so myself.

Well, I think the other one might disagree, but I'll take it.

You're Joy, the nurse.

Nurse practitioner, at least I will be once I pass my boards.

You see, that's exactly what I prayed for,

to help us in the clinic.

Now, you tell me that's not a Godwink?

A Godwink?

It's my wife's word for life's little unexplained miracles.

I'm more science and evidence based in my thinking,

so, I think, I'm just gonna stick to a happy coincidence.

I'll make a believer out of him yet.

Well, looks like I'm late to the party.

Which one of you is Fellman?

I guess that depends on what I'm being accused of.

For starters, better than average clippings.

I read the ones in your application.

Not terrible.

Glenn Adams, Director of Communications.

Buckle up, you're working with me.

Sorry everyone, I got hung up on a work errand.

Welcome to Advent in Oshkosh!

Right now, every Community Cares affiliate

is welcoming a team for our Advent fellowship,

and tomorrow you'll be hitting the ground running.

Mornings will be reserved for professional work

and development in your field

and afternoons are for work on our project house.

But, today, we kick things off with a special Advent tradition.

Even though it lasts a month, and we only have two weeks.

We'll still be lighting candles to remind us why we're here.

Starting with the candle of hope.

Our wish for each of you is that even as you bring

flickers of hope and strength to the family we'll be serving,

you'll learn to see yourself in a different light.

Not in terms of career success, or by the plans you've made,

but by how well you love others.

And learn to give back.

So, welcome.

We know this two weeks will change your lives.

Here, let me help you with that.

Thanks, I owe you one.

Two, with me rescuing you at the airport.

Oh, you rescued me?

Hey, for all we know you could still be stuck there

waiting for your grey 2016 hatchback.

Ok. So, I guess you're looking for repayment then?

I, no, I...

Kringle.

Bless you?

No, on the way in I saw a cafe that serves

the world famous Wisconsin Christmas Kringles.

Yeah, again, see you keep saying that word,

but I don't know...

You don't know what a Kringle is?

Aren't you from the Midwest?

Yeah, from Ohio, but...

Adam, giant donut shaped thing with sugary filling,

drowning in icing?

Kringle.

Boom.

Ok, I'm in, I'm in.

Was it the drowning in icing part?

Oh, no, no, no. I stopped listening

at the donut shaped thing part.

This has got to be my favorite thing about the holidays.

Walking in the cold with strangers?

Yes.

No, walking past the shops

and watching everyone get ready for Christmas.

The anticipation, sometimes better than the day itself.

Exactly.

You two sound like my mom.

For her, Christmas starts the second Thanksgiving ends

and I'm not scoring any points by being here.

Oh, I hear that.

Your mom too?

No, my dad.

He starts planning just after Memorial Day

when he inflates the giant Santa.

Oh, shoot.

My mentor just arrived at Community Cares

with our kitchen equipment.

That's a long list. I'll come help.

Well, we can help too.

Nah, just bring us back a Kringle.

As a chef, it's very important that I taste test everything.

Ah, taste test. Yes, well played, sir.

Hi.

Apologies, busy night.

What can I get you guys?

Well, this lady has never experienced the miracle

of a Christmas Kringle, and we are here to change that.

You came to the right place.

Cinnamon, cranberry, maybe cranberry apple?

- I say surprise us. - Mmmhmm.

How about cranberry?

Seems the most Christmassy, don't you think?

Plus two hot ciders and a Christmas Kringle to go.

You got it.

You don't like surprises?

Honestly?

No.

I blame the medical training.

As a kid, I thought of going into medicine,

but I absolutely have no aptitude for science.

Well, it's not all about aptitude.

You know, my mom used to say,

patients don't care how much you know

until they know how much you care.

She's a nurse too?

Yeah, well, she was.

Oh, she...

Passed away five years ago.

I'm so sorry.

She would love me doing this.

She was a surgical nurse, but she spent her days off

volunteering at our local clinic.

She sounds fantastic.

Yeah, she was.

You know before she met my dad she actually worked abroad.

I'm hoping to do the same someday.

Wow.

Sounds like you've got it all figured out.

Ah, I wouldn't say that.

Oh.

One Kringle and two hot ciders.

Plus, one to go, coming up.

Oh, you weren't kidding! This looks fantastic!

Well, now that I know how much you hate surprises,

maybe I should try it first, just to be safe.

Oh, or maybe you should order your own.

I believe I got the cranberry.

- Here, I'll get you a piece. - Thank you.

Hey, Joy, it's your song.

100 over 60.

It's hard to get more perfect than that.

And her scar is healing nicely too.

She still seems lethargic though,

and she's not taking her medicine the way she should be.

I don't like swallowing pills.

Let's have a look.

Look up.

All right, we need a new prescription for you.

Joy, would you mind writing it up?

Mm-hm.

A hamburger, daily, with ketchup and fries

and a chocolate bar nightly.

All right!

Come back in two weeks.

Here you go.

Thanks.

You sure about this, Dr. Graber?

Joy?

Whatever post-op anemia Riley has needs iron

and if she can't take pills,

there's enough iron in chocolate and hamburgers

to make up for it.

Unless you think she might eat spinach

for the rest of the week...

We'll stick with burgers.

Thank you both. Come on.

I've gone through your website and you're in decent shape.

We just need to elevate the user experience

and sync it with the interface.

In English?

Your content's solid,

we just need to make it easier to access.

Oh, well say that next time.

You were in the Gulf War?

As a stringer for AP.

