A couple holding hands is walking on a street in Old Town, which is lit up by wonderful Christmas installations. It's Christmas Eve, only a few hours until Christmas. She is upset. He is very serious.

"This snow is so beautiful and so are the lights! The Christmas installations are so wonderful too," said Sam.

Sam is a handsome, dark-haired, thirty-year-old man, accompanied by a most beautiful woman, with long dark hair, caught up in a bun, the face of an angel and the body of a siren

"Sam, you know it is Christmas Eve. Only a few hours until Christmas," said Mary, the woman.

"You know that I love you so much, and I love Angel more than anything. But never could I think that you—"

"Dear, but I told you that we would find something."

"But don't you see that everything is closed? Every store!" Mary was upset.

"Yes, I see. But I bet that at the end of the street we'll find something open. The stores must make money even on the Christmas Eve—I hope," said the very serious Sam.

Mary didn't say anything else. But it was obvious that she was very nervous.

"Look! That store is open!" Sam exclaimed.

"Don't you see the store hours? It's open until six o'clock, and now . . . ," Mary said in a sharp voice looking at her watch, "and now it half past seven!"

"Yes, it's closed," said Sam seriously but calmly.

The couple walked further. Sam looked left, then right, but no store was open. He sighed, and after few seconds he spoke: "How about—?"

But Mary cut off his words. "I already told you. The present was bought by me. It's from me, for me. My Christmas present! Bought by me!"

"But why don't you want a present from me? I can give you the money for it. It's something you like. Maybe the present from me wouldn't be such a great present. I didn't have the time to buy a present. You know that yesterday I landed here from Paris. Please understand," Sam pleaded.

"No! You had enough time last week and the week before. The present I got for you I bought a month ago. So, no again!" yelled Mary.

"Mary, Mary, you should be more understanding," Sam responded.

"You should be more thoughtful with me. Once a year it is Christmas. And I think I'm the only woman without a present. The only woman," Mary continued in a trembling voice, beginning cry. Tears ran down her cheeks, and she spoke with a drowned voice: "Sometimes I feel that I don't know you, and you don't know me!"

Sam hugged Mary. He held her tightly in his arms and gently patted her head. After a couple of seconds he spoke. "Okay, then . . . I have a present for you. But I will give it to you only if you give me a 'yes' answer to my question." Sam released Mary from his arms and knelt in front of her. "Mary Johnson, will you be my wife?" He takes her left hand into his, and holds the ring poised in his right hand, waiting for her answer.

Although she has tears in her eyes and on her cheeks, Mary is smiling now. But she hits Sam in his shoulder. "Yes, Sam Stone! I want to be your wife!"

Sam stands up. He and Mary kiss each other and then continue on their walk, but much happier this time, smiling and joking as they talk about their next step

***

Mary and Sam are in front of the altar. Sam's mother is sitting in the front pew, holding a baby.

An old priest wearing a blue robe with golden draws on it stands in front of Sam and Mary. He is looking at them and speaks while putting a ring on the man's finger.

"Sam Stone, will you take Mary Johnson to be your wife, as long as you live, to protect her, to respect her and to take care of her?"

Sam is shining in his white suit. He looks at the one who will become his wife and says in a loud voice, "Yes, I will!"

The priest turns to Mary and speaks again while putting the ring on her finger. "Mary Johnson, will you take Sam Stone to be your husband, as long as you live, to protect him, to respect him and to take care of him?"

"Yes, I will!" yelled Mary.

After finishing the vows, the priest put a crown on Sam's head and Mary's head, and said, "I pronounce you husband and wife. Man, take care of your woman! Woman, listen to your husband! Live happily all your life and have beautiful and healthy children."

In the backyard of the house at 72 Orchard Street, located in town X, there is a courtyard with a children's playground that has a slide climbing the stepping stones to get out, a swing, and a small pool. The house is not very large. It has a living room and a kitchen downstairs, a small terrace in front, and 3 bedrooms upstairs. The Stone family lives in that house. It's the house where Mary grew up, where she was born, and where she lived with her parents, who are now deceased.

