>From her birth her grandfather doted upon Marie.
After all, she was his only child’s only child.
Being raised the daughter of a single mother can be
lonely, making time spent with Granddad extra worthwhile

So Marie had a special, close relationship with Granddad.
>From playing in the park as a toddler through becoming
fishing partners for years, they always made each other glad.
In all that she ever did, he was there, loving and supporting.

“Just do your best, Marie. Always try to do your best,” he
constantly said. Marie cherished their bond – unbreakable
until she turned into a teen. A teen, as all know, cannot be
seen hanging ‘round with parents of any sort – unthinkable.

Thus they began to see less and less of each other, until
a visit became a special occasion for old Granddad. Granddad
graciously accepted his fate, loving and supporting her still –
just at proper distance so that her independence she had.

In Marie’s senior year of high school, Granddad’s old heart
gave out. He died. Marie cried over never seeing him again.
Life continues for the living after their loved ones depart…
Soon Marie was back to living life, a bit more reckless than

she should. Her mother received that late night telephone call
every parent fears. She hears, “…a wreck. Come to the hospital.
She’s alive…badly hurt.” Her mother broke down, began to bawl.
Suddenly the world seemed too big, her control now too little.

Upon her arrival, the news was good. “Your daughter is now out
of danger, stabilized…serious condition, lost a lot of blood, but
was lucky.” Waiting for surgery’s end, her mind filled with doubt
and worry, a man introduced himself. “An artery in her leg was cut.

When my ambulance arrived at the scene, I found an old man there
tending to her, holding pressure on her wound. He was controlling
the bleeding. He saved her life. The road was deserted. I asked where
had he come from. His only answer was to smile. He began extolling

me to tell Judy ‘I did my best, Judy. I did my best.’ Then, when I
invited him to ride with us, ‘That’s not allowed’ he said, looking so sad.
Now that I see the patient’s name is Marie, I just don’t understand why
the message.” The mother, “My name is Judy.” Weeping, “Thanks, Dad.”