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In Washington, DC, an old priest lay dying in the hospital. For years he had
faithfully served the people of the nation's Capitol and was well known among
the elected officials. He motioned for his nurse to come near.

"Yes, Father?" said the nurse.

"I would really like to see President Obama and Senator Reid before I die,"
whispered the priest.

"I'll see what I can do Father," replied the nurse.

The nurse sent the request to the White House and Congress and waited for a
response. Soon the word arrived; President Obama and Harry Reid would be
delighted to visit the priest.

As they went to the hospital, Obama commented to Reid, "I don't know why
the old priest wants to see us, but it will certainly help our images."

Reid agreed that it was a good thing.

When they arrived at the priest's room, the priest took Obama's hand in his
right hand and Reid's hand in his left.

There was a long period of silence and a look of serenity on the old priest's face.

Finally President Obama spoke. "Father, of all the people you could have chosen,
why did you choose us to be with you as you near the end?"

The old priest slowly replied, "I have always tried to pattern my life after our Lord
and Savior Jesus Christ."

"Amen," said Obama.

"Amen," said Reid.

The old priest continued, "Jesus died between two lying thieves; I would like to do
the same."
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