Just a Little Faith by Amy J. Norris

seats in her car were the ones God provided by the sun on a hot summer day . Sitting back , she closed her eyes, enjoying the warmth as it seeped through the muscles of her back , which were always strained from sitting too long behind a desk e very day .
    Even though Seb’s door slammed shut on the driver’s side, her eyes remained closed . She heard the engine purr to life and then move when Seb shifted into drive.
    â€œWhat led you to start visiting the hospital every week?”
    Opening her eyes, she p ivot ed in the seat to face him . “Leukemia is a disease for all ages, but over three thousand children are affected each year. The thoughts of little innocent kids having to endure the treatments, bone marrow transplants, and such … Well, it’s pretty tough to imagine. I thought perhaps by visiting the Children’s Hospital every week, I could get a feel for not only what the kids might need, but what I could do for their families , as well. Plus, it makes the work I do seem more real. To see the treatments in action and give these kids a new lease on life is amazing. It’s a great motivation for me to keep on keeping on.”
    Seb glanced in her direction. “Some of the guys are good about visiting hospitals, schools and youth leagues. In fact, the Cardinals team itself has the ‘ Cardinals Care ’ program which benefits kids in the community. I’ve done some work with them , but I’ve never taken the opportunity to visit the kids myself. This will be a good experience for me .”
    She leaned back , sett ling in her seat . “I hope you will enjoy it. It can be difficult , but the way the kids light up when someone comes to visit…i t melts your heart.”
    A short ride later , they reached the hospital. She patiently waited while Seb came around the car to open her door. Surmising they would head into the hospital, she was s urprised when S eb detoured to open the trunk. C uriosity overwhelmed her . After pushing the trunk closed, Seb stood up. In one hand he held a large box .
    â€œI hope it’s okay I brought some things to give the kids.”
    L ifting the lid , she p eer ed inside the box , then she looked at him , a wide smile forming . The box was f illed with autographed baseballs . I t must have taken him the whole morning to sign them .
    â€œOh Seb! The kids will be thrilled. Not only to have you visit, but to receive th e s e , as well. You ’ ll be their hero for years . ”
    Continually amazed by this guy , she felt him inching his way into her heart one moment at a time.
    ****
    Following Pax up to the eighth floor to the oncology portion of the hospital , the immediate scent of… disinfectant wafted through Seb’s nostrils. No matter what hospital he visited, the odor stayed the same . Brightly painted murals covered the walls . T he sounds of cartoons and video games filled his ears. A pproach ing the nurses’ station, Pax spoke to everyone as if she had known them her whole life. The way they welcomed her with hugs and smiles , it was apparent Pax’s weekly visits made a definite impact .
    Seb internally laughed at the many double-take s in his direction . He got similar reactions from others when he was out of uniform. He supposed they thought they knew who he was, but couldn’t quite place him. Smiling in response , he follow ed Pax down the hallway.
    Stopping beside a double set of doors, he peered through the window in to the room . Kids of all ages filled b eds and wheelchairs.
    Her soft hand touched his arm . “Let me go first . I’ll tell them I’ve brought a surprise. ” Her eyes twinkled . Seb nod d ed in agreement.
    Hidden behind the door, Seb occasionally peered through the window to watch.
    â€œHey , Pax!” The children’s smiles grew.
    W av ing both her hands, she greeted them in return. “Hey guys . It is so good to see you . I hope you’ re ready for a