**********************************************************************
Disclaimer: Catherine Marshall's beautiful story of Christy is owned by 
the  LeSourd Family.  We are in no way seeking profit or credit for her 
story. We are continuing the story of Christy for our own amusement 
only.  Any additions in story line and characters (such as Rose) were 
invented by the writers of the alt.tv.christy Round Robin and the 
Christy Mailing List.
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Title: MacNeil 101
Author: Julie

**********************************************************************

                ** **MacNeill  101** **


PART 1

     Even though I had gotten to bed very late the night before due to
being at the McHones caring for Isaak with a high fever, I made sure
that I got up extra early this morning.  Usually, with such a lack of
sleep, I found it hard to get up and get going.  But, this morning was
different.  As I stretched, I smiled thinking about the day ahead of
me.  I must be at my best, in all respects.  

     Gathering a towel and a bar of lye soap, I headed down to the
river.  The sun was just beginning to rise and the birds were starting
to sing.  I couldn't help but laugh because of the joy I felt in my
heart.  Plunging into the icy-cold water only helped in making me feel
even more totally awake and alive; it definately invigorated me!  I
whistled a couple of joyful tunes as I proceeded to bathe.  

     Reaching for my towel, I made my was back into the cabin.  The
fire in the fireplace was waning, so I stoked it and added a couple of
logs.  Although I had a head start on my day, I wanted to make sure
that I wouldn't be late, so I darted up the stairs to my room.

     Peering into the mirror, I groaned slightly at the sight before
me.  A wet mess of ringed up curls were springing every which way,
shadows had crept underneath my eyes, and a stubble of new growth was
upon my face.  What a sight to behold!  I quickly whipped up some
lather and began to shave.  "Owuch!!!!"  Darn, why did I have to cut
my chin today?!  "Smart, Neil...rhealy smart."  Quickly finishing, I
held a small piece of cloth to my chin, and dashed down the stairs.

     As I saw that the fire was in full blaze, I was suddenly aware of
my racing heart.  "Neil, youh've ghot to shlow dohwn.  What good 's
all this rushin' doing yah?"  I sighed heavily and slumped into my
favorite chair.  With my left hand still holding the compress, I
perched my right elbow on the arm of the chair and rested my head on
my cupped hand.  "Ghoodness, why are you ghettin' so upset?  Youh'd
think youh were going tuh purforhm an operation.  Nhow settdle dohwn,
and clear yhour mind."

     Inhaling the air which was thick with the smell of firewood, I
tried to calm myself with some good deep breaths and clear logic.  My
racing heart and mind seemed to regress to a better pace.  Hmmmm...,
why DID I have to let the happenings of this day get to me so?  I
reasoned with myself, "Youhr' ah grohwn mahn and ah goohd dochtor,
MacNeill.  So steady youhrself anhd act like yah should."

     Remaining in my chair for several minutes, I started my pipe, and
mused over these thoughts.  I then got a kettle of coffee ready and
placed it over the fire.  My appetite didn't seem to wake up when I
did, and butterflys that were forming in my stomach were ready to take
flight, so I decided to forego my usual hearty fare.

     Within the next half hour I finished dressing, groomed my tousled
hair, drank my coffee, and packed a couple of items in a small bag
that I could attach to my saddle.  Mounting Brownie, I marvelled at
how she could sense my excitement.  She whinnied softly as we clipped
along at a good pace on the well travelled path.

     Our ride this morning was very pleasant.  What with usually
making Brownie go extremely fast as we rushed to aid my patients, she
was really enjoying the even tempered ride.  The sun, more on the
rise, glinted throught the trees and accented their golden, red, an
auburn leaves.  A cool crispness tingled the air.  Autumn was well on
it's way.

     We travelled for awhile both relishing our ride until the
familiar grounds came into view.  Suddenly, I broke Brownie's slight
trot to a halting stop.  The churning I had felt inside me before, now
resurfaced.  "Nohw, Neil, remember what youh promised youh'd do. 
Chalm yhourself dohwn, mahn!"  I took a few deep breaths and then
Brownie and I proceeded.

