by Vincent Phoenix

Created on: October 28, 2009   Last Updated: October 29, 2009

A HERO'S GIFT

The stale hospital was dim, silhouetting two patients. Both were approaching the end of their earthly sojourn. One was gray haired, pale, smiling, as if life had given him something to feel levity about. The other was bald, wrinkled, with memories of pain. Sagging dark eyes bespoke mythic sorrow and fear.

Hello, Uncle John! A sharp looking husband in his glowing twenties greeted the invalid. It was ten days till Christmas and the young couple had been coming every week to visit their cheerful relative. This time they had flowers, delivered by their 4 year old daughter Jesse.

Hello Sugar! The gray haired recipient reached for the girl and scooped her in his arms, noticeably weakening him, but lighting his complexion with wonder at the ministering angel. He sat her next to him on the bed. Still holding the flowers, she kissed his cheek and presented them in an innocent gesture.

You're looking well Dear. The mother lied to the old man. She stroked his head, planting her own kiss on top.

Have you been eating that Christmas cheesecake the nurse said would do you in? The nephew jested.

I don't care what they try to feed me here; I'm still going to go down eating what I like. John said stubbornly. He squirmed as he slid his back further up the pillows, searching for a better position.

We came to see you Uncle John, Jesse had an innocent way of stating the obvious. You're our favorite.

The young father confirmed his daughters' approval, adding a warning, that the old geezer better stay alive long enough to provide plenty of visits.

You know me Tom, John waved it off, I've lived long enough to have a good time, that's all I really wanted.

A cough was heard from beyond the dividing curtain as the other aging patient struggled to breath.

Who's your roommate? Tom questioned.

Oh, that's The Sergeant Major, John replied. He's been wounded more times in more military campaigns than George Washington. He never has any visitors outside of the medical staff. Get him going however and he'll talk your ear off. It was obvious the stories had already been exchanged between the two men and they were each leaving the other alone to suffer peacefully.

The conversation drifted to other things. Tom had just begun work as a Lawyer and was describing the details of life at his new firm. During all the commotion no one noticed Jesse sneak under the curtain to catch a peek at the congested neighbor.

A teary-eyed Sgt recovered from his coughing fit to notice a small face at

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