Conflict reporting.

That writing can make a real difference, huh?

Plenty of stories can make a difference,

including ones you don't need a helmet for.

Start here.

Wow. Not much left.

It was a bad one.

Tony and Emily Romero and their son Charlie.

Fire wiped out everything they had.

I'm gonna need a piece for the newsletter

about what we're doing to help.

What are we doing?

Well, we built them a new house in a nice neighborhood.

Our construction team

and the last set of fellows did the bulk of the work.

You'll help with finishing.

Address is in the file. And they're waiting for you.

Got it.

Three hundred words... on my desk by tomorrow.

Hey, how's it going with Glenn?

Uh, good.

I just got my first assignment.

Hey, Mr. Romero.

Oh, please, call me Tony.

You guys must be the new crew.

Yeah, this is Joy, that's Sadie, Adam and I'm Eric.

It's good to meet you.

We heard the doors are ready for painting?

Yeah, the doors are prepped inside.

Supplies are in the garage next to the salvaged boxes

from the old house.

I can help you with those lights?

Sure.

Hey.

Woah, that's all that's left from the Romero's old house?

There has to be more, right?

Glenn said the fire wiped out everything,

I think that's it.

I don't think I got how bad it was.

Actually, give me a minute.

You know, my dad manages highway crews in Minnesota,

I drove for him all through school.

Oh, yeah?

If Tony and Emily are starting from scratch,

then we need to make this really special.

Hey!

Didn't your mother teach you not to do that?

Nope.

Every time a room needed to be redone,

she would write all over the walls, and the doors.

Before painting over it.

She called them her hidden blessings.

Hm.

Oh, I love that.

Yeah, and we never knew what they said

but the house was always full of her wishes.

Amazing.

- Can I have one? - Yes.

- Here, take one. - Thank you.

Do you mind if I ask you a few questions while we work?

There's an article that Community Cares

wants to do on their national newsletter.

Sure, as long as you don't mind grabbing

those lightbulbs inside.

Sure.

They're on the scaffolding.

Let's do this right.

Oh, now it's a party.

What did you write?

Know there is something inside of you

greater than any obstacle.

Love lives in these walls and in this house.

That's beautiful.

What about you?

Home is the starting place of love, hope and dreams.

- Beautiful. - Oh, I like that a lot.

Here you go.

All right, thanks.

What would you say you miss the most about your old house?

Honestly, I try not to think about it.

I'm sorry, I'm just trying to gather information

about this article I told you about.

I totally get it.

I'm just trying to have this place ready

for my family to move in this Christmas.

You mind hitting that switch for me?

Yeah.

Ah, nice.

Break time!

Hey.

I brought a few sweets for the new crew.

Welcome, guys.

And watch out, when she says a few

she means enough to feed a whole army.

Did we hear someone say sweets?

Yes, peppermint bark, snowball and wreath cookies.

Thank you.

Everyone, this is my wife Emily and our son, Charlie.

Hey.

And now, I have to sit down.

- Easy now. - Thank you.

Come on, we talked about this, all this baking and food prep.

I am pregnant, not an invalid.

Hey, I'm Joy, I'm a nurse. Are you feeling ok?

Oh, you know then, put a baby in here

and all of the organs have less space.

Every now and then it's hard to catch my breath.

Doctor says it's normal.

And it's Christmas.

What am I gonna do, put my feet up?

Oh, we really appreciate everything you guys are doing.

What we lack in skill, we make up for in enthusiasm.

Well, we're grateful.

We have been living at my mom's the last four months

and it's getting crowded.

Hey, little man.

You want to go see your new room?

It's not my room. I'm not moving here.

Charlie.

You can't make it.

I got it.

I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to upset him.

No, Charlie was upset when he found out we couldn't move back.

Our landlord's not gonna rebuild for a while.

We are so grateful to Community Cares for this place.

But, all of Charlie's friends are back there.

We were part of a neighborhood.

Yeah.

We're all still dealing with leaving behind

the only place Charlie's ever known.

Hey, I'm here to pick up a pie order for Angelo.

Give me five.

Ok. Great.

- Hey. - Hey.

How goes the 300 words?

Uh.

Oh, no.

Tough writing day?

I couldn't get Tony to open up about their old house

and once Emily explained

how everything's been going for them,

I'm having trouble finding the right words.

Yeah, well it's a lot of responsibility

for only 300 words.

Exactly.

And I don't write professionally,

at least not yet.

Well, that's what we're here to do.

Gain experience.

Except you're already a nurse, Adam's already a chef.

And you've never written before?

Sort of.

Actually, I was gonna be a pastor.

What? No.

Ok. What happened?

I flunked preaching class, twice.

Oh, ok.

Well, it's definitely a sign.

Yeah.

But the writing?

I was really good at writing sermons,

so my professor suggested that I pursue this,

but sermons and this kind of writing have...

Actually have a lot in common.

You're still sharing your opinion on other's experiences

to get people to think in a bigger way.

I actually never thought about it that way.

You still get to make a difference.

It's all about story.

Every time I meet a new patient, I ask them to tell me theirs.

That's how I figure out how to treat them.

That thing your mom said.

About them knowing how much you care.

So just tell the story.

To help people connect.

Three hundred words. It's no big deal.

You know what, you've actually inspired me.

I'll see you later, ok?

Ok.

Oh, why do I always eat too much.

Oh, you can call it research.

All right, let's turn in.

Wait, guys.

