"Let's get finished, and take you HOME!" I'll do the painting job, and get your things together, but first I have a little gift for you.”

She pulled out a small gift wrapped package, and handed it to me. I opened it quickly, pulled back the cotton and lifted the two plain silver bands out of the box. Quietly I slipped them over my right wrist. They rested loosely, and the navy blue of the sweater made them shine brightly and clearly. I leaned over and kissed Jean, on the cheek.

"Thank you, so much!" This means more to me than any present that anyone has ever given me!"

"I'm glad you like them, they're just to say thank you for wanting to be my sister! Now, how about some nice blue eye shadow."

Quickly, I was painted properly, and perfume was applied to my wrist, neck, and short hair. I took one last look in the mirror, wonder- ing again at the lovely, soft girl that was reflected there, smiled and went over to pick up the blue leather purse that Jean had prepared for me. Our luggage was to be taken down by the hospital staff, and we hurried downstairs to meet it and the waiting taxi.

One more surprise awaited me at the door. Dr. Yasota and the hos- pital staff were gathered at the clinic enterance, as we approached. The doctor came forward and took my hand.

"We all came to see our lovely Brenda, set off on her wonderful journey. Of course you'll have to stop by now and then for a while for a checkup, but I think that we have definitely succeeded in giving you the wonderful gift of life back again. And I must say, perhaps a little conceited, that you are the lovliest girl who has ever left here. Or one of the loveliest," he said, smiling at Jean.

Then the head nurse stepped forward and put a beautiful bouquet of pink roses in my arms. I sniffed their perfume and smiled. I was too choked up to say anything.

We walked out to the waiting taxi, and the Doctor helped me in. I waved goodbye to all of the staff, and then reached up and kissed the Doctor on the cheek, saying softly

"Thank you .

again. I tried to fight you, I guess, but goodness won out. I don't have any more regrets, about anything. With friends like you and a new sister . . . Jean, what more could a girl want?”