Todays Helping of Chicken Soup for the Soul

[Guest guest]

Mr. and the Angel Pin

By Apple

Mr. wanted to die. He missed his wife who had passed away

five

months earlier. They had been married sixty-three years and were blessed

with

five children - children who were busy with their own lives. In his

loneliness,

he lost the will to live. He shut himself off from the world, quit eating,

closed his eyes and waited to die.

Several weeks later, he was admitted to the hospital. " Malnourished, "

the

diagnosis reported. During the shift change, the evening nurse hastily

explained the case to the morning nurse, Freddie.

" He hasn't eaten in the two days he's been here, " she said softly.

" Hasn't

said a word either. He just looks away and stares off at who knows what.

The

doc is going to put a feeding tube in his stomach if he doesn't start

eating.

Good luck, Freddie. " With that, the evening nurse hurried out.

Freddie looked at the frail form in the bed. The room was dark except

for

the soft morning light peeping through the semi-drawn curtains. The white

sheets accentuated the outline of his body, which appeared to be nothing

more

than a skeleton draped with skin. The patient turned his head away and

stared

at the wall, his eyes void of hope, void of life itself.

Freddie could always find a way into the patient's heart. Somehow,

she

would find the key to unlock his. Gently picking up his delicate hand, she

held

it in hers. " Mr. ? How about some lotion on your hands, wouldn't

that

feel good? "

No response. She walked around to the other side of the bed, leaned

over

and whispered, " Mr. ? "

His eyes widened as he fixed his gaze on the pin she wore - a gold and

silver angel given to her for Christmas. Impulsively he reached out to

touch

it, but drew his hand back. His eyes began to mist and he spoke his first

words

since being there. " If I had my pants with me, I would give you all the

money I

have just to touch that pin. "

Freddie quickly contrived a plan. " I'll make a deal with you, Mr.

.

I'll give you this pin if you will eat something off every tray we bring

you. "

" No, Ma'am, I couldn't take it. I just want to touch it. That's the

prettiest pin I've ever seen. "

" I'll tell you what I'll do, I'll pin it to a pillow and put it next

to

you. You can keep it until my shift ends, but only if you will eat

something

off every tray I bring you. "

" Yes, Ma'am, I'll do what you say. "

When Freddie came to check his lunch tray, she found him thoughtfully

stroking the pin. He turned to her and said, " I kept my promise, look. "

He had

eaten a few bites off his tray. They were making progress.

When her shift ended, Freddie dropped in on Mr. and said, " I'm

off

for the next two days, but I'll come by here first thing when I get back. "

His eyebrows drew together in a small frown, and he lowered his head.

Freddie quickly added, " I want you to keep this pin and your promise

while

I'm gone. "

He brightened a little, but forlornness still hung heavily in the

room.

" Mr. , think about all you have to be grateful for - your

children

and grandchildren, to start with, " she encouraged. " Those grandbabies need

their grandfather. Why, who else will tell them about their wonderful

grandmother? " She patted his hand and hoped for a miracle.

When Freddie returned, " amazing, " was the evening nurse's appraisal.

Freddie smiled and went to check Mr. 's vitals.

" There's my angel nurse, " he happily exclaimed.

" It sure is, and I've missed you, " she replied, noticing the lovely

woman

who stood next to his bed.

" This is my daughter. She is taking me to live with her, " he said.

" I'm

gonna tell those grandkids of mine story after story. " He looked at

Freddie and

smiled. " I'm gonna tell them about the angel who took care of their

grandpa,

too. "

Now, Mr. wanted to live. And live he did, thanks to an angel

made

of silver and gold, and one made of kindness and mercy.