**********************************************************************
                ** **MacNeill 101** **

PART 2

     Approaching the schoolhouse, I saw that the doors to it were
already opened.  Ah..., no doubt Christy wanted to get a head start to
her day as well.  Dismounting Brownie, I thethered her to a tree and
whispered into her ear, "Nohw wish me luck, Brohwnie..., ahnd keep
youhr hooves crossed!!".  Seemingly knowing what I said, she nodded
her head up and down and gave a short snort.  

     Hmmm...ahhh..., my deep inhalation and exhalation not only helped
keep my heart and mind from racing, but it told me that someone indeed
was in the schoolhouse.  The pot bellied stove's stomach was warm with
fresh burning logs.  I walked towards the schoolhouse and began to
ascend the stairs.  As I reached the top, I started to say, in a
hopefully strong, confident voice, "Whell, ghood morhning, Christy. 
It's a pleahsant surprise to see that youh're...."

     "Hello, MacNeill."  

     Arghh..., it was the Reverend crouched down by the pot bellied
stove.  With a slightly sarcastic tone in his voice, he continued,
"Surprised to see that it is I, instead of Christy?!  She'll be here
in a little bit.  Come on in.  Don't just stand there in the doorway."

     Trying to shake myself from the reality of this mishap, I cleared
my throat and continued to enter the school.  "Ah..., mornin' tuh yah.
.......  It's ah starhting to ghet nippy ohut there, isn't it,
Reverend?"

     "Why yes, it certainly is.  Which brings me to the topic of
Thanksgiving.  It's not that far away.  This Thursday it will be only
four weeks away.  As you know, we at the mission like to share and
celebrate it with the people of the cove.  We feel that this is a good
opportuitiy for us to put into action 1 Corinthians 13:3&4 in which
Paul said, "And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and
though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth
me nothing. Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not;
charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up."  Paul also went on to
say in verse 13, "And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three;
but the greatest of these is charity."  

     However, not as many families attended last year's festivities as
we would have liked.  I know that you were unable to attend because
you had to help out in Lofty Branch, but I wanted to ask that you join
us, and that you make a really strong effort to come this year."

     "Whell, yuh know I'm nhot much for celebrating holidays like
Thanksgiving, and especially Christmas, but Ih'll come for
Thanksgiving."  

     David motioned for me to sit on the chair behind Christy's desk. 
He folded his long, lean body into one of the desks in the front row. 
"That's unfortunate, Neill."  His voice was warm and a genuinely
concerned look graced his face.  "It's obvious, by your lack of church
attendence, that you are not a man who is fond of the Christian faith,
but, why, if you don't mind my asking, are you not crazy about
Thanksgiving?"

     Oh, boy.  Here I thought I would get to the schoolhouse extra
early to have some time to myself and then to talk with Christy for a
little while before the children arrived for school.  But, now I found
myself with, of all people, the Reverend, going into theological
questioning, more or less....  If only I had known.  Maybe I should
have slept longer.... 

**********************************************************************

                  ** **MacNeill 101** **

PART 3

     "MacNeill?"

     "Oh, yhes.  Whell..., I have somewhat of a sour taste in myh
mouth when I think of Thanksgiving."  Goodness, was I actually going
to share my guarded feelings with the Reverend?  I suppose so.  "When
I was a whee of a lad, mhy parents taught mhy brother and mhe abouht
the first Thanksgiving.  So, ihn keeping with tradition, whe whould
gather with our other family members and neighboors, and celebrated
Thanksgiving and our bountiful harvest.  But, when I whas ten years
old, our crops got ruined.  We had had unusually whet wheather in the
late spring and early summer of that year.  The seeds were already
sown and they became soh saturated that they literally drowned from
ahll the water ihn the soil.  I don't think those seeds everh would
have sprouted and grown, even if the sun shone on them constantly for
the next few months."

