The hospital had three waiting rooms on the fourth floor, where most surgeries are done. When registering with the aide who kept track of us all, I selected the least crowded, sunniest room. Occupied by a grey-haired man laying on one couch, watching Fox news, and a moderately large family of mixed ages.

A quick read of the day's newspaper, and a whip through the crossword puzzle. And I was finally forced to resort to watching Fox news.

The Doctor's news to the large family was apparently good, and they moved out into the hallway to relax and celebrate. With one woman taking group pictures.

It was our fifth anniversary. We managed a September rerun of our honeymoon trip to Yellowstone, with its wonderful cool, misty weather. Eldest son was not quite two years old, but already a little man running around in a kid suit. And we sat that morning on the wooden log bleachers by Old Faithful, for his first glimpse, first feel of a geyser.

After the main eruption, I got a few pics of our son and his Mom. And an elder man came up behind us.

"Would you like a picture of all of you together?"

Sure. That would be nice, I guess.

That impromptu photo is probably the best family portrait we have ever had. Unfortunately, nothing like that happened again once youngest son was on the scene.

But there the three of us are, seated towards the fading spurts of Old Faithful, looking over our shoulders at the camera. A precious moment, saved for a lifetime or two, thanks to the kindness of a stranger.

I got up from the couch in the waiting room, and went into the hall. And asked the woman with the camera if they would like a picture of all of them together.

She was startled, but said "Sure." Handing me her expensive recorder, half afraid of letting it out of her hands.

There was the usual shuffling and jostling as folks tried to get lined up against the wall. The short, elderly mother of the clan got such a beautiful smile on her face, looking up as her offspring squabbled amongst themselves that I had to take a shot before they were ready. Preserving, I hope, that look of pride, and gratitude. The news must have been good, indeed.

No one else saw that look on her face, of course, and I had to take another shot once they were all posed.

My deed done, I handed back the camera and returned to the waiting room and the news. Later, as the clan gathered their belongings and moved out, one man came over and said "Thanks. ... for the picture."

The kindness of a stranger.

Just passing it on.