FLORIDA - When Bill Hines' health began to fail, his wife knew she needed help with him at home.

She called The Council On Aging and they set out to find just the right person for the job.

As fate would have it, they ended up with a match made in heaven, a senior companion who is Angel In Our Midst.

Lorese Hines; It has been a blessing to this family, you see, because we don't have any relatives here.

James Celestine has become like a member of the family. He and Bill Hines, hit it off immediately.

James; Both of us were in the Navy.

Bill Hines, Telling Tales; I stayed in there 29 years, 9 months, 16 days. Want to know why I didn't stay 30????

That's too long a story for now. Besides, it's one Mr. Celestine has heard many times before, in one version or another.

James; Oh yeah, he's a big liar...He'll stretch the truth at times.

Bill; He tells his wierdo stories and I tell mine.

Mr. Celestine is quite the storyteller himself. He's written four novels; not for publication, just for himself and his friend.

James reading; That doggone paper boy throwed the paper in the hedges again this morning...

The men have become so close, The Council On Aging featured them in the agency video.

Mr. Celestine gets Mr. Hines to therapy and just fun outings to get away from the house. He even help with his personal personal care needs.

Bill; In my sickness, I can't do a lot of things right by myself so he's right there for me to help me out.

James; You have something to give of yourself. See, if you're always receiving and don't never give, then that's bad.

Lorese Hines; He really cares about my husband, he truly does.

A friend sometimes sticks closer than a brother and that's what he does.

You wouldn't know it to look at him but Mr. Celestine is facing health issues himself.

James; I have multi tumors and I take radiation. But, I don't let it get me down. He keeps my mind off of it anyway.

Lorese; Some people get sick and they'll start having a pity party for themselves. But, uh uh, that doesn't bother Mr. Celestine; he's going to come.

No, no time for a pity party here. Mr. Celestine wants to make memories so his friend will have more stories to share.

James; I just try to help him enjoy life.

Bill; He's all right though; good man, good man.

An Angel In Our Midst (James Celestine)