Back to Normal — Ted Louis

Continuing the story where Joel and Family ended: several months have passed since the family returned from Houston after Joel's stay in the hospital. His recovery from the worst effects of the leukemia is progressing well. Crane Johnson's foundation to assist in the adoption process of children in foster care is running smoothly, but has more applicants than it can help. Several of his social contacts lead to expansion of the foundation allowing them to expand the number of adoptions they can facilitate. Crane's other business interests force him to relinquish day-to-day control of the charity. Many children who cross the family's paths are helped by their generosity and friendship. One of them is Ricky, a three year-old whose left leg is missing below the knee. He quickly becomes the family favorite. Disaster strikes when one of the boys is abducted on the way home from school. Crane brings all of his abundant resources to bear in the effort to find his son.