An exchange of hearts

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Tom Veneziani sat in his wheelchair and waved as about 20 preschool children and 15 seventh-graders filed into the common room at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center's Nursing Home in Northwest.

"You're very pretty," he whispered to a 4-year-old girl who smiled back and then looked at her feet.

For the past three years, teacher Larry Watson and his class from Peabody Elementary School at 425 C St. NE have celebrated Christmas and Valentine's Day with the residents at the veterans' hospital. They were joined by teacher Doug Creef and his seventh-grade class from Stuart-Hobson Museum Middle School at 410 E St. NE.

Yesterday they sang songs and handed out red-and-pink handmade valentines to patients who might not have visitors often.

"This brings back some good memories," said Mr. Veneziani, who was reminded of his sons when they were little. "I can see them. These children have the same enthusiasm, and they're happy. They're just beautiful."

From the smile on his face, you wouldn't know he is very sick.

"I'm dying," said Mr. Veneziani, who was in the Army for 22 years and served two tours in Vietnam. "They put me in here so I'd be comfortable."

He said the visit was a "wonderful break" from medical tests and the monotony of living in a nursing home.

Mr. Watson remained calm as he guided his chattering students into place. "It just looks chaotic; it's actually very organized," said Mr. Watson, 50, who has taught at Peabody for the past five years after leaving the engraving business.