A Birds Eye

It's a cloudy day with a light breeze in the middle of April, Chicago streets unusually quiet. A young couple sit on a park bench having an argument trying not to raise their voices, two old women pass by them looking the opposite direction as not to be seen smirking. Dog's hurry their owners along on walks around the park, resisting their owners pull. Litter can be seen swirling in the wind, while seagulls try to differentiate what might be food. The pigeons wait on the lamp posts, docks and nearby boat rails. They've become accustom to this spot, waiting for the small, short old women in the over-sized coat. Routinely at the end of every day, they would receive their daily portion of crumbs and company from a trusted and humble soul. She moved slowly and spoke soft; sometimes she could be heard humming along with their soft purr like Coo's.

The old women came early today, taking her time to feed each bird. She usually didn't have enough for the seagulls, and the pigeons had to compete. As she sat on the bench with a big wrinkled grin, her eyes sunken with age; she whispered to the birds "I brought extra today" with a soft chuckle. The swarm of birds got bigger, she enjoyed the peaceful company. Even when she ran out of bread crumbs, the birds would stay around her almost as if to show their gratitude. Children passed by with their parents, most knowing the old women well. They'd light up and cheerfully greet her "Hello Miss Maddie! you're here early today".

"The sky is so beautiful today, I wanted to see more of it." She would go on "see the clouds children? that one looks like a bird, don't you think?" The children would always agree with Miss Maddie, even when they didn't always see the same things. There was no one that knew her, that didn't love her quaint quiet nature. "It looks a like a dove Miss Maddie!" Little Marie shouted out, pointing as if she just figured out an insolvable puzzle. Her older brother Jordan squinting at the clouds decided it was in fact a crow. "Its a crow, see the crow Marie?" He stated as a fact instead of a question. Miss Maddie chuckled "neither of you are wrong, in fact we're all right!". The children looked confused, asking "how so?" She would smile as if always teaching them a life lesson, "because they're all birds of course" she would say with an amused grin. The only thing Miss Maddie liked more then sitting with her birds, was running into Marie and Jordan during her quiet outings. The children looked at her as this mystical person, like she had secret powers, always impressed how she made the birds stay.

Their father sat in the grass a short distance away, with a grim look of despair in his eye's, forcing a smile watching his kids chirp away with the old women they're so fond of, making the most of the day. He was a modest man, his heart had been torn in two, just three months prior his family had suffered the loss of their mother during labor of their new baby brother, who was born just a little too soon. He sat in the ICU, small and frail, tubes all around him to help him breathe and prosper. His treatment was expensive, and they did in fact know the struggles their father faced to keep them afloat. Even the children were thankful to get out for the day, so much time had been spent at their nearby aunts home, they missed their father but did not complain.

Today was the day he had to file bankruptcy, he was losing his home. The second mortgage he took out just another debt he couldn't pay, the shelters aware and getting a room prepared for their coming stay. He sat and worried, grabbing his hair, the life of happiness he once had so distant and unfair. He cried a small tear, filled with so much fear that he would lose even more. He looked down at his children with the old women, no care in the world. Lost in the clouds, watching birds with hope. The sun was now setting, he lost track of the time, they had no where else to be so he decided to join them on the bench to watch the rest of the light fade into the night sky.

Miss Maddie put her hand on his shoulder, her eye's closed with sympathy. "Hey old friend" Miss Maddie would tease, calling

him her "old man". He was restless and weary, dark circles around his eyes, the stress and sadness that surrounded him was enough to make the old women cry. "See the sunset Tom? see how it glimmers on the water?" Miss Maddie said after a long while. Tom looked but only nodded, keeping his head mostly down. "You're wife Sandra, was a beautiful Glimmer." She continued, "I've never seen such a strong and lovely women, she'd watch those glimmers with me every day." Tom could not reply, his emotions too much for him to bare, fighting back tears and yet again grabbing his hair. As his children ran up and down the hills, catching fireflies in the cool end of day, he finally spoke to miss Maddie, telling her his worries and fears. He'd never confided so much to her, in fact while his wife was alive he would be annoyed how long they had stopped to talk to her some days. Distant and regretful feelings he now dismissed, Tom was thankful for the company of his wife's old friend to reminisce in her memory, that miss Maddie was a part of.