Eric was saying that we connect with people

because of their stories and Community Cares,

they're all about helping folks write a new one.

A story of hope.

What did you have in mind?

So, Tony was so upset about what they lost,

not because they lost walls or paint,

but because they lost the place they raised their boy.

And hosted Sunday dinners and holidays.

They didn't just lose a house, they lost a home.

Exactly.

Right, so it isn't enough to give them a new space.

We have to fill it with all the things that make a house a home.

Ok. So, Operation Home for the Holidays?

That's brilliant.

It is.

And, I know a way to make it happen.

Everybody meet down here tomorrow, 9:00AM. Ok?

- Good night. - Good night.

Hey, aren't you going to bed?

Not yet.

I know how to finish my story now.

Thanks to you.

I'm gonna get writing. See you in the morning.

Ok.

Good night.

They've got protein powder in them

and the whipped topping is yogurt.

Figured it might be a great add

to the kid's holiday breakfast event.

I can think of about 500 school kids who won't put up a fight.

I wouldn't. Where's Eric?

Oh, sleeping off his genius maybe.

I probably shouldn't be sharing this but check it out.

This is my favorite part.

"The Romero's loss is part of their story,

"but they aren't looking backward

"and they know miracles don't just appear.

"They require hard work, faith and partners

"to create not just a home for this holiday,

"but for all their celebrations to come."

That was for your eyes only.

Oh, come on. It was so good,

I couldn't help but share it with these guys.

It's terrific.

And it plays right into the reason we're here.

"Operation Home for the Holidays."

I printed bios of the Romero family,

along with the intake interview off their applications.

Wait, there were bios and an interview?

And I'm splitting you into teams.

Joy and Eric, Sadie and Adam.

There's money for each family member,

it's limited so you'll need to get creative.

I'll be dropping you off downtown.

Ok, so, where should we get started?

Tony's business is road side assistance

but we don't want to buy tool sets.

And they're about to have a baby,

but a changing table doesn't seem right either.

No. What makes a house a home isn't what you put into it.

It's... it's every experience you have there.

Yeah.

Too bad we can't buy them memories.

That's what the new place is missing.

It's missing their memories.

Sure, but how do we give them those?

We can't, but we can help them build new memories.

- Yes. - Yeah.

Let's go. Come on.

That one, and this one.

What are we grabbing these for again?

I'll tell you as soon as I know it's gonna work.

Ok, onesies, diapers, pacifiers, they need all that

but where do you spend your time making baby memories?

Joy.

- That's perfect. - It really is.

Toy store is next.

What do eight-year-old boys like?

Puzzles, cars, action figures.

Sadie, the kid's a gamer.

Follow me.

Well, we've got lots of great things,

but it's still just things.

Yeah.

Hey, um, when you lost your mom,

was there anything that made you feel better?

Not for a long time.

She was my North Star.

Because she was a nurse too and you had so much in common?

Actually, we had nothing in common.

No, we didn't.

We didn't like the same movies, or music or food,

but I think ultimately we looked out

at the world through the same window.

Yeah.

Not a lot of people ask about her anymore.

I mean, I guess they think it'll make me sad

or they didn't know her, but...

She's still a huge part of who you are.

Even if she's gone.

Why did you ask about her?

I was just thinking, what people hold onto from their memories.

Oh.

You know, when I was a kid

we moved around a lot with Dad's job

and every place we went,

I felt like I lost something too.

Did anything make it easier?

Our traditions.

No matter what new house we landed in,

we focused on the things that pulled us together.

So what is that, for this family?

Uh... I don't know.

Well, in his interview, Tony mentions the times

that he and Emily spent planning and making...

Christmas.

Of course!

That's where everyone makes their biggest memories.

A home, you've got to...

Fill it with Christmas.

We've got one more store to visit, come on.

Let's do it.

Guys, do you think we have enough Christmas?

Never.

We still got another tree to grab.

Oh, and we got to get the lights.

Well, years of working with my dad,

I can kind of do anything mechanical or electrical.

Well, you are just full of surprises, aren't you?

That depends.

On what?

Well, you said you don't like surprises.

You gonna get that?

Yeah.

Sorry.

Hey.

There she is. How's it going?

Uh, good. Yeah, good.

You left in such a hurry, we hardly had a chance to talk.

Well, the program just came up so quickly, so...

I just wanted to tell you, I may have found our place.

Our...

Our house.

I can text the listing. I think it has real potential.

I was gonna send you some, remember?

Good. Yeah, ok.

There's another flipper with his eye on it

but if this is the one I can swoop in.

Ok, it's just... I'm just so busy right now.

Well, look as soon as you can and call me later, ok?

Love you. Bye.

Yeah.

Hey, come on back.

If we don't get started on these shelves we'll be here all night.

Ok, big breath in.

Good.

It was just a little more shortness of breath.

And no abdominal pain, no spotting?

Still feeling lots of movement?

She is like an Olympic swimmer.

Good.

Tony just insisted that I get checked out.

He's overprotective.

Well, he did the right thing.

He's just looking out for you,

No, it's because I miscarried after Charlie.

I'm so sorry.

I know it's more common than people think,

but between losing the house,

plus the pregnancy and being at my mother's.

Tony has been a hero.

Yeah, that's a lot.

Now, as far as the shortness of breath goes,

make sure you're standing and sitting up nice and straight.

Give those lungs a little room to breathe.

Thank you, Joy.

You got it.

Oh, and maybe just let Tony be a little bit overprotective.

He needs that.

Lean into him a little.