     "Realizing that weh would have noh food and noh income when
harvest time arrived, mhy father and mhy uncle went up to Knoxville
tuh find work.  My father found a ghood paying job, but my uncle
didn't have such luck.  He and mhy aunt had just had a baby daughter,
and he wanted to be around fhor them, so he moved back tuh the cove. 
That yhear was extremely hard for them, but mhy uncle made ends meet
by working odd jobs throughout local coves."

     "Mhy father visited us once during the summer, and sent us money
on a regular basis.  Although he missed mhy mother anhd us kids, he
enjoyed his nehw found freedom and the extra money that was lining his
pockets.  My fhather was to come home in the fall, fix up some things
around the homestead, take care of us by hunting ihn the winter, and
was going tuh plant a new crop ihn the spring."
  
     "Whell, November came, ahnd whe received a note from him
informing us that there was a lot of work tuh be done ahnd that he was
going to stay in Knoxville awhile longer.  That news struck mhy mother
in an ahwful way.  Although she had been having a rhough time dealing
without him for over six months, she knew, at least she thought she
knew, that her husband would be returning tuh her and her children."

     I looked at my pocket watch and was dissappointed to see that it
was only half past six.  Christy was nowhere in sight, and school
didn't start until eight o'clock.  I guess I was going to have to
continue conjuring up my painful memories for the Reverend.

     "Mhy mother moped around our home fhor quite some time as the
money whe received from mhy father came less frequently.  And, when
the money did come, the amounts were smaller.  The lack of attention
from mhy father obviously puzzled mhy mother, so she began the arduous
task of setting off tuh visit him ihn Knoxville.  She saddled up our
old bay and left Willie and me ihn the care of our aunt and uncle."

     "That Thanksgiving whas terrible for us.  Our mother and father
wheren't with us, ahnd our aunt and uncle were barely able to make
sure we were fed once a day, lhet alone to have our traditional
celebratory feast of sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, corn, apple
sauce, and pumpkin and apple pies.  Mhy uncle whas able to provide us
with a turkey.  But, that was about it.  All of the other families ihn
our cove had packed up their few possesions and moved elsewhere."

     "Mhy mother returned the mhiddle of December looking very
haggared.  She informed us that our fhather would not be returning
home, and that Ih would have to take over as the head of our home.  Ih
found out later that mhy father had turned to the bottle.  Our people
are known to love liquor, but mhy fhather had never indulged ihn it. 
It wasn't until he found himself ihn a big city, isolated from his
family, and with extra money to spend, that he turned to liquor."

     David's mouth frowned as he quietly shook his head back and
forth.  I contiuned.

     "Our usual Christmas celebrations were halted even though my
mother was the one who was usually so enthusiastic about iht.  She was
raised ihn a strict Catholic home, and, to her, celebrating Christmas
was a big thing.  Whe would always have a tree ihn which we decorated
it with strings of popped corn and berries. Christmas Eve whe would
sit around the tree as my mother would read the Christmas Story from
her heirloom Bible.  After she read, whe would light tiny candles,
hold them, and sing various Christmas hymns.  My fhather would always
either go outside and make like he was busy, or, if it was too cold,
sit ihn the corner of our cabin pretending he was really tired.  He
thought that somehow everything just came together and that mhan
eventually evolved.  He felt that it whas important to be emotionally
strong and tuh work hard."

     "Not only did we not have adequate food, but mhy mother was
becoming very ill.  She whould barely eat, and yet she whould keep
working until she whould collapse."  I paused, as I tried to keep my
voice from breaking.  "Ih pleaded with her to eat and rest.  Ih whould
help her as much as I could.  Although I woke up earlier and earlier
each morning, mhy mother whas already up and working.  It was as if
she whas ihn ah daze.  She was driven to keep us and our homestead ahs
neat ahs a pin.  It was after she returned from Knoxville that she was
nuh longer herself.  As much as I tried to coax her to take care of
herself, iht was of no use."