Tom remembered his wife bringing her soup and warm meals through the winter, doing her best to make everyone around her family. That's who Sandra was, a person who put others before herself, right to the very end. Miss Maddie understood this, as well as every one who knew Sandra. Sandra was stubborn, she'd make up her mind about something in an instant, and that would be that. The several doctors they had visited all told her the same thing, she was a high risk pregnancy. Having this child, could very well end her life. Sandra had answered within a moment, her words forever ringing in Tom's ears. "Wouldn't any parent give their life for their child?" Tom loved his newborn son, he loved his two young children, he couldn't help but resent the world around him. Every thing kept moving, the days kept changing, the birds kept flying and his son wasn't getting better. His life was getting worse by each passing day. Tom was losing every thing, every movement and moment that happened without his wife there made him more miserable by the minute.

Tom was lost in thought, lost in his worries and regrets. Miss Maddie had listened to everything Tom had to say and still hadn't answered, just remained there with her eye's closed in silence. She finally opened them to look back at Marie and Jordan who were shouting about how many fireflies they had crawling out of their clasped hands. She started to hum and mumble a sweet melancholy song his wife had sang so many times before, while she was pregnant with their son Gabriel, she couldn't wait to call "Gabe" for short.

"From this valley they say you are leaving, We shall miss your bright eyes and sweet smile" miss Maddie started to sing

softly for Tom, as he cried very silently next to her. She paused as to remember lyrics and continued slowly "For you

take with you all of the sunshine, That has brightened our pathway a while".

Tom was surprised to see his children standing beside them, starting to sing while the stars shone over them now.

"Then come sit by my side if you love me, Do not hasten to bid me adieu

Just remember the Red River Valley, And the cowboy that's loved you so true".

No one could remember the next line, Tom was covering his face as to not let his children see what a wreck he had become. He finally started to sing and help them remember the rest of the song his wife was so fond of singing to them through all three of their children. He knew it by heart, the same way he would hold Sandra in his heart forever.

"For a long time, my darlin', I've waited, For the sweet words you never would say, Now at last all my fond hopes have vanished, For they say that you're going away".

They all sang softly together for the last part of the song, every single one of them crying together.

"Then come sit by my side if you love me, Do not hasten to bid me adieu

Just remember the Red River Valley, And the cowboy that's loved you so true".

They all sat in silence next to each other, embraced side by side, mourning the loss of a friend; mother, wife and incredible person. Though Tom and the children had been furious with their mother so many times after she passed, they had all understood the sacrifice she made to keep their family together. That's the way Sandra saw it, and that is how she wanted them to see it too. This was not them losing her, but gaining their brother who was going to need their love more then anything. Sandra had spoken to her children very subtly weeks before she passed, she wanted them to understand that she would have done the same for either of them. How she looks at her little boy and girl, and thinks how unfair it would be if they didn't get their chance at life. Sandra had made up her mind, and she wanted Gabriel to have a chance too.

Every one hugged and promised to see each other "next time", as they always did. Miss Maddie looked deep into Tom's eye's for what felt like the first time, and said "It's going to be okay". Her hand pressed gently on his face, the cold silver from her antique ring, her most prized possession from her late husband she still wept for. She then looked at the children and said "I know you two are going to be just fine, you'll take care of your daddy now, won't you? and your baby brother?" Marie and Jordan shook their heads to confirm, while Miss Maddie continued to tell them what wonderful children they are. She looked at Tom before saying the final farewell, to remind him he is "blessed" and to keep counting those blessings. "Tom, there are so many blessings in this world people take for-granted, that may not be what you want to hear right now, but I know in your heart you know what I mean." Out of all the times they had met Miss Maddie in the park, this farewell was the hardest.

Miss Maddie walked for over an hour, trying to reach a shop she hadn't been to in years, back when she was desperate. She had an old acquaintance who thought fondly of her, and had helped her in the past. Maddie was about ten years younger then, and was still very old. At the present moment, miss Maddie was 74 years old and her memory was going. She often forgot where she was going or what she was doing, but not tonight. Tonight was the most important night of her life, and she was determined to make it count.

