Date: Thu, 26 Sep 2002 21:42:03 GMT
From: patcross@kskc.net
Subject: Pat and John-8

    As they returned to their car, Pat began to cry. Mrs. Stephens, being the
loving mother that she was, went to his side to comfort him. "I never thought
I'd see him walk again," Pat sobbed. To tell the truth, neither did his
parents, but they had seen their son begin to recover by starting with small
steps.

    Before they got home, they stopped at a church to pray for John's continued
and speedy recovery. When they left, they were all crying. After this happy day
day, though, they found themselves physically drained, so for comfort, they
shared the same bed, with both parents protectively snuggling over Pat, to
reassure him.

    Pat slept in the next morning, waking up at 12 noon. "Good afternoon,
sleepyhead!", said his mother, as she kissed him and served him breakfast. "Hi,
Mom", Pat replied. As Pat ate his breakfast, they discussed his plans for the
day. "Honey, Dr. Mike called and wants you to help with John's physical
therapy. Do you think you can help John learn how to walk again without help?"
Pat looked his mother in the eye, and said, "Give me an hour each day plus the
massages, and I'll do my best. Everything else depends on John."

    With that, Pat left for the hospital, stopping at Dr. Mike's office
first. "Hi, Dr. Mike! How are you today?", said Pat. A very happy Dr. Mike got
up from his desk and said "A lot better now that you're here. I didn't get to
say so yesterday, but a lot of the credit in John's recovery should go to you
for being there."

    Pat looked puzzled, so Dr. Mike explained. "Pat, many of the patients I see
get one, maybe two, family visits while they're here. John has had you visit
each day for FOUR MONTHS! He can't wait for you to show up every day, it seems.
They're like a life saving drug to him. And then, the picnic yesterday! I'd
never seen him look more alive than he was. He really had fun. That's what I
want I to tell you; I want you to take John for walks outside every day,
weather permitting, in addition to his massages."

    "But, Dr. Mike, what if he falls down and hurts himself? Other than
Advanced First Aid, what can I do? I'd really feel horrible if he injured
himself again."

    Dr. Mike put a reassuring arm on Pat's shoulder, and looked deep into Pat's
eyes, saying "Pat, if you really love John and want to help him recover fully,
you're going to have to push these fears from your mind. TOTALLY!! Because if
you don't, John will pick up on them, and his fears will return. I know you're
concerned, and a bit scared, but don't you think John is? Now, enough with this
serious stuff! Get upstairs and see John! But, don't forget the walker,
okay?" "Okay, Dr. Mike. THANKS!" Pat left his friend's office to see John.

    When he got to John's room, Pat found John lifting weights. "Hello, my
Love," John said, taking Pat into his arms and kissing him with a hungry
passion that only true love can bring. "I love it when you call me that,"
replied Pat, returning John's kisses. When they stopped kissing and came up for
air, Pat said, "Guess what? We're going for a walk today!" Although John didn't
say anything, the look in his eye showed his approval of the idea.

    Once John was dressed, they slowly made their way to the elevator, and went
to the first floor. Pat told John that these walks would be everyday, if the
weather was good, and John agreed. Soon, they were talking and laughing like
two highschool kids and brothers, just enjoying each other's company. After
they had supper in John's room, they hugged and kissed each other goodbye for
the night, and with tears on both their faces, they parted until the next
day.