I've been leaning into that man

since the moment I laid my eyes on him.

We even got married three months after we met.

Three months?

Why wait if that's your person?

I have to get Charlie from school.

Am I good to go?

- Yes, you're excellent. - Thank you.

Hey.

Emily, you're looking more and more beautiful every day.

You give those boys of yours my love, ok?

I will.

- All right, bye. - Bye.

What a wonderful family.

Do you know how those two met?

Tony went to the wrong party.

He mixed up the address.

Three months later they were married.

They just couldn't wait.

Oh honey, did I say something wrong?

Oh, no, I'm fine.

Let's go get some fresh air.

Ok.

Yeah, we started dating at the beginning of senior year.

Just before my mom got sick.

Danny was my rock.

Danny sounds like a wonderful guy.

He is. He was my first serious everything

and anything you'd want in a man you're planning

on spending the rest of your life with.

But?

But every time he talks about the future I freeze up and...

You can say it, Joy.

I have these new feelings for Eric.

But that's crazy. We just met.

We live way too many miles apart, and...

No. I mean, I shouldn't be feeling any of this.

But you do.

So what am I supposed to do?

Just walk away from Danny after all this time?

No one's telling you to upend your life,

but there's a reason you and Eric ended up

in the same program at the same time.

Not to mention how you met at the airport.

What you would call a Godwink?

If only my husband caught on as quickly as you.

You're a nurse, Joy.

And the body tells you things and if you are freezing up

at the mention of a future,

then maybe you need to ask yourself why.

Just keep those beautiful eyes open to the signs.

Thank you.

Fellman.

These just came from HQ.

Proof sheets for next month's national newsletter.

Apparently, they liked your story about the Romero's enough,

they're making it the cover.

They are?

Wow, that's...

Yeah, beginner's luck.

That's amazing.

Great, listen.

The next assignment, the fellowship experience.

Keep the focus personal.

Use your current group and add photos.

I'll get right on it.

After project work today.

Oh, grab the van on the way in.

Angelo said that some cabinet doors

mistakenly got sent to Tony's shop

and he needs someone to grab them before noon.

Ok. Sure.

You know what every mini celebration needs?

One last piece of...

Pumpkin pie?

I'll split it with you?

Deal.

Wait, your article is going national?

Ok, take the rest of the pie.

- I couldn't. - Take it.

It's not as good as the one near my house in Columbus.

Wait, you're from Columbus?

Yeah, where they make this amazing salted caramel...

That place on Oak Street? By St. Angela's?

Wait, how did you?

My family lived in Columbus when I was six.

Remember, I told you we moved around?

Well, St. Angela's was our church and around the holidays

we'd stop after services next door...

For the pumpkin pie special!

Yeah, St. Angela's is our church.

I've been going there my whole life.

We could have met as kids.

Oh man, I gotta go. It's, it's almost noon.

Hey, Tony.

Hey.

Came here to pick up the cabinet doors.

Ah, much appreciated. Just over there.

If you give me a second I could give you a hand.

Thanks.

What's up with the snow plow?

This old thing?

About 100,000 too many miles and a temperamental starter.

I'm pretty handy with engines if you want an extra pair of hands.

I'm good.

But if you know any drivers looking for work,

I'm a man down, I could use the help.

Well, I could sub in for a few days once the program's over.

Really?

I don't have a job to get back to and I came here to be of use.

Huh.

I mean, that would be great.

Give you a hand with these boxes.

Jo Ann: You said you'd be home for Christmas.

It's only a couple weeks away.

I will be.

I'm just spending an extra few days helping out a client

who's in a bind.

There'll be plenty of time to celebrate when you get back.

You do what you need.

JoAnn: But don't work too hard.

Remember, Christmas is a time for joy.

Mom, I don't think I've ever agreed with you more.

Love you both.

Love you.

Wonder what he meant by that.

Where are you going?

Adam's doing recipe testing.

- Cookie decorating? - Mm-hm.

Best day ever.

Say it.

Best day ever.

Ooooh!

Peanut butter, sugar, oatmeal, molasses, snickerdoodles.

- Yes. - Awesome.

Watch this.

Oh, nice! Yes!

Eric?

What?

It's testing day, and I'm testing.

Amazing work, Adam, and all of you.

Now, it's hard to believe

but we've come to the end of our first week,

so let's light the second Advent candle.

- Wasn't that fun? - That was so much fun.

The second Advent candle represents peace.

Within ourselves and those that surround us.

That time we reach out and smooth over that thing

with a friend.

Reconnect with an estranged loved one

or have that difficult conversation we've been avoiding.

Because it's only when we tell the truth

to others and to ourselves that we can find true peace.

Oh, thank you.

Emily.

I was sneaking in.

Do they post you here like security guards?

No. We just put in a long day.

The others just left,

but I stayed behind to finish a couple things in the nursery.

Oh, is that why you're here? To see the nursery?

Yeah.

You promise not to tell anybody?

I promise.

You guys did an amazing job.

Wow.

But these weren't backed up?

They were on the computer that melted.

Well, nothing's ever truly lost.

Especially when you have a tech wizard

who can retrieve burnt down data.

Sadie did it, it was her idea.

Charlie bought it with birthday money for the baby.

Because he lost his in the fire.

He wanted his sister to have one from the start.

That's why I came.

It's nine days till Christmas.

I barely have presents or anything done.

Just the house and the pregnancy have been so consuming,

I'm worried there's gonna be nothing under the tree.