Allen's pawn shop had been closed for twenty minutes, miss Maddie could see inside that Allen still had his light on and must still be working on his finances, keeping his books in order. She stretched her arm out with her walking cane that seemed to be a struggle for her to lift, and lightly tapped on the glass door. Allen was in his late fifties and she would tease him about being so young. He looked over his small staircase leading into his tiny office with an old fashioned roll top desk, once a stylish and expensive item that is now presently outdated. She smiled at the sight of him, the feeling very mutual, appreciating his fondness for old things such as herself. He lifted his glasses in disbelief. "Madelyn" he said enthusiastically. "Allen it's good to see you" she said through the glass, he could not hear her but he knew perfectly well what she had said. As he opened the door he lifted his arms up to embrace his old friend and repeated what she said back "Oh its so good to see you Maddie".

They sat for a long while discussing her late husband George, who had been a friend to Allen long ago. Allen was grateful to George, who had given him money for a taxi after losing his wallet. Allen had later come to repay George, and they stayed friends up until his death, due to a heart attack. Allen was the only person left alive that remembered George, Maddie took comfort in his company, feeling closer to George just by being in Allen's presence. Maddie had only become close to Allen after her husbands death, upon request of George to look out for her. Miss Maddie had walked the entire way to his shop, this took its toll on such an old women and she was feeling very tired at this point, but showed no sign of wearing down. Maddie and Allen sat there drinking fresh tea he made with a kettle, the way George used to make it.

"You're too good to me Allen, I don't deserve all your trouble", she was always concerned about being a burden. "A dear friend is always worth the effort" Allen replied reassuring her she was never "trouble". Maddie recalled the last time she saw Allen ten years ago, she had run out of funds and had to leave her nursing home with no where to go. She showed up in his shop, ready to pawn her most valuable item; her wedding ring. An exquisite blue sapphire in a large round cut, surrounded by diamonds in an old fashioned style. Designed by Tiffany & Co. it was the very first line of blue sapphire wedding bands that they had come out with, still presently available at the time she married George. George had used his entire inheritance on that ring, and wedding ceremony. Maddie recalled her beautiful luxurious wedding. She remembered George, so handsome at the altar. She remembered how she felt when he put that ring on her finger, saying "I do" and meaning it with all his heart and soul. Maddie looked down at the ring still a gorgeous rock on her finger, aging with timeless charm. She thought to herself "George may be gone now, but some day soon I'll be joining him; and I look forward to it."

Allen had helped Miss Maddie keep her ring ten years prior, and set her up in an old trailer where she could live by her means. It wasn't much but Allen would always do what he could, he learned that from George. Maddie was beyond grateful and spent the rest of her days living off social security with mainly the birds to keep her company. She had seen times change along with the people, it was not easy for an old women to make friends. Maddie was always grateful for every interaction with the outside world that remained kind to her. Like George had always looked out for her, even now. She decided she needed to cut to the chase with Allen, he had been expecting her to "come out with it" eventually but never rushed her along.

Maddie explained it was time for the ring to go, it was time she helped somebody else who needed it more. At first Allen tried to insist otherwise, like she had expected; but miss Maddie was adamant this time and sure of herself. She explained she had made friends, that became family. "This is what you do for family" she said confidently. Madelyn explained Tom's story, and by the end of it Allen understood but couldn't help but keep asking her "Are you absolutely sure Maddie? We can find other ways of helping this man". Maddie assured him many times that even pawning her priceless ring, was not going to be enough to help Tom, but it would help. "My years are catching up with me Allen, this ring can go back out into the world now and do some good", she would say with another reassuring smile.

"Maddie that ring is right where it belongs, where it was meant to be, it's your ring Maddie and..." Maddie cut Allen off too tired to argue anymore, and for the first time raised her voice more then she had in 15 years. "You take this ring Allen, you will take it and do what is right, there's no other way and I'm happy I can help." She continued softly now, "After all Allen, in a birds eye, it's just a rock." Wiping a tear from her eye, Allen put his hand on hers and let her know it was okay. Maddie paused but continued on "You know Allen, I saw a bird in the clouds today, I'm not sure if it was a dove or a crow; but somehow I think it was George saying hello." She pulled the ring off her finger and put it in his hands while telling him she knew he would take care of it. Allen had pulled out his check book knowing fully well what her ring was worth, appraising it ten years prior and deciding all this time had only made it more valuable. Maddie did not ask him the obvious question as he wrote the check, fully trusting his judgment. Allen handed it to her with an apologetic smirk, trying to keep her spirits up while feeling guilty as he held Madelyn's ring in his palm.

