Encouragement

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Lieutenant Sunshine
© 2008

by

Stephen A. Peterson


No one knew exactly who this bearer of good works was. She always came quietly and without fanfare walking through the trauma and pediatric sections of the makeshift field Army hospital located southwest of Baghdad, Iraq. Because she wanted to remain anonymous she removed her name tag as she worked her way through the complex. The only identifier she presented was her rank—that of Second Lieutenant. Yet when she left, there was a path of happiness and good cheer wherever she had walked. For her good work injured service men and women as well as hospitalized Iraqi children named her “Lieutenant Sunshine”.

On Easter eve (Easter Vigil) 2006…she came at night carrying a large Army Combat color bag in her left hand. She slipped in and out of every dimly lit wing as quiet as a tiger on the prow and as quickly as she had appeared.

Later, when Lieutenant Julie Walsh walked down the narrow hallway to make her nursing rounds, she noticed small handmade baskets with a single chocolate egg on the table next to each patient whether that person was female or male. On the pediatric wing where Iraqi children slept were soft, cuddly stuffed dolls for the girls and small animals native to Iraq for the boys. Nothing fancy just something made out of materials possibly gathered from someone’s extra items. A path of sunshine, happiness and joy to celebrate the day of new beginnings for humankind and a struggling nation/people yearning to be free!

Not a single patient in the hospital would ever knew the name of the American servicewoman who brought the basket or the huggable companion to share her or his pains or separation from the ones they loved. She seemed to want no praise, no personal gratitude. Just the spread of the unconditional love of the Master of Love on His most triumphant Day! That seemed enough for Lieutenant Sunshine whoever she was!

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