And Charlie's not gonna have any of those new toys

or those electronics that he's been dying for.

Emily? You ok? You're shivering.

You're flushed too.

You know, we're gonna go to the hospital.

No, I'm ok, really.

No. We need to go right now.

Ok.

So, the fever and listeria infection are under control,

but just make sure you take your medication as prescribed

and you'll both be safe.

We're just so grateful to you, Joy.

Are you kidding?

I'm just glad I was at the right place at the right time.

Nice and slow.

Hey, take it easy, ok? For real this time.

You hear that?

Means no more shopping, no baking

and especially no more...

Christmas?

And who is gonna do it, you?

You are so tied up at the shop.

We still have Charlie's presents to get.

Well, maybe Charlie's gonna have to do

with a little less this year.

- Thanks again, Joy. - Of course.

Hey. How's Emily doing?

She and the baby are gonna be fine.

But, we've got another job to do... well, two.

Ok, so the Romero's,

they can't give Charlie the Christmas they want,

but I've got a plan on how Adam and Sadie are gonna fix that.

And we're gonna give Tony and Emily the neighborhood

Christmas they think they lost.

Ok. Let's finish up.

Yeah. 'Cause we have more work to do.

Hi, I'm Joy.

We're having a housewarming party

to welcome your new neighbors and their baby, due any day now.

Hope to see you there.

They can never be too loud.

Yeah, we'll plug it in. Let's get the music going.

It's casual, just run by

but please not at this pace 'cause you're killing me.

Every gamer needs mood lighting.

Pass me the red.

There you go.

"Operation: Home for the Holidays"

has kicked it up a notch.

Just one more thing.

Great idea.

I can't believe we're gonna show it all to the Romero's tomorrow.

That or that our two weeks are almost over?

I know. It went by really fast.

I also feel like I've grown like it's been two years

and not two weeks.

- Yeah, you too? - Yeah.

I mean, telling the Romero's story,

being so inspired to keep writing about everything.

It was smaller but also bigger than I expected.

But hey, you helped save a baby so you win.

I didn't know how you could make such an impact.

One person to one person.

Make...

A difference in someone else's life.

Well, I haven't slept in 40 hours.

Yeah.

And tomorrow is the big reveal.

Yeah. We should get back.

Two weeks that change your life

and one about Emily, Joy and the baby.

And I know I'm probably not supposed to pitch stuff,

but maybe we can do one about Angelo

and other team leaders like him around the country.

Or, how the theme of advent resonates

with the rest of Community Cares' work.

I don't know if you do

follow-ups with families a year later

but I'd be happy to get back out in the field

and do some interviews.

Sorry, it's just that once I get started...

Pick.

Pick the one that's calling you first and do that.

Hey.

Welcome home.

Wow.

I don't even know where to start.

Start by getting out of the cold.

Let's go inside your new house.

Here you go.

Hey, Charlie. You know something?

When I was a kid,

my dad's job moved us to a new city every few years.

But, my parents used to make it nice

and tell me that it was all gonna be ok.

But, I wanted all my old stuff and the friends I had.

I had one constant in my life, Benny, my stuffed alligator.

And I made sure he came with me to every new place.

But I guess yours didn't make it out,

so I thought you might want a new friend

to start you off right.

And, it's a little bigger than your sister's,

now that you'll be a big brother.

You can put it on your new bed

and see some of the other great things we have for you.

You ready?

Let's go.

It is so beautiful!

Thanks to our team,

I've gotta say they raised the bar this year.

But I think, something's missing,

I can't quite put my finger on it, though.

Presents.

Guys, which one of you forgot

to put the presents under the tree?

I thought you did it.

Me? I thought it was Sadie.

I'll get it.

- Did you invite somebody? - No.

Hi. Joe Duffy from two doors down.

Welcome to the neighborhood.

Thank you.

And Merry Christmas.

Happy new home.

So good to see you guys.

Happy house warming, Emily.

I think you're gonna love it here.

I think I already do.

Tony.

Hey, hey.

Come on in. The more the merrier.

The place looks great.

Come on in.

Pretty amazing, huh?

Can I go see my new room now?

It's time.

Yup. Follow us.

Let's go.

So, we heard you were some kind of outrageous gamer,

so we made some upgrades to your room.

- You ready? - Yeah.

All right.

Woah. This is mine?

It says so right on the door.

Cool.

Can we play?

Sure, grab a controller.

- We did it. - We did.

How cool is this?

Are you kidding me? I wish I had this when I was a kid.

I know, me too.

Thank you, man. I appreciate it.

You're very welcome.

All right, who's picking the game?

I've got a good one.

I got next.

Ok, here it is.

Oh, honey, it's perfect!

Yeah, there's plenty of storage for the baby

and there's more in the closet.

What's this?

One of Joy's hidden blessings.

The doors and furniture are full of them.

This one was too beautiful to paint over,

so I framed it.

A newborn babe brings light to the cottage,

warmth to the hearth and joy to the soul.

For wealth is family and family is wealth.

I don't even know what to say besides thank you.

Oh, come here.

Please, gather around.

First, a huge thank you to our Advent in Oshkosh team,

Joy and Sadie, Eric and Adam.

Who knew when we chose you

we were getting a team of superheroes.

I can't think of a better way to dedicate this house

than to light the next candle on our Advent wreath.

The candle of joy.

Angelo, do you mind if I say a couple words?

Absolutely.

Everyone, we were promised that

if we put in some time of our own, some hard work,

we'd have a new place to rest our heads.

