佚名/Anonymous
Frankie was a unique boy in unique circumstances. He was six years old. Already in his short life, he had endured more than most fifty year olds.
Frankie was very sick. He had been born with a tumor on his spinal cord. Frankie had been through surgery after surgery to try and cut away the dangerous growth. This was not the only thing that made him unique.
He was also unique because he'd come out of each surgery smiling.
The people in the hospital wondered how such a little boy could be so brave and strong. He was handling surgeries that would make most men cry in pain. His mother knew the secret. Frankie had learned to master his pain by mastering his imagination.
Frankie loved to pretend. He had a vivid imagination. In his world he could fly. He was twenty feet tall. He was the strongest man in the world. Frankie loved costumes. He would dress up in costumes as often as possible.
His favorites were of the comic book heroes he adored. While other kids of his age were wearing jeans, Frankie looked like a small super hero.
Many people found it strange that Frankie preferred to dress as Zorro, Spiderman or Superman. They thought it strange that this boy had more superhero costumes than socks. His mother wondered if she should be worried.
The doctor explained to her that Frankie was very smart. Dressing like a super hero was a brilliant way for his young mind to handle the terrifying and painful life he led.
After that, Frankie's mom was satisfied. She never questioned her son's desire to dress up again. When people said negative things, she ignored them or asked them to leave.
One time, Frankie had a really painful surgery. His confidence was rattled. When the next surgery came, he was worried and scared. His mother didn't know what to do. She saw Frankie staring into his closet looking for the right outfit. She sat down on the bed and held him in her arms.
"Maybe if I had the right costume," he whispered to himself. Her heart broke at his fear. Frankie was quiet for a while. "Mom," he whispered. "Yes dear?" she asked.