The next morning, Tennyson came down the stairs to find his father waiting for him. The man was aglow -- with anticipation of sending him to the medical center, Tennyson was sure. Thinking of the verses his aunt had taught him, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me," and "I will praise Thee, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made," Tennyson mustered every ounce of his courage. He asked his father if he couldn't please skip the operations -- he was really happy the way he was.