And that itself is a gift that I don't think we can ever repay.

To be welcome by a whole community

and not just to have a house,

but a home to celebrate this Christmas.

Well, that's our true joy.

And I don't think I can thank you all enough.

From me and my family.

May your hearts be light with the new start

and your home overflow with joy.

Forever and always.

Merry Christmas.

I thought I saw you sneak out.

Just thinking.

About?

About how I almost didn't come here.

Heard about it the very last minute.

I... I can't believe I almost missed out.

Yeah.

You know, I always thought that I was gonna go nursing abroad.

Like my mom, but most of those programs are,

are all about training local medical professionals

and not one-to-one patient care.

That's all I want to do.

And after this last week I can't think of anything I'd rather do

or any place I'd rather be than right here.

Yeah.

You know, I thought I was supposed

to devote my life to service.

And I didn't know until now

that service comes in different forms.

And making a difference

is something that you can do anywhere.

And I can do it here.

And I can't imagine any person I'd rather be with right now

or any time in the future... than you.

Wait.

Eric, I'm so sorry.

No, I...

I have a boyfriend.

I'm not even sure if he's what I want anymore.

And everything with us, it was just so amazing.

Please stop.

Whatever it is, whatever you have,

you have to work it out on your own.

I can't be a part of it.

Fellman!

My last article, I know.

Finishing it right now.

For you.

I remembered how much you loved the peppermint hot chocolate.

Last day. Can you believe it?

Adam, we are really gonna miss your treats.

It's been my pleasure.

I've been missing them the entire time he was here.

Ok, it's less than a week till Christmas.

Oh, well now, Merry Christmas to me.

I know that Eric is staying on for a few days

but I would really like to convince you to stay, Joy.

I've got to go to a surgical conference in Madison

and we could really use your help in the clinic.

Our patients are falling hard for you.

Oh, I would love to, but I think if I spend one more second away

from home my dad will personally come here

and drag me back to Columbus.

Well, you know you always have a home here in Oshkosh.

That goes for all of you.

Beside the center candle, which we'll only light at Christmas,

we have one more candle on our advent wreath.

The candle of love.

May the love you poured out here these past two weeks

follow you home and guide you the rest of your lives.

No, no. I am not about to let this turn into a sob fest.

We have way too much to celebrate.

Mister. On your feet.

We haven't slow danced in years.

Glenn, hit the piano.

I'm on it.

The rest of you make some room, let's dance.

Dance with me.

I'm sorry about last night.

I should have told you about Danny.

Don't apologize.

You deserve someone who makes you happy.

Yeah.

I just want to say how much I've enjoyed meeting you and,

and I hope that you find just the right job in the future.

And that our paths cross again sometime.

So, that's it then.

Excuse me.

Oh, Joy, Joy Come sit.

I saw you dancing close, what happened?

I got carried away. This is all my fault.

I should have just shut things down at the beginning.

Shut down your feelings?

And the truth about what's going on?

Yes!

What about the Godwinks, Joy?

Maybe they are just coincidences.

Maybe there's no such thing as "meant to be."

Oh, you don't believe that.

You've seen them with your own eyes.

I don't know what to do.

The only thing you can do, love.

Tell the truth.

To Danny, to Eric. To yourself.

Even if nothing happens,

you'll always regret not opening up

and saying what's in your heart.

Oh, come here.

Oh.

Oh, yeah.

You're gonna do so great in Chicago

and I want an exclusive when you take over the tech world.

You got it.

Take care, Fellman.

Aw, now don't you start.

I'm gonna miss you. Especially your breakfast.

You only love me for my breakfast food.

That's not true.

I love you for your snacks too

and your cookies and your... Come here. Come here.

- Have a safe flight. - See ya.

Thank you. Take care.

Let me help you.

No, wait.

Before you do that, there's something I need to say.

What I wanted to say last night is...

No, look, I... I didn't handle myself well last night

and I need to apologize.

No, please, ok...

I should have told you the truth.

These have been the best two weeks of my life.

We've made memories that we'll have forever.

But, camp is over and we're not kids anymore.

We both need to turn the page and get on with our lives.

Our real lives.

Oh.

Ok.

But, I got you a gift, if that's ok.

Of course.

Thank you.

A compass?

In case you ever decide to change direction.

Goodbye, Joy.

All right, we've got to go

if everybody's gonna make their flights.

Say goodbye, Eric.

Yeah. Ok.

Bye, Eric. - See you again soon.

Bye, Eric. - Bye.

Fellman!

If you're looking for an oil change,

we don't do that here.

You ever given any thought to being a columnist?

I...

No, I...

You've been writing with such... heart.

Are you feeling ok? You never talk like this.

I don't but listen up.

I want to send your clippings to a publisher friend in New York

who's looking for a new hire.

You ok with that?

Of course, yes. Thank you.

No promises.

In the meantime, write a wrap-up on the program.

I can pay... a little.

I'll take it, yes. Thank you so much.

Yeah.

Three hundred words.

This is a really great idea.

Yeah, I thought we could find something here

your dad doesn't have.

I want to surprise him for his office.

So, I figure we do the traditional

Christmas Eve dinner with your dad-

Catch that new Christmas movie and then get to bed early

so I can be over to your place Christmas morning.

Ok.

I think you'll really like the present I got you.

Oh, and I made us a reservation for a restaurant

for New Year's Eve.

It's a rooftop thing with fireworks.

Wow, you seem to have it all planned out.

