Justin woke up, and rubbed the crusty sleep from his eyes.  When he opened them, it took a couple of seconds to realize that he was at the loft, in Brian's bed.  It was 7:04 in the morning, and he had been asleep for ten solid hours.  Justin heard puttering in the kitchen.  Detecting the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, he assumed Brian was up already, so he called out to him.
 
Justin heard brisk footsteps, and a denim clad Brian shortly appeared at the foot of the bed.
 
"Ready to get up sleeping beauty?", he smirked.  
 
"Can you take me into the bathroom please?", Justin asked warily, not quite sure what to expect.
 
Brian put his tongue in cheek as if he had to think about it, but then answered , "Sure".
 
After dressing with Brian's assistance, Justin ate a modest breakfast.  He wolfed down four microwaveable pancakes, and had a big glass of orange juice.
 
"So, where are we going today", Justin questioned, remembering what Brian had said to him at dinner last night.
 
"You'll see Sunshine.  I'll only divulge that we have a long, interesting day ahead of us."
 
With Justin's wheelchair safely secured in the trunk, they embarked on their journey.   Justin sat in the passenger seat, appreciating the scenery.  Soft rock played on the radio, while he occasionally hummed to a familiar tune. 
 
They had set out at 8:30 in the morning, and made one bathroom stop.  Brian had been truthful when he said it was going to be a long day.   It had been close to 4 hours, when he suddenly announced enthusiastically, "We're here".  
 
Justin's stomach growled, and Brian frowned as he shot him a quick glance.  The boy was <I>always</i> hungry.  "Don't fret Sunshine, they have a cafeteria inside.  We'll feed you first."
 
The grounds were tremendous. Justin had a chance to read the sign in front of the building when they pulled up, "Schreiber Pediatric Rehabilitation Center".   Brian proceeded to park in the lot next to the main entrance.  He then retrieved the wheelchair from the trunk, and helped Justin transfer into it.
 
Brian wheeled Justin through the automated doors, and followed the signs directing them to the cafeteria.  They purchased lunch, and Justin held the tray on his lap, as Brian steered his wheelchair to the nearest empty table.   His curiosity getting the best of him, Justin finally asked Brian, "How do you know about this place?"  
 
"A client's son is enrolled in a program here.  About a year ago, he convinced me to make a sizeable donation.   After my luncheon date with your mother, I decided it might be a good time to see where my money was going.  My client spoke very highly of their innovative programs, so I thought I'd check it out.  See if there was anything I could learn that might help you." 
 
Brian added, "My time here proved to be an invaluable experience, and I was hoping it might have a similar affect on you."  
 
They had just finished their sandwiches when Brian suggested, "We better get going.  We have a lot of ground to cover in a limited amount of time."
 
Brian pushed Justin into the aquatic center.  There were five youngsters currently in the pool. Physical therapists were working individually with the children.  An administrator walked over to greet them.  
 
"Hello Mr. Kinney.  It's nice to see you again."  The middle aged man shook Brian's hand, and then turned and extended his hand to Justin.  "And you must be the young man Mr. Kinney was telling me about."
 
"Nice to meet you.  But I think I'm a little too old for your Center", Justin interjected.
 
The man chuckled.  "Yes, I realize that, but Mr. Kinney thought it might be beneficial for you to observe some of our programs in progress."
 
Brian and Mr. Fulton took a seat on the bleachers, while Justin's wheelchair was locked in place.  "This is our aquatics program.  All the children you see here are in various stages of their therapy.  If you have any questions, feel free to ask."
 
Justin observed a little boy being lifted from a wheelchair by his therapist.  The therapist held him by the waist, and instructed him to try and move his legs a certain way.  The boy did as he was told, the determination written on his young features.  After watching him for few minutes, a young girl of about nine caught his eye.  The child was swimming, a bit choppy, but she was doing it.  When she did about half a lap, reaching the end of the pool, the therapist hugged her.  It was then that Justin noticed the girl had only one arm.  She had a huge smile of accomplishment on her face, and Justin was amazed at her obvious perseverance. 
 
The remainder of the afternoon Mr. Fulton continued to show them every program established at the Center.  At one point, Justin was shocked to hear a young boy call out to Brian.  The child had chocolate brown hair, and stunning green eyes.  He was about the same age as Gus.  "Brian you came back!"
 
"I promised you didn't I?  I always keep my promises", Brian said approaching the boy, and ruffling his hair.
 
"I've been working real hard, especially since you told me you would come back", the boy volunteered.
 
The therapist smiled and walked over to the group of men.  "Raymond's outdone himself.  He's been relentless, but I think you'll be pleased."  "How 'bout it, shall we show them Ray?", the therapist asked the child.
 
Justin noticed the boy's awkward gait, as he positioned himself on a wide line in the gym.  Brian and Justin watched, as the youngster then waited anxiously for his therapist's directions.  A soccer ball was placed two feet in front of him.  At the other end, there was a net.  On the count of three, Raymond took two steps forward, and kicked the ball with all his might.  The ball flew up into the air, and was captured by the large net.  All four men broke out into a cheer and clapped.  Mr. Fulton proudly told Justin that this was a tremendous feat for the child, since he had two artificial legs. The boy beamed, thrilled with his success in front of his audience.  
 
The afternoon had passed quickly, and it was time to go.  Brian and Justin thanked Mr. Fulton, and departed at 5:30 pm.   Justin was unusually quiet on the way home.  He now knew why Brian took him to the Center.  He felt humbled by his experience.  These children, some of them born disabled, some of them maimed as a result of an accident, had profoundly affected him.  Their absolute courage, positive attitudes, and sheer will power, put him to shame.  Justin resolved right then and there to take his cue from them.  He would stop feeling sorry for himself, and start focusing all his efforts on getting better.