The Extraorinary Event of Knowing A True Knight

  This story is to remind the world. That my brother was here for a brief time. Born into this world to conquer death and disease.
  Anthony was born with a rare congenital heart defect. That was unknown and terrifying for the population of infants, born in the early 1970's. The Heart specialist called the problem a "defect". There were six infants born with same defect as my brother at the same hospital.  My brother was the only baby that survived.  
  His first open heart surgery was performed at a day old. The doctors kept the whole of his heart opened. His arteries were twisted and tied.That is something to ponder on. 
  The procedure left a " perfect cross" on his chest. A  "symbol" and "sign" that proved to me who my brother would become. 
  A year before he died. He was sitting in the backseat of the car. He wrapped his arms around my mother. Looked at her in the rearview mirror and stated to her in a definite tone. " Mommy, when I die don't cry for me, because when I leave i am going to stand on the right hand side of God in his Army".
 My mother said that she believed him and she feared hearing that news. She knew that my brother had grown beyond his years in one night. And that he made peace with death.
 He started reading the Bible. He began quoting scriptures. Scriptures referring to the end days. He was preparing me for the life. I was his Mrs. Piggy and he was my Kermit the Frog.
  My brother lived 8 years and survived 3 open heart surgeries. The specialist cheered each time. The last surgery, a procedure was discovered.  A procedure that corrected the defect of the heart.
  But, they missed their mark correcting my brother's heart. If, this is not a perfect example of the phrase "missing the mark". My brother started to get sick, again. The doctors told my parents that the graph was an inch off and he could not withstand another surgery.
 He served his Army well. Now, infants that are born with this heart problem can live normal lives. The surgery can wait until the patient is 18 yrs. His procedure is in the AJM.  
 I can testify that my brother slowly died. He did not complain. He did not wish for more time. Not, even for me.
 My brother got up off the couch and asked my mom to dress him. He looked in the mirror and said, "mom you sure make me look handsome"  He turned to me and told me he would see me later.
  When my brother spoke those words. I knew that he was going to the real battlefield. So. I have always known the protection true Knight.