     I realized that I was stating the same facts over and over again,
and that my voice was breaking.  Gosh, darn it, why wasn't Christy
coming?  Why did I have to spill out all my painful recollections to
the Preacher? 
(deep sigh)  Through tear filled eyes, I glanced at my pocket watch to
see, once again, that the minutes were only slowly ticking away. 
Blinking fiercely to prevent my tears from flowing, I continued to
plod through my story.

**********************************************************************
                ** **MacNeill 101** **

Part 4

     "Before the new year arrived, mhy mother whas confined to her
bed.  Snow had been falling for several days, so it was next to
impossible to search for help. Besides, from whom whould whe seek
help?  Our nearest neighboors were several miles away, ahnd a doctor
was even further. Mhy uncle and Ih would alternately stay up with mhy
mother in the long, cold, evenings as mhy aunt, brother, and cousin
slept.  With not having much food, whe all ate even less so that my
mother could have more.  Whe were hoping and praying that she would
regain her strength."

     "Our prayers didn't do ahny good.  Ih felt so completely
helpless.  Here Ih was to look after mhy mother and brother, but Ih
was watching her slowly whittle away."  I looked away as I tried to
pull back the tears that were imminently about to flow.

     "It's okay, Neil.  If you don't want to continue, I understand...."

     "No."  Hmm, hmm.  "No.  Ih'll continue."  How silly I felt.  I
always tried to portray myself as a manly mad, but now I was breaking
down.

     "On a warmer, January day, just as the sun whas peeking out
through ah layer of clouds, mhy mother spoke of seeing a bright light
and a hand reaching down towards her.  Little did I know that she was
saying that with her last breath.  Before Ih knew it, she was gone,
and the clouds closed up making the sky even more gray."

     Shaking my head slightly, I sniffled as I felt a couple of tears
trickle down my face.  "Ih was so mad. Ih was mad at God, that He
allowed the break up of my father's and mother's marriage, ahnd that
He allowed mhy mother tuh slowly die ihn the presence of her young
children.  Ih was mad at myself because after all mhy attempts to help
her, they all proved inadequate. That afternoon, as Ih pulled the
blanket over mhy mother's lifeless face, Ih vowed that Ih would do my
best to never lhet anyone go through what whe had.  Ih promised
mhyself that Ih would seek higher education -- to become learned ihn
the field of medicine."

     "Wow..., Neil, I had no idea that you've experienced so much pain
in your life.  I'm truly sorry."  The words staggered out of the
Reverend's mouth while a dumbfounded look was imprinted on his face.

     "Well..., that's nhot all."  I softly but solemly proclaimed.  I
was on a roll.  "The next winter, while mhy uncle and Ih were away for
a few days trying tuh bring home some game, mhy aunt's and uncle's
cabin almost completey burned down.  The weather had been extremely
harsh.  While mhy aunt and Willie were sleeping, Macy, being about ah
year ahnd ah half old, deciced tuh make a bigger fire ihn the fire
place.  Needless tuh say, before either mhy brother or aunt could wake
up and do anything, the cabin was severely damaged.  Luckily Willie
was getting older, and he was able tuh get mhy aunt and Macy safely
out of the cabin. 
He was also able to get the fire pretty well extinguished so that iht
did nhot spread too much."

     "Mhy uncle and Ih returned tuh find them huddled ihn mhy parent's
old delapidated cabin.  Even though some families had moved back tuh
the cove, mhy uncle decided that whe should move.  He felt that whe
had had enough hard times, ahnd that whe were bound to establish ah
better life for ourselves elsewhere."

     "So, whe made due the rest of the winter by staying ihn the old
cabin until the bad weather broke. Ihn the spring, whe packed up our
few belongings, said 'Goodbye' tuh our neighboors, and headed south,
towards Georgia.  Even though iht was here, ihn this cove, that mhy
father left us, and Ih lost mhy mother, Ih can distinctively remember
looking back ahnd feeling deeply sorrowful that whe were leaving."