Maddie looked at the check and smiled once more, thanking Allen but saying she had taken enough of his time. It was getting late and she had a long walk back. Allen offered to get her a taxi but she declined, saying "The sky is so beautiful tonight, I'd like to see more of it." She grabbed her cane and with one last request she asked Allen to personally deliver the check to Tom Frase. He would have to look him up in the "phone book" and when she said this Allen couldn't help but chuckle. "Sure I'll do that Maddie, you be safe now." Allen was such a trusted friend to Maddie, she left with no regrets or worries. Promising to keep in touch and see more of each other, they gave one last wave as she slowly disappeared down the street.

The street lights had come on, lighting Miss Maddie's way as the wind seemed to whisper in her ear. "So unusual" she thought, "how loud the silence is tonight." Maddie did not go home to her quiet lonely trailer, but headed back to her bench in the park. Wanting to watch the stars twinkle in the sky as well as the water below, she knew she herself would be a glimmer soon too. Her work was done, her last act of kindness was all she needed to do. She made her way down the trail, almost falling onto the bench with a loud sigh, thanking the Lord she made it one last time. Maddie's birds didn't usually stay out late, but some had come to greet her, as if they themselves were surprised and delighted she was back. She smiled at them just as delighted, and started to speak to them as if they could fully understand. It didn't matter if they did to Maddie, they were her closest friends besides the family she had come to love as her own.

"I stayed on this earth so long thinking God forgot about me, it was me who forgot that we all have a purpose, and I think I've finally full-filled mine". She continued looking up at the night sky, "I miss you George, I'm ready now". "I'm ready" She said a final time before closing her eye's and drifting into a sleep she knew would last. Fully embracing her last moments, grateful for the time she had and what she did with it. The pigeons flew to her bench instinctively, as if saying good bye to their long-time friend; they sounded like they might have been humming, the song she had sung so often. "Unforgettable" was the song Maddie danced to with George on their wedding day. Unforgettable, is what Miss Maddie will be not only for the birds in the park, but the many people she touched along the way. The birds will stay with Maddie all night, until the morning when a jogger will try to wake an old women who is already gone. Gone the way she always wanted, at peace surrounded by her birds.

After Miss Maddie left Allen's, he couldn't shake his guilty feeling. Allen sat in his chair after waiving her good bye and promising to meet again, with the sinking feeling he would not. He decided he would put the thought out of his mind and focus on the importance of why she came. In his hand he held the most expensive and beautiful ring he had ever encountered in the twenty-four years he had been in business. It did not bring him joy, but absolute remorse. He knew what Maddie said was true, even this extravagant ring with its impressive value, was not going to be enough to help Thomas Frase. A stranger Allen didn't know, but felt deeply moved by Maddie's empathy and concern for him and his family. If it was important to Maddie, there was very little Allen wouldn't do for her. $20,000 was not going to be enough to cover the medical expenses, on top of the house, while providing for his family. Although, a sapphire from Tiffany's would indeed help.

Allen was also moved by Tom's story, and thought about all his connection's in the big city. He wanted to help Tom anyway he could. He looked over at his stack of files, pulling from underneath it a little black book. He had a few of these laying around, keeping up with the finances kept his head spinning sometimes. An almost brand new notebook, the fresh wrapping around it reading "Moleskine". Allen was surprised it was so easy for him to find a notebook that hadn't already been written and scribbled in with his daily business nonsense. He took note to always buy that brand, the classic hard cover and pages made you want to keep writing; feeling comfortable and welcoming with each page turn. Allen wrote the story he had been told about Tom while including Miss Maddie. When he was finished after a long while he got ready to leave and make his way through the late Chicago streets, which were unusually quiet. Deciding to enjoy the quiet and still air of the night, he walked along not flagging a taxi, but looking up at the sky noticing a cloud he swore resembled a bird.

