each morning they made the journey together, and mark would take a taxi back to his office. although that meant he had to travel through the city and the routine was costly and exhausting, mark knew it was only a matter of time before susan would be able to ride the bus on her own. he believed in her.

　　finally, susan decided that she was ready to try the trip on her own. monday morning arrived. before she left, she embraced her husband tightly. her eyes filled with tears of gratitude for his loyalty, his patience, and his love. she said good-bye and, for the first time, they went their separate ways. monday, tuesday, wednesday, thursday... each day on her own went perfectly, and a wild gaiety took hold of susan. she was doing it! she was going to work all by herself!

　　on friday morning, susan took the bus to work as usual. as she was exiting the bus, the driver said, “miss, i sure envy you.” curious, susan asked the driver why.

　　“you know, every morning for the past week, a fine looking gentleman in a military uniform has been standing across the corner watching you when you get off the bus. he makes sure you cross the street safely and he watches you until you enter your office building. then he blows you a kiss, gives you a salute and walks away. you are one lucky lady,” the bus driver said.

　　tears of happiness poured down susan's cheeks. she was so lucky for he had given her a gift more powerful than sight, a gift she didn't need to see to believe—the gift of love that can bring light where there is darkness.