     "Iht is because of that sorrow, ahnd this cove being the death
place of mhy helpless mother, that Ih returned once Ih became ah
doctor.  Knowing that these poor people still did not have anyone in
which tuh turn for sane, updated, medical care, Ih gladly came back. 
Ih know that iht was the right decision.  Iht's as if the passing of
mhy mother was not so much ihn vain.  Ih think, ihn a way, that it was
meant for her to die here, and for me to consequently feel the
determination Ih did tuh help others."

**********************************************************************
                 ** **MacNeill 101** **

Part 5

     Again, shaking his head from side to side, the Reverend
flabbergastedly said, "Although I know you don't really believe in
God, I do think He allowed you to experience those events in your life
so that you would become the fine doctor you are today.  I am so very
sorry to learn the reasons that spurred you to become one.  But, I am
grateful to...,"  he paused as a sheepish look rose upon his face,
"...I am grateful to God that He gave me this time with you this
morning.  I must admit that I now see you in a new way."  He looked
away as he continued.  "I've always looked at you with tainted eyes. 
I saw you how I wanted to see you.  Now I'm beginning to see you as a
man who is just as human as I -- a man for whom Christ also died, a
man who's wounds are much deeper then mine."

     I was speechless.  I didn't know what to say.  David didn't seem
to, either.  Although neither of us spoke for a couple of minutes, I
sensed that he, like I, was not uncomfortable about the lull.

     Eventually, I broke the silence.  "You know, Reverend, Ih'm glad
that yohu're starting to see mhe, as you put iht, 'ihn ah new way',
but Ih still must not agree with you about all this God stuff.  Ih DO
believe that there is ah God, but Ih do not see Him as being loving. 
Ih think that He has His place, but whe ultimately must look tuh our
circumstances, and to ourselves, for guidance."

     I kept on.  "God is just an old, stern ruler.  After all Ih've
gone through ihn mhy life, He couldn't possibly be loving.  If He
were, surely He would have at least blessed mhe with allowing Margaret
ahnd our unborn child tuh live."

     "I know that the matters that have happened to you have been
quite awful, but God DOES indeed love you.  He loves us all.  It's
just that He has allowed you to experience harder circumstances
because He knows that you are of strong character.  He loves you very
much.  As a matter of fact, John 3:16 states, 'For God so loved the
world (that includes you, Neil), that He gave His only begotten Son,
that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have
everlasting life.'"

     "Excuse me, gentlemen?"

     The Reverend and I instantly bolted out of our seats and looked
towards the stairs leading up to the schoolhouse.  It was Christy. 
"It sounds like the two of you have been having quite a deep
discussion!"

     Before we could respond, she quickly said, "That's fine.  I'll
let you finish your conversation since school doesn't start for over a
half hour.  It's such a beautiful, crisp day, that I'll take a little
walk."  And with that, Christy layed her belongings on a nearby desk
and bounded down the stairs.

     We both chuckled.  "She sure is lively, isn't she?"  David
exclaimed with a wide grin.

     "Yes, ahnd sweet, too." I added.

     David's face froze slightly as both our eyes met and locked for a
few moments.  We then looked away.  "So, do you whant ah short
run-down as tuh what happened after whe all left the cove?"

     "Yes, I'd like that.  Please go on."   

**********************************************************************

                          ** **MacNeal 101** **

Part 6

     "Whell, whe ended up settling in Atlanta where   Mhy uncle became
employed at a mill.  He and mhy aunt were only able to rent a small
house at first.  So, Ih helped them out be getting a job at a
blacksmith's shop.  After awhile, whe were able to scrape up enought
money to put a dohwnpayment on a house.  

     My aunt and Macy still live there.  Unfortunately, my uncle
passed away five years ago.  Willie is married, has two little boys,
ahnd lives in Columbus.  He is a professor of English at Ohio State.

     "My, your family is quite scattered."  David hesitated and then
cautiously questioned, "Did you ever see you father again?"

     "Yhes, as a matter of fact, Ih did."  Margaret ahnd Ih looked him
up on our way from New Haven, Connecticut to Cutter Gap.  He was
living ihn a tiny apartment on the south side of Knoxville.  His
skeletal appearance, lack of memory, anhd deep regret did not make for
the nicest of visits.  He insisited that he was fine even though he
was obviously inebriated.  Iht was only a couple of months later that
ah kind neighboor of his wrote to me about his passing."