***

- A Long Time Ago -

Mary and her mother are in the living room where Mary has just opened a letter.

"Mom! I'm going to the faculty of medicine in New York! They want me!" Mary exclaimed.

When she saw her daughter so happy, Mary's mother smiled, even though it was clear that she was ill.

"I told you that being the valedictorian in high school would help you. Would help us," Mary's mother said through her fit of coughing. She coughs again, but more powerfully. She stops for a moment and then continues. "I wish your father were here to see his daughter, to see how beautiful and smart she is."

"Yes, I wish daddy were here, too."

"But he sees you, from where he is. And he sees that his daughter is a good person, just like he was."

Mary sighs and smiles at her mother. "Yes, he sees me."

"And I will see you becoming the best cardiologist."

Three years later, Mary's mother dies too.

***

- After some years -

After graduating high school as valedictorian in her little town, Mary attended the faculty of medicine in New York. She became a very good cardiologist. And even if she had many offers from the biggest hospitals, she decided to return to her hometown and practice at A New Hope in Life, the small town hospital.

Mary is inside Dr. Wilson Grand's office. Wilson Grand is a famous doctor at National Hospital in New York. After Mary became a good cardiologist, she soon stood out as the top of the young doctors. Now she is sitting in front of one of the greatest doctors.

"Mary, you know you are one of the best cardiologists, and we need you," Dr. Grand told her.

"Yes, I know," she said with modesty.

"You have had so many offers from some of the biggest hospitals in the country, and you can go where ever you want, even here at National Hospital."

"Yes, but like I already said-"

"You decided to return to your hometown and practice medicine at that hospital . . . what's its name?" the doctor asked with a smile on his face, although it was obvious that he is not happy about her decision.

"It's called A New Hope in Life."

"But they can't afford to perform open-heart surgery, a very expensive procedure," said Dr. Grand.

"I will bring the surgery patients here to the National Hospital in New York. A New Hope in Life will have a contract with the National Hospital," Mary explained to him.

"And the money for the equipment and all other things?" Dr. Grand asked.

"Foundations, town hall meetings, and the goodwill of people. And with that money we will construct a new surgical wing and purchase new equipment."

"You see, that's why I want you here, you have solutions for everything," said Dr. Grand without any smile this time.

After a short break, Mary tried to speak. "Like I said-"

But Dr. Grand wouldn't let her continue. It was too hard for him to lose such a good doctor like Mary. "Yes, even if it's hard for us, we respect your decision regarding A New Hope in Life."

"Thank you for all your help and understanding," Mary replied.

"You shouldn't thank me. We should thank you for being such a good doctor. And don't forget that we still need you," Dr. Grand reminded her.

So, a great cardiologist became the best doctor in a hospital that couldn't offer more. But this little hospital that couldn't deal with demanding treatment and that couldn't offer more than a few beds for hospitalization, became famous, not only in Mary's small town, but also in nearby villages.

At first it was hard, but in time Mary and the other doctors fought to purchase medical equipment required for various operations. With the money from donations, Mary succeeded in organizing the construction of the new surgical wing and purchasing new equipment.

People diagnosed with serious heart problems by Mary Stone herself, were transported to New York for surgery that Mary performs. Together with Dr. Wilson Grand, Mary operated on Christine, one girl who was only seven years old. Christine is Susan White's daughter, the principal from the private school No. 5, where Angel studies.

Very sick, having been born with a heart malformation, Christine had only a maximum of two years to live. When Christine's mother learned the diagnosis of her daughter from Mary, she was devastated. She registered her daughter on the waiting list for a new heart and waited and waited and waited. After almost one year, her waiting ended. Her joy was boundless. They found a heart for the little girl.

The surgery was a success, and now Christine is monitored by Mary, because she must return to the hospital regularly.

