Date: Wed, 25 Sep 2002 12:54:42 GMT
From: patcross@kskc.net
Subject: Pat and John 7

   It had been four months since his accident, and quite frankly, John was
tired of being cooped up in the hospital. Oh, sure, his therapy had been doing
wonders, but not being outside in four months? That's a death sentence to a 15
year kid!

    On Monday morning, when Dr. Johnstone popped in to check in on him, John
asked him if he could have an afternoon outside with his family, for once. Dr.
Mike smiled as he said, "John, I think you've earned it. How does this Saturday
sound?" John just grinned, as he gave his doctor a big hug. Now, John began to
set it up, with Dr. Mike's help.

    John had a surprise for his family. In addition to the massages that Pat
applied daily, John had worked doubly hard to get his leg's muscular strength
back, and he had achieved the almost-impossible. He could walk again! Not
perfectly, but he was moving, and that's what counted. He couldn't wait to see
their faces on Saturday.

    When Saturday morning came, John was soooo nervous. "How do I explain it,
Dr. Mike? I don't know all the terminology", John said. "You don't worry about
that. When they get over being shocked, I'll answer their questions under one
condition.....you have to feed me!" They both laughed as they went out the door
together.

    The Stephens and Pat waited for John at the Hospital park, where they sat
at a table, talking. Suddenly, Pat jumped up, saying, "Who is that with Dr.
Mike?" Pat paused for a minute, took a second look and said, " Oh my God, it's
John, and he's WALKING!" With that announcement, Pat was off like a shot,
stopping the second he reached John's side. Mr. and Mrs. Stephens invited Dr.
Mike to join them in their picnic celebration of John's partial recovery.

    Of course, everyone wanted to know how soon John could come home, but Dr.
Mike had to be honest. "John still needs therapy, and lots of it, but I think
you should see him home in two weeks to a month, if all goes well." With that
news, the mood lightened considerably, and the picnic went on, as fun as before.

    After a few hours more, John began to tire, so it was decided to end their
fun day. While the adults talked, Pat slowly walked John back to his room.
After removing his clothes, and tucking him in his bed, he promised John he'd
see him the next day. They kissed passionately, and as John went to sleep, he
said "I love you" as Pat left. Hearing what John said, Pat thought "I love you
more", as he realized how much John meant to him.