     "What a real shame that is.  Hmm....  I feel that I know you a
lot better, MacNeill.  Thank you for sharing with me.  I imagine that
it must have been a painful to do."

     "Yes, whell," I swallowed hardly, "that's what Ih've been dealt. 
Luckinly mhy life hasn't had too many traumatic experiences the last
couple of years."

     "That's good to hear!"  The Reverend stretched out his cramped
legs.  "Would you like to join us at the Mission tonight for dinner?"

     "Thank you, but no.  Ih'm afraid Ih'll have to decline for
tonight.  After mhy time with the children, Ih'm going to head back
home to continue my research on Trachoma.  Iht's very rare that Ih
have one complete day without having to see patients.  Ih'd like to
take advantage of this opportunity.  Besides, ith'll have been a long
day, ahnd tomorrow Ih have to check on some patients who live on the
back side of Coldsprings Mountain."

     "Well, maybe you'll be able to join us sometime withing the next
week or two.  Please feel free to come whenever you can.  Surely Ruby
Mae can provide for an unexpected guest."  David smiled slyly, "Are
you sure you're not just afraid of sampling some of Ruby Mae's famous
Opossum  Pie?"

     "Ah, ha, so the 'possums still aren't safe?!"

     The Reverend smilingly shook his head.

     "Ih think it was about time you took that ghirl on ah little
hunting trip.  Broaden her horizens; show her that there are other
critters who provide as great culinary delights!"

     Laughing, David stood up, extended his hand, and said, "Maybe
you're right.  I'll let you know when we've taken that little trek! 
Until then, keep our Thanksgiving Celebration in mind.  And, if you
ever want to attend church or continue our discussion about God, you
know where to find me."

     "Yes, Reverend, thank you."

     "Please, call me David."

     I nodded my head in agreement.  Glancing at my pocket watch I
said, "Whell, whe best find Christy.  School will be starting shortly."

     David patted my shoulder.  "I'll find her for you.  Why don't you
stay here and collect your thoughts?  Have a good day with the
children."

     "Thank you."


**********************************************************************

                            ** **MacNeill 101** **

Part 7

     "Good morning, Neill!"

     I swivelled around to see Christy as beautiful as ever.  The cool
autumn air gave her cheeks a slight rosy glow and her eyes a glimmer. 
A strand of sun-kissed hair trailed down her delicate fact.  "David
told me that he had a good time this morning learning more about you."

     " 'Morning, Christy!  Yes, I feel as though I gave him a history
lesson of my life."

     "Well good--this way you'll be all ready for the children when
they arrive.  They have so been looking forward to your visit.  We're
glad you were able to come today."

     "Ih am to, Christy."

     I smiled as she bustled about the schoolroom, organizing
materials while she enthusiastically talked about the children.  A
feeling of deep admiration for her welled up inside of me; our
feelings for the people of the Cove were mutual.  Somehow, the
butterflys that were active inside my stomach earlier this morning
just about disappeared.  I had been so anxious this morning because of
seeing Christy.  But now, after all I had gone through with the
Reverend, my nervousness was wearing off.  My perspective on life was
seeming to change.  No longer did I see David and the work of the
Mission as an interference. The people at the Mission were real
people, who, just like I, were trying to better the lives of the
people in Cutter Gap.  

     Although I tried not to, thoughts of how Christy viewed me crept
into my mind.  Did she see me as a part of this bettering of the
community?  Did she see me as a man whose love for people also
propelled him to work in the Cove. .....  Would she ever let herself
consider liking a man like myself...or, did she plan on standing next
to the likes of David?

     "Neil?  Neil?!"

     "Oh..., yes Christy?"

     "Did you not even hear a single word that I said?  It seems like
your mind was taking a little vacation."

     Sheepishly I replied, "Ah..., well Ih was just doing some
thinking.  Sorry about that."