***

- Few years ago -

A group of doctors are speaking inside the corridors of National Hospital. Susan White, with tears in her eyes, approaches Mary.

"You gave me back my life. You gave me back the wish to live. My daughter is everything to me. And you gave her back to me. First, God gave her to me and now you gave her back to me again. You are my second God."

"Susan!"

"I don't know how to thank you. Never will I be able to thank you in this life," said Susan.

"I only did my job," Mary reminded her.

"Whatever you need, I promise I'll help you whenever you need it. Be sure about that," said the crying woman.

"It's okay, Susan. Don't worry."

"You know, I'm not sorry about getting this heart. Maybe it means I'm a bad person, because, from the suffering of some parents who lost a child in a car accident, my joy has been reborn," added Susan.

The famous Dr. Wilson Grand was also there and added, "This is life. Sometimes that's how the joy of life is: born from the suffering of others. You are not a bad person, Susan. You love your daughter so much, like any mother does. And let's thank God we have such a good doctor as Mary here, and let's hope she will never leave us."

"Let's hope you will never ask me to come again," said Mary, smiling at Dr. Wilson.

"You know we'll never ask you not to come. We need you. I need you, and the patients need you as well," said the old doctor seriously. He touched Mary's shoulder, as a father would touch his daughter's shoulder.

So the two women-Mary and Susan, Christine's mother-became the best friends.

Mary spends much time diagnosing the illnesses of the different people in her small town, including the elderly and children. And her involvement consists of, not only diagnosing, but also struggling to bring in the necessary medications for her diagnosed patients. Sometimes it is difficult to find the treatment prescribed by a doctor, especially in a small town. But even if the treatment must be brought in from afar, Mary does whatever it takes to provide it for her patients.

And even though the job takes her away from her daughter, she can see her Angel sleeping in the early mornings as she leaves for the hospital, and she can see her sleeping again when she comes back home late from the hospital.

Mary takes care of her patients . . .

***

- Present -

The Stone family is outside in the courtyard. Mary is free and spends the Sunday with the family, while Sam does something else.

There is a member of the family who is a true angel and whose name is Angel Stone. Angel is a beautiful and good child and, at only seven years old, very intelligent. A child who is loved so much, not only by her two parents, but also by her neighbors, relatives, and family friends.

All of them are in the backyard, a courtyard bordered by flowers. In front of the house is a small garden with flowers, too. Flowers are blooming everywhere. It's spring. Outside, in the courtyard, it is a beautiful sunny day. The birds are singing. It's noon.

"Mommy, which flower do you like most?" Angel asked her mother.

Mary is holding her daughter in her arms. She looks at her Angel with love and answers, "Let me think . . . no, wait, let's see if you can guess."

The little girl begins to think, and then answers, "Lilies?"

"No," answers Mary.

"Tulips?"

"No."

The girl is laughing because she knows which flower is her mother's favorite. "Then, what is it?" she asks.

The mother looks into Angel's eyes. She is very serious, but suddenly she begins to smile. "Angel is my favorite flower!" Mary told her and throws a rain of kisses upon Angel, making her laugh heartily. The girls start to play together, while Sam is building a bird cage.

"Look, Angel! Can you see that? Daddy has just built a bird cage!"

Angel begins to shout and jump. "Yes! Daddy is the best builder!"

The girl runs to hug her father. It is one of the happiest days for this girl named Angel. Her mother and father stay with her all day. Her father built a small bird cage and installed it in a tree in the yard. And now it is ready, a home for birds.

Her father hugs her and starts to spin her around. Angel is laughing louder, and her mother comes to play and starts to spin her too, and so all are happy spending the Sunday together.

It's a wonderful spring day, and men, women, and children are hanging out in the Stone's family courtyard; four men are preparing barbecues, while four women prepare food while chatting.