I got you covered for the next 50 years.

Oh, these wreaths are great,

I think your dad's gonna love them.

Do you want some help? - Sure.

Oh, what's this?

You weren't supposed to see that yet.

I found that old photo of your mom

when I was digging up Christmas decorations.

That was taken right before we got married.

I was going to give it to you for Christmas,

so Merry Christmas.

She was so beautiful.

The story of how you met was...

The happiest accident.

You asked another woman for her number,

she gave you the wrong one on purpose...

And when I called, your mom picked up.

You know, I've got this friend in Oshkosh.

She calls that... a Godwink.

It's coincidences that aren't coincidence

but help push you toward

the life you're supposed to be living.

Joy?

It's just, everything is, is so up in the air right now.

What I'm supposed to practice, where,

what Mom would want.

Your mom would want you to be happy.

Whether that means going abroad or anything else.

Joy, what's going on with Danny?

You haven't spent much time with him

since you got back from Oshkosh.

You haven't been yourself.

Tell me.

So, Danny and I started dating just before Mom got sick

and he was a constant in my life

while it was completely falling apart and...

And now?

Now, it's five years later and we've grown up.

And apart, maybe?

And I met somebody in Oshkosh.

Eric and everything about him is just...

But Danny has been such an important part of my life

for so long and...

And?

He feels like my past and... maybe Eric's my future.

He matches who I am right now.

But, how am I supposed to tell that to Danny?

And, and should I?

I don't even know if there is anything with Eric and I.

But, if God is winking at you... and you're struggling this hard,

don't you think you have to find out?

- Hey. - Hey.

I got your message that you need to talk.

Everything ok?

Yeah, I figured this was a better place than your office.

Joy, what's going on?

I'm gonna go back to Oshkosh for a couple of days.

You are, why?

I don't know how to say this.

Then don't, you don't have to...

No, but... but it's the truth.

These last five years have been amazing and you're amazing

but you deserve somebody

who wants the same things that you do.

But you do. Or you did.

How can you just change your mind all of a sudden?

But it's not all of a sudden.

I mean, we haven't spent any real time together in so long

and we're following through on plans that we made years ago

and what if they're not the right plans anymore?

This, this is crazy.

I know, and...

I know that you can't see this right now

and I don't expect you to.

But this is right.

I'm so sorry, Danny.

Ok, I get it

I know we both deserve to be happy.

Goodbye, Joy.

Bye, guys.

Bye.

Hey, love.

How's the conference?

Good.

I, I might hit the road, seems like there's some traffic.

Yeah, and there's that storm on the way too.

I'm not sure if I have time for another seminar

but I'll double-check the weather

and I'll keep you posted.

Ok.

Love you.

Love you too.

You're working awfully hard.

My swan song.

Just have to wrap up one last article

then it's back to salting streets before the snow.

Oh, that could be any minute.

I miss seeing Joy with you.

You two made an awfully cute couple.

It turns out her boyfriend had a different opinion.

Oh boyfriend, huh?

Someone as great as her? I should have known.

Well, I'm sorry it didn't work out.

Holler if you need anything.

I will.

Hey.

Markie and I were just talking about you.

Well, then I called at just the right time.

So, I have a question for you.

Shoot.

Any chance you'd be free to pick me up later tonight?

Where?

Well, my flight lands in a couple of hours, so.

You mean, in Wisconsin? Here, tonight?

You're not messing with me?

No.

What about... What about Danny?

We'll talk about that later. Maybe over a cranberry Kringle?

Joy, just tell me what's going on.

I will, I will. In person.

Ok, I'm gonna text you my flight information.

And I'll see you later. I have so much to tell you.

Bye.

Yes, yes! Joy's on her way back!

I gotta go.

I have to salt more roads before she gets here.

All the roads.

And I'll pay for that later, I promise.

Joy's coming back!

No, no, no. Not now.

Come on, come on!

The starter.

Help me out here.

Oh, come on.

Ohh!!

Somebody call 911!

Graber.

Hi, Dr. Graber, it's Chloe.

EMS brought in a critical trauma patient,

27-year-old male with multiple injuries

including compound fractures.

Internal injuries?

Life threatening.

The scans show a major grade five laceration of the liver.

He has massive internal bleeding.

Liver rupture? You're kidding me.

To be honest, we're not sure there's a lot that can be done.

Prep him for surgery, I'm 15 minutes out.

Yes, Doctor.

Eric? Hello?

Joy? Joy! What are you... You're here?

Eric was supposed to pick me up

and I've been calling him-

There's been an accident.

Eric's been taken to the hospital.

Is he ok?

No, dear. Come on, we'll take my car.

How long has he been in there?

About four hours.

Sure we'll hear something soon.

I called his parents to let them know,

they're on their way.

This is all my fault.

If I hadn't have called then he hadn't been rushing.

None of this would have happened.

If anyone's to blame, it's me.

I knew that starter was trouble.

How could you have known the emergency break

would snap right then?

It's nobody's fault.

We have managed to stop the bleeding

but the next 24 hours are critical.

We're doing everything we can, Joy. I promise.

Ok.

Then we'll do everything we can.

We're gonna stay right here and pray for a miracle.

Actually, someone's beat you to it.

What do you mean?

Well, hours ago I was in a convention center

debating whether to duck out and beat the snow

when something told me to take one last seminar.

New surgical techniques to repair traumatic liver rupture.

And if I hadn't, Eric would have died from an injury like this.