     That's okay.  Why don't you go outside for a few minutes and
catch a breath of fresh air?  I can see that the children are starting
to come."

     "Good idea, Christy."

**********************************************************************
                             ** **MacNeill 101** **

Part 8

     Walking over to Brownie to see how she was doing, I realized that
she hadn't had any water for awhile.  So, I led her to the trough by
the Mission.  She gladly enjoyed the opportunity to walk and replenish
herself.

     As we returned to the schoolyard, I could hear the last few
restrains of "Amazing Grace" being sung.  I quickly tied up Brownie
and removed my small bag from her saddle.  Heading towards the
schoolhouse, I heard Christy say, "As you all know, we have a very
special guest with us this morning.  He is a man whose talents have
touched each of you in some way.  Please join me in welcoming Dr.
MacNeill." 
Eager applause reverberated from the children's sordid hands.  Their
faced beamed as I began to speak.

     I started my presentation by telling the children a mild version
as to how I lost my mother.  And, I told them how her passing drove my
yearning to acquire medical knowledge so that I could help others in
the future.  From there, I told them about my years at Yale School of
Medicine, and my eventual return to Cutter Gap.

     Then came that time when I opened the small bag which the
children had been quizzically eyeing.  First, I brought out my
stethoscope.  Mountie O'Teale's eyes widened even more as I  Iet her
listen to her own heart beat.  Next, came the little tool I used to
test reflexes.  Creed Allen especially liked it, and exclaimed that he
would like to try using it on Scalawag.  I promptly dissuaded him. 
Finally, I brought out some sterile cloth in which I showed the
children the proper way to wrap a head wound.  Using their fellow
classmate, Sam Houston, as a "guinea pig" exuded much laughter.

     Christy then asked if the children had any questions.  Rob Allen
was interested in finding out how I received my scholarship to Yale. 
Zady Spencer wanted to know if I thought she would ever get a chance
to attend college. And,  Creed still wanted to know if he could borrow
my "reflexer"!

     Time went by as I proceeded to answer the children's many
questions.  Some of them, like Rob's, were easy to answer; others,
like Zady's, were more difficult, and yet others, like Creed's, were
downright silly!  All the while the children kept me at the center of
their attention.

     As our time together came to an end, Christy made her way up to
the front of the room to tell me that I was a natural with a children
and that I had been a big hit.  "Thank you for coming, Dr. MacNeill. 
We would love to have you come join us again."  The children expressed
their deep gratitude by each sharing something new they learned either
about  the medical field or me.  Thunderous applause was followed by
numerous "Thank you's".  

     Christy invitied me to stay for lunch.  Although I was feeling
fairly worn out, I kindly accepted; It wasn't everyday that I had the
good fortune of sharing a meal with such a nice young lady!  We had a
good little talk about our dreams for the people of the Cove. After
finishing our lunch, Christy walked with me to where Brownie was
tethered.

     "Neil," she almost whispered, "thank you for coming today.  The
children and I are most grateful to you.  Our knowledge of the history
of medicine and of one of the greatest men of the Cove has been
broadened."

     I laughed slightly.  "Whell I'm glad tuh hear that, but you're
making me out to sound quite old!"

     Christy blushed as she stated, "I only meant that..., that...."

     "Don't worry, Christy," I playfully said.  "Ih know what you
meant."

     Christy graciously smiled, carefully looked about the schoolyard,
and then planted a quick kiss on my cheek.  "Thank you, again, Neil."

     "The pleasure was mine, Christy.  Have a good afternoon."

     "You, too."

     I mounted Brownie and set off for my cabin.  Looking back, I
dipped my head in recognition  as Christy waved goodbye.  Hmm...what a
day it had been!  Here I was to teach the children about the history
of medicine, but I felt that I was the one who did most of the
learning.  David's and my relationship was on much better terms.  And,
I think Christy was starting to like me in a different way.

     One never knows what surprises are awaiting them as they travell
down the path of life, I thought.  My path was seeming to be a little
brighter.  Maybe God was loving afterall....

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