[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]
.The burden was not too heavy, thankfully.With the hard work behind me, I am now basking in those reflections that have given me the greatest satisfaction and reward.Of these would be my association with you, lad.I would be remiss if I did not inform you of my melancholy prior to your arrival.The hard life spent away from family, waging war against violent savages and southern combatants, as well as the horrors that resulted when engaged in medicine, can wear on a man’s soul, and I was not immune to their effects.I suffered internally from lack of purpose and loneliness.With your auspicious arrival, marked the dawn of a new beginning for me.Your first days were characterized by fear and insecurity.I remember it in your eyes as you struggled to find your footing, and I remember your humble gratitude as you overcame diversity.Each day, we discussed the tools of daily living in this foreign period, and each day you practiced and advanced your skill.As we worked together to help each other, our friendship grew, filling a hole that was dug from years of solitude.Shortly after your arrival, your skills as a brilliant surgeon became apparent, and you selflessly and tirelessly devoted long hours to my education.As the teacher became the student, my intellect was challenged and rewarded as you guided me through the extraordinary advancements in medicine.Our long marches in the saddle, the nights engaged in topics of history, medicine and battle tactic, as well as discussing the common topics of the day, created a bond between us that was stronger than time itself, as evidenced by this very word.As I helped you with the simple task of surviving, you helped me the more complex task of living.You came out of nowhere and left an indelible mark.Each day brought new challenges, infused new vigor, created meaning and depth beyond my expectation.After your departure, I felt the loss of a loved one.I missed your daily presence, and it took quite a while to get used to your absence, but instead of mourning your leaving, I celebrated your existence.My last twenty years were characterized by the time spent with family and friends, time that became the envy of those who knew me.Life as a doctor after the war became as thrilling as any endeavor I've encountered, as I educated others as you had educated me.David, I wish I were more eloquent and could convey to you my feelings in a simpler message instead of one filled with convolution and long-winded tangents.What can I say to a man who was the single greatest influence of my life? David, friend, comrade, I am eternally grateful of our short time together.You were kind and generous with your friendship, and if we should meet in Heaven, I would be honored to address you as my son.Godspeed to you, David.It was an honor to know you.Sincerely,Doc”A dead quiet came over the people as they stood and digested the emotional goodbye between two friends.The only sound to be heard was the light breeze that blew the winter’s wind.Dr.Morgan had fought to hold back his emotions as he read the letter.Now that he was done, he could contain himself no longer.Reaching into his pocket for a Kleenex, he stepped back from the podium and caught the first of many tears.David's hands were held to his face, catching his tears as he felt the light touch of someone's hand on his shoulder.Turning, he saw the saddened eyes of President Obama staring at him in sympathy.“David, you don't have to say anything else.The people will understand,” President Obama said, as he motioned for David to follow him off the stage.“No, sir,” David retorted instantly.“I want to say one more thing.”“Please do,” President Obama said, his hand extended, motioning to the podium.David stood next to his friend, Dr.Morgan, and adjusted the microphone.He surveyed the crowd once more and tried to speak, but emotions choked back his words.Finally, David raised his eyes to Heaven and in a low, soft tone, said, “Doc, I miss you.Save me a spot by the fire.”As the volume of the crowd ascended to a loud, cacophonous roar, President Obama carefully stood between the two weeping men and carefully walked them out of sight, the ceremony now appropriately cut short.As they made their way into the oval office, President Obama offered the two men a seat.Immediately, he began to speak.“David, I just wanted to personally thank you for your bravery at Gettysburg.I was told by historians that if you hadn't done what you did there with Custer and turned that battle, we might have lost the war.I am here today, the first black President of the United States, because of your actions.I can't thank you enough,” President Obama said with sincerity in his voice.“Wow, I wasn't expecting that,” David said with surprise.“You're welcome, although I feel silly accepting responsibility for your presidency.”“You're just being modest, David,” President Obama replied.A quiet fell over the room.Finally, President Obama started again, “David, if at some point in the future you feel up to it, I have a bunch of scientists chomping at the bit, waiting to examine that time machine with you.I've already instructed it to be preserved for future analysis.Is that something you would feel comfortable with?” President Obama asked.David thought about the question.He realized that the time portal was a dangerous tool and one that he did not feel comfortable instructing the government about.“So what do you think, David? Do you think we can replicate your experience?” President Obama pressed.“I don't,” David responded.“Why not, David? The advancements that could be made with such a machine are unimaginable,” President Obama retorted.“Sir, I've given it a lot of thought.It's not a machine,” David started.“You can't replicate it, because it's not a reproducible tool.What happened to me was a fluke: an anomaly with time.”“Yes, I understand that, but maybe we can replicate that anomaly,” President Obama replied.“The circumstances surrounding my vanishing are not mechanical.I was just at the right place at the right time.A tear opened in time and I slipped through it,” David explained.“A tear in time?” President Obama replied.“Yes, a tear in time,” David shot back.The two men stared at each other for a moment, each man's will being tested [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]