Streets of Hope

Jack couldn't stand it. She was so tiny, so fragile. The color had completely drained from her face and her hair hung limp around her face. He took her fragile hand in his and rested his forehead on his knuckles. A teardrop fell from his eye and landed on her cheek.

"Please God, she's all we have," he whispered, desperate. His Madeline had a great singing voice, he often called her his morning lark.

The last treatment had almost worked. The doctors had even risked a smile as they sent her home, giving them hope that it might be for good. But three months later her remission had ended and another long two weeks found him her at two am, praying that his little angel would live.

"I'm sorry, sir," the nurse said from the doorway, "Visiting hours are over." Jack stood, still holding Madeline's hand and leaned over to kiss her. He looked to heaven.

"If you take her with you today, will you make sure she looks both ways, and will you hold her hand when she crosses the streets of heaven?"

~~~~

The next morning dawned bright and sunny. Jack strode into Madeline's room and was taken aback to see her sitting up and laughing as she and another cancer patient watched cartoons together.

"You look like you're feeling better," he commented.

"I am," she replied, "Daddy, If I live, can I still sing professionally?"

"Maddie, when you grow up I hope you never give up anything you want. Never fear the hard times, never settle for the path of least resistance. Living means taking chances, but they're worth taking. Loving might be a mistake, but it is a mistake worth making. If you get the choice to sit it out or dance, Maddie, I hope you dance."

"What if I'm not good enough?"

"You are. Madeline Rose, you can do whatever you want, but you have to want to live. You keep fighting for your life and I'll help you fight for your dreams, deal?"

"Deal."