"It's so nice you thought about having the cookout today, Mary. It's really a beautiful spring day. It would be a shame to lose such a beautiful day and this beautiful sun by staying in the house," commented Julia Goodman, one of Mary's friends.

Julia is Arthur Goodman's wife, and he is one of the richest men in the little town of Rochester. Author owns a large number of stores selling expensive jewelry. He is a man with many relationships, including many relationships in Congress.

He is a simple and modest man even though he is extremely rich, proving that he has lived in this town and among these people for a long time. It is true that he has a huge house with many servants, a real palace, but he loves this city, his hometown.

But Arthur Goodman is also a true philanthropist. Even though he is very rich, he hasn't forgotten his hometown. He has provided funding for many humanitarian organizations that cater to the poor and sick. He has financed the construction of a home for old people left alone in the world or abandoned by their children. He named the home Hope for our Grandparents Sanctuary. He also funded several hospitals to create specialized medical centers for diseases and serious illnesses for children.

Moreover, along with some of his friends—wealthy lawyers, famous doctors, and directors of banks—he was able to build four hospitals in four towns that were in need of such medical centers.

Arthur Goodman is a good man involved in many activities that focus on helping people not as fortunate as he. Philanthropy was his idea. Beside his significant welfare, intelligent acts, and ambition, Arthur believes his life was helped by divinity. And, as a result, he believes that it's his duty to help the sick and needy.

His wife, Julia, is also a strong, good, and generous woman. She's also a beautiful woman, eleven years younger than Arthur. She's a good mother and a loving wife. A person well known in the city, she is director of photography in the stores owned by her husband. She appears on television and in magazines where she is introduced as a strong and ambitious woman.

"Yes, Julia, it would be a real shame."

Three tiny girls and a boy approach the ladies who are sitting in a gazebo. Angel comes near Mary and asks, "Mommy, can we go up to play with spiders?"

"No, darling. Don't get close to them. I don't want them all over the house and find them climbing over me at night while I am sleeping."

"Okay, mommy," said the girl a little upset. She runs to the front door and the other children follow her.

After a few moments, Julia yells to her son, "Easy not to fall while climbing the stairs, and Mathew beware!" She looks after her son, but the boy disappears into the house with the other kids.

"Let them play," said Mary.

Julia looks at Mary smiling and says, "Yes, let them play. Did you see the scar on his face? I thought I would die when he was hurt"

"Okay, worry then!" Both women where smiling. "Nice shoes, by the way."

"Thanks! I bought two pairs in Paris."

"Still won't be enough for your wardrobe," claimed Susan White. After Mary helped with her daughter, Susan became one of her best friends.

Julia looks at Susan. The woman is smiling. "You are so mean." She pushes her friend a little bit, and then continues to speak. "But you're right. By the way, I almost forgot. You are all welcome on Friday. It is Mathew's birthday." Without waiting for a response, she takes a glass from the tray offered by Mary and brings it to her lips. " What're you trying to do, Mary? Get me drunk to find out my deepest secrets?" said Julia smiling.

"Yes, I want to know everything about you, about all of you, your darkest secrets."

"Then you should know that I really do have a secret. I am running for the office of congressman to represent our state in Congress. To represent you!"

The other women stare in silence with their ears wide open.

Susan breaks the silence. "But, congratulations, Julia!" she said, looking at her other friends.

"Congratulations!" said Mary.

Julia gets up, kisses her friends on both cheeks, and then gives each a strong hug.

"So, will you be part of the House of Representatives?" asked Anna, Julia's younger sister, who is also a close friend of Mary's. Julia is twelve years older than Anna.

"Maybe," Julia responds. "I really want to be in Congress. All my life politics has attracted me."

"And the spotlight," jokes Susan, to which all the women laugh.

"It's not true . . . well, maybe just a little bit, but I'm sure that with that power in my hands, I could do so much more for this world," said Julia.

The other women were still laughing.

"But what did Arthur say about this? Does he know?" asked Mary.

