Passengers watched sympathetically as the young woman with the white cane carefully boarded the bus. She paid the driver, felt for a seat, and sat down, placing her briefcase on her lap.
It had been a year since Susan, thirty-four, became blind due to a medical accident. Thrown into a world of darkness, anger, frustration, and self-pity, her husband Mark was her only anchor.
Mark, an Air Force officer who loved Susan deeply, was determined to help her when she sank into despair. When Susan felt ready to return to work but was too frightened to take the bus alone, Mark volunteered to ride with her each morning and evening until she got the hang of it.
For two weeks, Mark in full uniform accompanied Susan daily. He taught her to rely on her other senses, like hearing, to navigate. He helped her befriend the bus drivers who could watch out for her. Each morning after their journey, Mark would take a costly and exhausting taxi ride back to his office, believing it was only a matter of time before Susan could travel independently.
Finally, Susan decided to try the trip alone. On Monday morning, she embraced Mark tightly, her eyes filled with tears of gratitude for his loyalty, patience, and love. They went their separate ways for the first time. Monday through Thursday passed perfectly, and a wild gaiety filled Susan. She was doing it!
On Friday morning, as Susan exited the bus, the driver said, "Miss, I sure envy you." Puzzled, Susan asked why.
"You know," the driver explained, "every morning this week, a fine-looking gentleman in a military uniform has been standing across the corner, watching you. He ensures you cross the street safely and watches until you enter your office building. Then he blows you a kiss, gives you a salute, and walks away. You are one lucky lady."
Tears of happiness streamed down Susan's cheeks. She was so lucky, for he had given her a gift more powerful than sight—a gift of love that brings light to darkness.