But, this new procedure, the one I stumbled into,

might very well have saved his life.

I believe this is what you call a Godwink.

Well, it's about time.

Can I see him?

As soon as they move him to a room.

In the meantime, I think Katie's prayer idea is a good one.

He's gonna need a lot of it.

You hang in there.

Ok.

So you can find your way back to me.

Any change?

Um, his sats have improved and his heart rate's stabilized.

Maybe that's just wishful thinking on my part.

No, you're right.

His vitals are definitely getting stronger.

That's good.

I'll be right outside, you let me know if anything changes.

Oh, Eric!

It's ok, it's ok.

Did the nurse give any kind of update?

Well, he's, he's stabilized, uh,

but he's not out of the woods yet.

I'm Joy.

We're his mom and dad.

Eric and I were fellows together.

We're so grateful you stayed till we could come.

Ok.

I mean, I can stay.

No, we appreciate it but it's family he needs more than anything.

Thanks again.

Oh, sweetie.

Oh, my sweet boy.

You can do it, son.

Jo Ann: Honey, we're here.

Eric needs to heal.

And he needs his family around him to do that, so.

So, if you weren't winking at me,

if I was just seeing what I wanted to see,

then I'll walk away.

I'll leave Eric in his parents hands.

As long as you promise me

that he will be healthy and he will be safe.

Because I love him.

And I need him to be ok.

The next 24 to 48 hours are critical.

First, we'll be monitoring for any post-operative complications,

like an unexpected infection that could cause...

Goodbye, Eric.

Stay strong, ok?

We'll check on his vital signs frequently throughout the night.

We expect some bleeding, but we want to monitor...

His heart rate's crashing.

What, why?

I was just in here a few minutes ago with his girlfriend

and he was stable.

She said that she was a fellow.

We didn't give her a chance to say more.

Go down the hall, get Katie.

Tell her to find Joy and bring her here.

Yes, Doctor.

You can do this Eric, come on.

Joy? Joy!

What are you doing?

I never should have come back here.

No, you being here tonight might be the miracle

we've all been praying for.

What are you talking about?

If it wasn't for me, Eric wouldn't be here.

That's not true.

But he might not survive the night

if you stay down here any longer.

What do you mean?

As long as you were by his side, Eric was stable.

But, the moment you left he started going downhill.

Go. He needs you, Joy.

Go now.

Oh please, God.

Bring up Eric's blood work.

Joy!

Please, please!

Hey, hey.

Hey, hey, I'm here. I'm here, I'm here.

I'm right here.

I promise you I'm not gonna go anywhere, ok?

You just come back to us.

Please.

Dr. Graber: Come on. Come on, Eric.

Here we go, here we go.

All right, they're coming up.

They're coming up.

All right, we're gonna, we're gonna keep our eye on this

but we need to clear out of here and let him get some rest.

Alright.

Except for you. He needs you, Joy.

Thank you, thank you.

Eric?

Eric, can you hear me?

Joy?

Yeah, I'm here.

I'm right here.

Hi.

Eric's awake!

- Hi. - Hi.

Hi.

You're ok. You're ok.

Oh, honey.

Is he gonna be ok?

Yes.

Welcome back, young man.

How about we stay out

from underneath snowplows for a while?

You found your way back to me.

I missed you.

Joy.

And easy down.

Thank you.

Ok, well that might have been slightly more painful

than being run over by the truck.

Well, you get used to it.

Gotta get you up in this chair three times a day.

Is that what it's gonna be like with a nurse practitioner?

Because I might want to reconsider.

Oh, well, that's too bad, you don't have a choice.

Hey.

Hey, Glenn.

Am I interrupting?

No, not at all. Come on in.

How're you feeling, Fellman?

Never better.

Well, I won't stay long but I've got some news.

Remember that publisher friend in New York?

It turns out he liked your clippings a lot

and he wants to offer you a job.

Are you kidding?

That's amazing!

It will be a monthly column, mostly human interest stuff.

All that touchy feeling stuff you do.

That's fantastic, but I'm in no shape to move to New York.

No, that's the last place he wants you.

He likes the stories you're finding here.

So, welcome to Oshkosh.

Wow.

Thank you.

You earned it.

I'm proud of you, Eric.

Congratulations.

Wait, wait, wait.

Did you just call me by my first name?

Is it on the record?

Absolutely.

Then no.

Merry Christmas, you two.

Merry Christmas.

Compliment from Glenn.

Now that's a Christmas miracle.

Can't believe it's already Christmas morning.

I know.

And I've got one more Christmas surprise for you.

Is that right?

I thought you hated surprises.

Well, I used to.

Surprise!

- Merry Christmas! - Merry Christmas!

Oh, honey, you look so good.

Merry Christmas.

Eric, this is my dad. This is Jim.

Good to meet you, Eric.

Gotta get up.

Oh. Ok.

I really wanted to meet you.

I didn't think it was gonna be like this, but...

Well, I couldn't miss Christmas morning with my daughter

and I've heard so much about this incredible group and you.

I couldn't stay away.

- Nice to meet you. - Nice to meet you.

Would you two do us the honor?

Do you want to?

- Absolutely. Yes. - Ok.

Hey, it's your song.

Merry Christmas, Joy.

Merry Christmas, Eric.

In real life,

Joy and Eric Fellman have passed down

their miraculous love story to the families of their three boys

and have become advocates of Godwinks happening to everyone.

The real Doctor Louis and Katie Graber were Godwinkers at heart.

For the rest of their lives.