His first stop was to visit a former friend and colleege in the newspaper, which went better then he had expected. News is slow, and most people aren't buying papers anymore. His friend Collin was grateful to get a lead on a story that might even help someone who really needed it besides himself. Allen left the Chicago Sun Times and lifted his hand up for a taxi this time, knowing the night wasn't over and he was growing more tired. The taxi picked him up and asked him "where to?" to which Allen replied, "Got a phone book?"

After a good laugh and figuring out what Tom's address was, the taxi pulled up to a little yellow house, with a decent yard considering this was the city. The house looked out of place, alienated from the rest of the city, yet a refreshing sight compared to the endless buildings and complex's that surrounded it. Allen walked up to the door, the mailbox posted by the entry way, and left a newspaper sticking out as not to go unnoticed. He smiled as he walked away, noticing a light flicker on inside, he was already back in the taxi and driving away while children seemed to peer out the window. Allen was ready to go home, get rest, and wake up for the following day. "Maybe I'll visit Miss Maddie early in the morning before work" he thought. He wondered how he let ten years pass before seeing her again, feeling ashamed he didn't live up to the promise he had made to George. Allen thought about what George would say, "can't waste time on regrets or worries, gotta live in the now".

Although George's memory always made him smile, the thought of his words only made him feel worse.While continuing to remind himself to spend more time with Maddie, he almost fell asleep with his head pressed gently against the taxi window. The taxi came to a halt just as Allen was closing his eye's, before he knew it he was home. He raced up his apartment steps into the arms of his wife, who was confused and worried what took him so long to come home. Allen embraced his wife Marianne and apologized for not coming home with flowers, stating "you should get flowers every Wednesday". Marianne had wondered what was going on with her husband but did not complain. They had talked briefly about the events of the night before going to bed, embracing each other closer then they usually had. Allen's night was finally over, and he was very curious to see how the next day would enfold.

Tom sat at his kitchen table, ready to open the newspaper before getting ready for work. He used all his paid time off and had been relying on his few family members to help him and his children through this very difficult time. Tom poured some coffee while lifting the newspaper finally when something fell out. There on the floor was an envelope with only his name written in fine cursive. Inside the envelope Tom had seen a check for $20,000 and a small note stating "It's going to be okay".

His jaw dropped in disbelief, his eye's widened while his heart sank. He put his hand to his chest finally breathing while closing his eye's with a tearful smile. He knew immediately Miss Maddie was looking out for him. He thought to himself long and hard, deciding he couldn't accept this check. He was got ready in a hurry and called his work to let them know he would be running late, he made his way to his sister's to drop off Marie and Jordan. After he had done so he made his way toward the park, in an effort to catch Miss Maddie wondering about. Tom arrived at the park, seeing it filled with curious on-lookers. This was out of the ordinary so early in the morning, it was clear there was something going on. Tom looked where the crowd had been staring and realized there was an ambulance lifting someone on a bed; someone small in an over-sized coat. Tom rushed through the crowd to the paramedics who instantly got between him and her.

"Sir you need to calm down, this women passed sometime last night, I'm sorry for your loss but you may come by the hospital to help decide what to do with her remains and gather any information". Tom could not hold himself together, his tears streaming down his face, the envelope on the inside of his jacket with the note imprinted in his memory. "It's going to be okay". Tom watched as the ambulance left and decided there was nothing for him to do at the moment, his heart had suffered so much loss and he wondered how that old friend of his managed to give him every thing she had just before passing on. He sat on the park bench where she had for years, using the lunch he packed for work to feed the birds instead. He hummed along that song she always sang "Unforgettable".

After a while he decided there was not much for him to do, he learned that life will keep moving with out you. He made his way to the office where he worked in an effort to get through the day, giving his sister a call to let her know the events that had enfolded. He didn't want Marie and Jordan to know anything just yet, they themselves had suffered enough loss and he couldn't bare to see them lose another person they cared for. A person who cared so much for their family, so much so that she was going to help save it until her last breath. His pocket felt heavy with both relief and regret, he thought about Miss Maddie's last words to him "there are so many blessings in this world people take for-granted".