"Yes, he knows, and he fully supports me. He helps me with the election campaign."

"But you'd have to move to Washington," said Anna.

"I know. I will stay there with Arthur, but when I'm not working or when I have free time, I will come back here to see you and spend time with you!"

"I think you will forget us," said Susan.

"No, I will have to greet you if I want your vote in the next election," said Julia.

The four women laughed again. Mary rose from the table and walked toward the four men who had finished barbecuing the food.

"Did you hear? A new lady in Congress, Mrs. Julia Goodman," Mary said to them.

"Madam Congresswoman? The person who said that anything is possible was right," Sam said

Mary looked at Sam trying to be serious and said, "Hear this, if you do not vote her, you will have to deal with us."

Anna helped her friend in the woman–man fight. "So, you'd better go and convince all the men in the entire country to vote her."

Anna's husband also enters into this game. "Should we go now, or do you want me to bring you something to eat first?"

"After eating!" said all four women as one voice, as they approach the table.

"Kids, it is time to eat!" yelled Julia.

All the children come quickly. They are hungry after running around and playing so hard. The husbands also come to the table, each one carrying a dish. They put the goodies on the table.

"Arthur, you can sit here, next to me. I won't bite you," said Anna to her brother-in-law. "For so long have I wanted to charm you, a man so good and rich," smiled Anna.

"But what about your husband, Anna?" Arthur asked.

"I'll give him to you!" she said.

Julia, looking at Anna's husband, said, "You know, dear sister, I think it's a good bargain. I could get used to a guy so young and beautiful."

Anna's husband is almost ten year younger than Julia, and he is an athlete. He's a football player in the little town's team, a small sports club.

"I agree," said Anna. "If I had so many relationships in Congress like you! Are you fine with that Arthur?"

"Anything that makes you both happy," said Arthur very serious.

The women all stop talking, because usually Arthur Goodman doesn't play their games, but this time he is, so everyone begins to laugh. Even Arthur, a serious man, smiles a little.

"Leave him alone, you snakes," said Mary smiling at the two women.

"Thank you," said Arthur, smiling at Mary.

But Mary becomes serious and grabs Arthur's arms and speaks to him with gratitude. "Thank you for helping our hospital and buying the medical equipment. I will speak to the mayer to put a placard with the names of the people who—"

"Mary, I told you that you shouldn't thank me every time we meet. Anyone else in my position would do the same thing for the children," said the man with a little frown, a bit upset.

"Yes, you told me not to, but you shouldn't get upset. You should know that no one else would do the same. How do I know? Because I talked to people—so many people! So, thanks again."

"Arthur," Anna says, changing the subject, "I heard you opened a new jewelry store. Julia boasted about it. How many do you have now?"

"We're doing pretty well, I can't complain, that's for sure!"

"Anna, ask him about the new hospital he just endowed!" intervened Julia.

"About that home for old people left alone in the world or abandoned by their children? That Hope for . . . them hospital? We already know about it."

"Not that one, the one for children," said Julia

"I know nothing about it. You didn't tell me about it."

"Oh, God! Sometimes you are so—" said Julia to her sister.

"Julia, we're eating, and they definitely don't want to be bored with such discussions," said Arthur upset.

Julia looks at her husband, also a little upset. It's obvious that she doesn't like that her husband does so much good for so many people and doesn't want to discuss about it.

"Oh, dear, you're so modest. So modest that sometimes you are boring."

"Julia, please," said Arthur

"Dear friends, do you want to be bored with such discussions?" Julia cuts Arthur words.

Everyone says all at once, "Of course we want to be!" They were all laughing.

Arthur smiled at them. "Okay, then I let my wife speak about it, as she is a better storyteller than I am."

"I think it's the fourth medical center," begins Julia.

"It's only the second, dear. The other two are for other purposes," said Arthur

"You said you would let me talk."

Arthur says nothing else, and then continues eating. And Julia begins to talk in her way—with lots of details.