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Tess hires Kathy Benson, a mother of three whose husband is in prison,
to wrap gifts for the Christmas rush.
Meanwhile, Andrew is conducting an anger management course at
the prison where Kathy's husband is serving a five year sentence for
manslaughter. Andrew asks
the prisoners to submit their applications for Project Angel Tree, a
nationwide program which enables them to submit their children's names
to receive Christmas gifts from good Samaritans.
While Kathy's at work, Monica baby-sits the Benson children
(Travis, Cassie and Cody) and discovers that Cody has Tourette's
Syndrome, a chemical brain disorder which causes him to involuntarily
twitch, emitting hiccup like sounds.
In a newscast, we see footage of the attack on the 17-year-old
boy (Matt McHale) one year ago which landed Joe in prison for
manslaughter. When Kathy
gets home, Monica discusses the effect of the attack on Cody's
relationship with his father, who have not spoken since last
Christmas. Kathy brings
Travis and Cassie to visit their father while Cody remains home with
Monica. Joe decides to
participate in Project Angel Tree, but fails to submit a gift request
for Cody. Two weeks later,
Kathy is at work when Sally McHale shows up and lashes out at her for
her son's death. Cody
witnesses the interchange, triggering an episode, and comes to his
mother's defense, saying he's to blame.
Tess pulls Mrs. McHale aside and gets her to see how her anger
isn't helping matters and that forgiveness could go a long way toward
beginning the healing process for both families.
Meanwhile, Monica talks with Cody about why he feels
responsible for Matt's death.
In flashback, we return to the night when Joe took his son to
the drug store to replace a broken Christmas ornament.
A fairly innocent exchange between Matt and Cody turns ugly as
Cody's Tourette's flares up and Matt calls him a retard, shoving him
to the ground. Joe snaps
and punches Matt, whose head cracks against the counter, killing him.
Joe lashes out at Cody, etching the blame in his memory.
At the prison, Andrew gets Joe to take a hard look at how his
relationship with his father affected his relationship with Cody and
to take responsibility for his actions.
Joe eventually realizes the harm of his actions, as well as his
words, and wonders if it's too late to salvage his relationship with
Cody. Back at the Benson's
house, Sally McHale makes a surprise visit with Angel Tree gifts,
having chosen Travis and Cassie's names from the tree, and takes that
first step toward healing.
Cody is about to leave the room when Tess stops him to show him that
his father didn't forget him.
Cody reads a letter in which his father apologizes for what he
said to him the night of the attack.
Joe accepts full responsibility and tells his son how he's
learning how to control his anger and asks for his forgiveness.
Monica and Kathy escort Cody to the prison to be reunited with
his father.
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