After all that time they spent together the night before, he never once asked her how she was doing. Tom's heart sank more each passing moment he thought about the time he had with Miss Maddie that he took so for-granted. He wasn't going to bask in self-pity, Miss Maddie wouldn't want him to have any of these negative thoughts or feelings. Tom knew she was looking down from where-ever she was trying to catch a glimpse of his family being happy together, thanks to her. Tom could give her that, he could smile at the sky and whisper to himself "its such a nice day Miss Maddie, I'd like to see more of it". Tom felt different, he stood outside his office staring at the sky while crowds of people made their way around him, most not even acknowledging his presence. Tom finally looked around and decided he was going to tell his boss he wanted to spend the day with his children.

He wanted to go see his baby Gabe with his children, and marketing on a day like this was an obscene idea to him now. His boss had been very understanding after all the tragedy that enfolded on Tom, and there wasn't much Tom couldn't do from his laptop at home anyways. He made his way into the building, up the elevator and onto the 5th floor where his cubicle sat next to so many others. When the elevator doors opened Tom was surprised to see his cubicle, his desk, and all around the office had been filled with flowers, balloons, cards and even packages that could only be assumed to be gifts. Tom stood on bewilderment for a moment, second guessing what this was about. The entire office, all his coworkers had smiles and tearful eye's, they whispered among each other not wanting to make a bigger scene then necessary.

Across the room Tom could see his boss Gary waiving him into his corner office surrounded by glass. Tom rushed over quietly looking around observing the gift filled room. Gary shut the door and spoke with a small grin on his face, happy to be the person to inform Tom the good news that was still a mystery to him; "Hey there Tom, I'm guessing you didn't see the paper this morning?". Gary handed Tom the newspaper just as he was remembering the paper hitting the floor in his kitchen this morning, while he studied the letter with his name on it that now sat safely in his pocket. Tom was looking at a newspaper with the headline "Calling the Community". There next to the headline was a photo of his whole family including his late wife in his arms, still pregnant with their son Gabriel. There was another picture down below, a photo of his baby Gabe in the ICU. Tom read the story, his story completely awe-struck. He turned the page and there was one more side by side picture, it was an older photo of Miss Maddie and her late husband George, next to it was a close-up of her brilliant blue sapphire. Tom's jaw dropped at the sight of it, it all made sense now.

The story centered around the acts of kindness and tragedy that led this old women and this grief stricken family together. It made a wonderful point that we as a community are all family, and should help each other especially in times of struggle. When Tom was done reading the newspaper, he looked up and saw his boss quietly looking out his window as not to stare while Tom read. Tom was always thankful he had such a patient boss, Gary had been an alcoholic for years before getting his act together, always ready to tell one person to the next to work hard and never give up. Before Tom spoke he realized, all the blessings in his life he was taking for-granted, all the people in his life that were so understanding. Gary finally looked back at Tom after hearing him set down the paper, and like nothing Gary spoke for Tom stating "We're going to have to get this one framed, eh?".

Tom wiped his tears away while Gary embraced him as the friend he was. "It's all going to be okay, Tom." Gary spoke the same words Miss Maddie had the night before. Tom remembered Miss Maddie's empty bench and sorrowful birds while his face dropped and heart sank once more. Gary looked confused, so Tom had to explain. Every one had seen the paper, read the story; but no one had known what became of Miss Maddie just this morning. Gary himself shed a tear finally, not believing how unfair it kept getting for Tom. Tom was sad he couldn't share this moment with her, share the happiness that wouldn't have been made possible without her.

"There's one more thing you should know Tom" Gary said with another smirk. Gary pointed at the top of the newspaper where Tom had inevitably missed, was a small section with instructions on how to send donations. A "go-fund-me" account was created for Tom's son to cover the cost of his treatment. When Tom saw how much had already been donated his jaw dropped yet again, tears streamed down his face, all his worries were gone the moment Miss Maddie told him it was going to be okay, and he could not have fathomed that was she said was going to be so true on such an enormous level. There on Gary's computer screen showed a large sum of money that just kept going up, over $32,000 had been raised in just the few hours of the morning.

What this old women had made possible in one single night, was enough to make the world cry. Tom's story was everywhere, and just as he was starting to realize it he received a call from his sister Cheryl. He could hear his children shouting through the phone, his sister choked up asking him if he "read it". "Did you read it yet Tom? Did you see?" Tom answered with a tearful smile while Gary smiled and quietly walked out of his office to give him privacy. "Yes I saw Cherry, and it's all going to be okay." Tom said with mixed emotions, he hadn't called her Cherry since Sandra passed, only now noticing. Tom told them he was going to wrap up at the office and would be there very shortly, while Gary told him to enjoy the day, he reassured him he didn't need to worry about anything, everything in this office would be loaded up and brought to his home.

