Gift of Love

"Can I see my baby?"
the happy new mother asked


When the bundle was nestled in her arms
and she moved the fold of cloth to look upon his tiny face
she gasped
The doctor turned quickly and looked out
the tall hospital window
The baby had been born without ears



Time proved that the baby's hearing was perfect
It was only his appearance that was marred
When he rushed home from school one day
and flung himself into his mother's arms
she sighed
knowing that his life was to be a succession of heartbreaks



He blurted out the tragedy
A boy, a big boy ... called me a freak



He grew up, handsome for his misfortune
A favorite with his fellow students
he might have been class president, but for that
He developed a gift, a talent for literature and music
But you might mingle with other young people
his mother reproved him, but felt a kindness in her heart



The boy's father had a session with
the family physician
Could nothing be done?
I believe I could graft on a pair of outer ears
if they could be procured,the doctor decided



Whereupon the search began for
a person who would make such a sacrifice for a young man
Two years went by



Then,You are going to the hospital, Son
Mother and I have someone who will
donate the ears you need
But it's a secret,said the father



The operation was a brilliant success
and a new person emerged
His talents blossomed into genius
and school and college became a series of triumphs
Later he married and
entered the diplomatic service



But I must know!He urged his father
Who gave so much for me?
I could never do enough for him



I do not believe you could,said the father
but the agreement was that you are not to know
not yet



The years kept their profound secret
but the day did come
one of the darkest days that
a son must endure
He stood with his father over his mother's casket



Slowly, tenderly, the father stretched
forth a hand and raised the thick
reddish-brown hair
to reveal that the mother
had no outer ears



Mother said she was glad
she never let her hair be cut
he whispered gently
and nobody ever thought
Mother less beautiful did they
???


Real beauty lies not
in the physical appearance
but in the heart
Real treasure lies not
in what that can be seen
but what that cannot be seen
Real love lies not
in what is done and known
but in what that is done
but not known


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Best Wishes
NOOR