Little Firry was anticipating the start of another Christmas season; however, the warm days were upon the land; it would be a while.  It was the season called Spring; soon the hot time -- Summer -- would be here.  Then Autumn, then finally, Winter!  The time for Christmas trees!!

At present, he still stood in the lobby of a children's hospital, but he was not decorated with Christmas bulbs, lights or decorations:  instead, pink, yellow, and white Easter bunnies, chickens, and plastic baskets adorned his branches:  he was now an Easter tree, even though he was really a Christmas tree. 

Firry felt confused.  He knew Easter meant new life, but not much else.  He knew trees started sprouting new greenage and flowers bloomed, and people talked about a creature called the Easter bunny who would bring Easter treats to all the good little boys and girls.  They also talked about a man called Jesus who died on a cross and came back to life.

Other than that, Easter confused him.  He was more familiar with the Christmas side of things:  Christmas carols being sung.  Chestnuts (and other goodies) being roasted by a fire.  Snow falling.  Cold winds biting tender little noses and cheeks when people ventured outside.  Santa Claus.  Snowman.  The northern lights.  Ah, yes.  He knew Christmas like the back of his branches; after all, he was a Christmas tree, not an Easter tree.

Firry thought the whole idea of an Easter tree was proposterous.  Ridiculous.  He snorted in frustration as he sighed, "Dang it, I'm a Christmas tree, not an Easter tree!"

"Well, now you're an Easter tree," a busy nurse at a desk stated when she heard Firry snorting.  "I am sure the kids will enjoy seeing an Easter tree as much as they did when you were a Christmas tree".

"Don't see why", Firry grumbled.  "Doesn't seem right:  to have chickens, bunnies, and baskets hanging off my branches!  Whoever heard of something so stupid??"

"The children don't mind", the nurse said.  "In fact, I don't mind either, and neither does the staff.  They find the idea of an Easter tree rather charming".

"Well, I mind!" Firry shouted.  "Get these stupid things off me right now!  I'm a CHRISTMAS tree!!"

The nurse grinned, but went back to her work.  Firry sighed.  I guess I was meant to be humiliated, he thought with embarrassment.  He was sure he could feel his bark turning red with shame.

Suddenly, Firry was aware of several pairs of small eyes peering at him.  He looked down -- only to see a pair of small boys, probably no older than the age of five, staring at him.  He sighed again and tried to look important, if somewhat humble.

"And what can I do for you, little ones?" he inquired of the boys.

"My brother here doesn't want to be here in the hospital", the older boy said.  "I'm here, keeping him company; he's scared.  He has asthma real bad; this is why he is here; he couldn't breathe real good".

"Sorry to hear that; I hope your little brother feels better soon!" Firry said sympathetically.

"Me, too; he gets sick a lot.  He's been in here many times 'cause of his breathing", the older boy said.  The little one stared wide eyed at Firry.

"Well, I'm here to bring some joy.  I know kids here are scared or sad because they don't want to be here; that's where I come in.  When kids see me, I want them to be happy and to forget of why they're here," Firry replied.  "Even though I do look a mite strange with Easter bonnets, bunnies, and such hangin' off my branches!"  He giggled.

"I think you look good", the older boy said.  "I've never seen a tree like you before, but I am glad you are here!"

"Me, too, little boy, me, too!" Firry said, fluffing his branches.  He shook them so hard, some of the ornaments fell off. 

"Hey, you lost some stuff!" the older (well) boy said.  He bent down and picked up the dropped ornaments and carefully put them back onto Firry.  "There ya go; good as new", the boy said, smiling.

Suddenly the thought of him being an Easter tree didn't seem so weird or strange after all.  After all, Firry was a messanger of hope:  to bring some joy in some sick, hurting children's lives.  What did it matter whether he had Easter bunnies or baby chicks instead of bells, Christmas lights, or ornaments decorating his branches?  He was still a tree, and his main purpose in life was to bring happiness to whoever needed cheering up.

*to be continued.*