Tom stood by the elevator while his colleges around him tried to look busy as not to be too nosy. He surprised every one when he turned around to speak out loud "thank you every one, bless you all". Words that would be almost foreign to him were now something he would live by the same way Miss Maddie did. His coworkers all around started to give him a brief clap as to support him, while Gary waved him off from the corner. Tom stood in the elevator with a smile as he could hear Gary telling them all "alright get back to work now, let the man be". Gary hated cheesy displays as much as Tom did, especially considering there was so much tragedy that surrounded this new-found support. Today it seemed fitting for every one though, to show their support and let him know he wasn't alone.

Tom and his family went to visit Gabe at the hospital, each taking a turn to gently squeeze his hand through the glass box he would shortly be out of. Gabe was so still so small, only weighing 2.5 pounds at birth; after three months was only 5.3 pounds now. Tom told his children to remember to be grateful, as he was getting bigger and healthier at his own rate. With the donations made available to Gabe now, he would receive all the treatments he needed. Tom held his son's hand whispering to him like he had so many times before "it's going to be okay Gabe, it really is".

Looking forward to being able to hold his son, touch his hand with his own palm was going to be the highlight of his life. The whole family was looking forward to a life together that they now felt would be filled with happiness again. Something none of them thought was going to be possible any time soon, was now happening for them in this moment. Tom looked at his sister Cheryl and told her there was something he "needed to do". He asked her to stay with the children while he made his way to the morgue below the hospital.

Tom had been filled with a roller-coaster of emotions all day, but nothing prepared him for how he was feeling now. He held Miss Maddie's hand for the last time, thanked her while for all she had done while telling her the same thing he had been saying all day; "It's all going to be okay now, thanks to you". Arrangements for her burial had already been long taken care of by her husband, who put things in place for them both before he passed. While Tom was looking over paper work and talking to staff, another strange older man had entered the room. This man had beat red eye's, stains of tears on his cheeks and a grim look of despair. This man looked at Tom for a moment as if trying to place him, and quickly smiled. He introduced himself as Allen Cobb, a long time friend of Madelyn, the pawn shop owner who had in fact helped Miss Maddie turn all her hopes for Tom into a reality just the night before.

Tom stood there looking at Allen with bewilderment for a moment, trying to thank him for all he had done with out distracting from the reason they were both standing there. Allen told him it was nothing, and nothing would have been possible without Miss Maddie. They looked through the window once more, glancing at her while crying silently together, appreciating each others company. Both of them connected now by one special women, both of them without words, both understanding the heart wrenching loss this world had suffered losing her; and they themselves personally. They stood finally looking at each other, with a smirk Allen said "let's not waste anymore time, she wouldn't want us here sulking too long anyways". "Let's go enjoy this beautiful day, I'd like to see more of it." Tom replied, both of them smiled knowing it was something Miss Maddie would always say.

Allen followed Tom back up the hospital steps where he was introduced to Tom's family. None of Tom's family knew why this strange man they just met was so significant all the sudden, but it didn't matter so they did not ask. Allen looked at little Gabe, understanding why Miss Maddie's sacrifice of her most beloved ring was just a rock compared to the importance of this tiny little baby boy in front of him. This child's life was worth more then any ring or material item.

Allen was thankful in this moment, for the time he had with Maddie the night before. He was thankful for this time he spent with Tom and his children, seeing the outcome of all those efforts truly made everything worth it. As sad as it was to lose his dear friend, he had gained new one's that had loved her as much as he did. In this moment they all felt the blessings of life Miss Maddie had hoped they would receive and keep close to them. Her wish had come true, they were all together and they were all going to be okay. Tom and Allen spoke outside the room so the children could not hear. They discussed the ring and how she should wanted it to stay in the world, and not buried away.

