My father sold everything we owned, took all the money and disappeared from our lives. My mother suddenly found herself 21 to care for five boys. I worried about the situation, but my mother stayed 22 , and assured us that she would keep us together as a 23 and safe from harm. Although small in size, she could 24 heavy horse-drawn plows. Besides, she 25 found time to help us with homework.
As Christmas approached, my mother didn’t seem to smile as much. I 26 she had no money to buy us presents. Considering myself practically grown, I hid my 27 .
One day, my mother took a saw(锯)into the forest and 28 with some tree branches. She left them in the barn(畜棚)and didn’t tell her 29 children what they were for. She worked on her project 30 I was in school, but I looked 31 into the barn when I had a chance. Several days later, I still couldn’t 32 her purpose. When later I saw she used nails and paint, I 33 that she must be making presents.
By Christmas week, my mother was her 34 happy self again. Her project was apparently 35 , and she obviously kept it secret because I’d looked everywhere without 36 .
On Christmas Eve, I lay awake for a long time, 37 Christmas morning.
The next morning, my mother handed out the handmade presents happily in front of her delighted kids.Many difficult years would follow that particular Christmas, but I never again doubted my mother’s 38 to care for us. We were never hungry, and she made sure we got a(n) 39 in school. She taught us to have faith in our own abilities. That faith 40 me still.
21． A.responsible B.unable C.alone D.hopeful
22． A.positive B.active C.devoted D.depressed
23． A.family B.record C.promise D.team
24． A.repair B.control C.maintain D.handle
25． A.ever B.even C.just D.yet
26． A.witnessed B.realized C.remembered D.complained
27． A.excitement B.embarrassment C.puzzlement D.disappointment
28． A.escaped B.injured C.returned D.departed
29． A.curious B.naughty C.nervous D.lovely
30． A.because B.before C.while D.after
31． A.occasionally B.anxiously C.casually D.secretly
32． A.point out B.figure out C.bring out D.pick out
33． A.suggested B.admitted C.swore D.concluded
34． A.typical B.unique C.normal D.regular
35． A.complete B.awkward C.creative D.challengeable
36． A.delay B.hesitation C.difficulty D.success
37． A.scheduling B.expecting C.supposing D.avoiding
38． A.ability B.belief C.decision D.determination
39． A.praise B.recognition C.welcome D.education
40． A.guarantees B.surprises C.supports D.comforts