Young Merit

by Beatrice Reeves
(Lloydminster )

She stood there at the age of ten, staring at this feeble old man. He was leaning on a cane,looking for something. He was very old,and needed her help. "I can help you to sit," she offered, and he did. Sinking into a chair gratefully, he closed his eyes. Tina stood there, unsure of what to do or say.. Suddenly he opened his eyes and said, "Do you know of a place where I can stay in town? I am very sick and need to see a doctor, I am from out of town." She replied, "My parents have a room for you, I will take you home." The old man smiled, "God will bless you child." That same year Tina fell in front of a car at the same time the old man passed away, he had moved in with her parents so he could get medical treatment, and he became part of the family.. Tina called him "Grandpa Jones". She lost her sight in the accident, and She was put on a waiting list for a donor. It was a long wait for Tina and then one day she received news that an old man had donated his body to science. It took a long time for her to gain her sight back. When she did she was looking into Grandpa Jones eyes, for she had received his corneas and now could see. "Thank you, Grandpa Jones," she whispered as tears fell from her eyes. He had given her the greatest gift of all, her sight. She now respected the older generation and beyond...