Allen spoke this time with an idea on how to appreciate Miss Maddie and her ring forever, a memorial would be set up. A statue would be erected in the park by the bench she spent so much time in. The ring would be forever placed on Miss Maddie's hand, for all people and children to remember her and her values. Miss Maddie will live on forever in the park with her birds, looking out for all those who might need her. Tom loved this idea, and they would bring up a contract with the city, no one would refuse her the memorial she indefinitely deserved. The day was slowly fading as they left the hospital, the children asked their father who was still side by side with Allen what they would be doing next. Tom had not told them yet of the loss they were about to face, and was thinking of how Miss Maddie would want to say good bye to them. He looked down at his children and said "let's go feed the birds, Miss Maddie will be expecting us."

Allen agreed to join them along with their Aunt Cherry, they waved down a taxi and there was just enough room for all of them to go together. They reached the empty park bench where the birds sat waiting, they had stopped at a nearby store to pick up bird feed and were not empty handed. Crowds of birds flooded around them as the sun started to set, while Tom motioned his kids to sit with him. "Miss Maddie's late today daddy" Marie said with concern. Jordan was skipping rocks before he came to realize it was getting late and Marie was in fact right, Miss Maddie was always here at sun down. Tom's eye's started to tear up as Allen only stood there watching the water, listening from a short distance.

"Kid's you've been through a lot of loss, it's no mystery to you that people live and die, what matter's is how we live and appreciate each moment with the people we love." Allen continued as the children's faces started to sink, "You see there kids, those glimmers on the water". The children watched as beautiful colors from the sunset shimmered like glitter, going down with the sun and seemed to last forever until they were gone. "Miss Maddie was a beautiful glimmer, she was unforgettable, just like your mother." Tom said holding back his tears, remaining strong for his children. The children were young but they understood from there experience that their father was talking in past tense, they understood what their father was saying without asking anything more. Tears welled up in their eye's and they all sat silently gazing at the water. Finally Tom started to hum and sing for his children, Maddie's song.

"Unforgettable

That's what you are

Unforgettable

Though near or far"

Allen finally turned around wiping his tears away, joining them on the bench now to to chime in. People passing by who had also known Miss Maddie briefly stopped in small groups to watch the water, some in amazement to see two grown men sitting and singing together, but with out judgment.

"Like a song of love that clings to me

How the thought of you does things to me

Never before Has someone been more"

Allen sang soft spoken while choking up, the children refusing to look away from the water knowing it was a moment they shared together while separately in their own grief. They did not know the words to the song so they only hummed quietly along. Together Allen and Tom sang, people behind them recognizing Tom's face from the newspaper now, were silently whispering to each other, Tom could hear small mutters of people pointing him out without spoiling this moment they were all sharing.

"Unforgettable

In every way

And forever more

That's how you'll stay

That's why, darling, it's incredible

That someone so unforgettable

Thinks that I am

Unforgettable too"

The crowd of people was getting slightly bigger by the passing moment, there wasn't a dry eye when a women and her little

boy came to join them as well. A stranger to them but obviously not to Miss Maddie, as she had bread crumbs she gave to

her son to feed Maddie's birds while she sang with them now.

"No never before

Has someone been more

Ooh, unforgettable

In every way

And forever more

That's how you'll stay"

To everyone's surprise the entire crowd started to sing with them now, the community coming together to remember Miss

Maddie and pay respects there respects.

"That's why, darling, it's incredible

That someone so unforgettable

Thinks that I am

Unforgettable too ".

Everyone in the park clapped and embraced each other after the song was over, crowds of people came to feed the birds and wish Tom's family well. Months would pass and when Miss Maddie's statue was finally in place, there was no one that didn't know her, and love her memory. Tom's family was living a happier life together, while remaining close friends with Allen. They met at the end of every day to feed the birds, and visit Miss Maddie who was more then just a glimmer on the water now.

People glared at her statue which would always be covered in birds, her ring in-crested on her finger symbolizing her core values. Allen always remembered what Maddie said "In a birds eye", which he tried to live his life by that metaphor as he watched Tom's son Gabe look up at her statue from his stroller. Tom appreciating the connection he shared with Allen, the blessing's he was going to remind himself of every day. All these wonderful things that were now happening, the family that was so broken before was healed by the love and hope of one big hearted women whom nobody would have ever thought possible.

At the bottom of her statue there was a message "The unforgettable women Madelyn V. Rowland" otherwise known as "Miss Maddie".