DIR Return Create A Forum - Home
---------------------------------------------------------
Love God Only
HTML https://lovegodonly.createaforum.com
---------------------------------------------------------
*****************************************************
DIR Return to: Things of the Spirit
*****************************************************
#Post#: 3017--------------------------------------------------
~ One Son~
By: Runner Date: January 1, 2013, 11:57 am
---------------------------------------------------------
FATHER'S SON
Years ago, there was a very wealthy man who, with his devoted
young son, shared a passion for art collecting. Together they
traveled around the world, adding only the finest art treasures
to their collection. Priceless works by Picasso, Van Gogh, Monet
and many others adorned the walls of the family estate. The
widowed, elder man looked on with satisfaction as his only child
became an experienced art collector. The son's trained eye and
sharp business mind caused his father to beam with pride as they
dealt with art collectors around the world.
As winter approached, war engulfed the nation, and the young man
left to serve his country. After only a few short weeks, his
father received a telegram. His beloved son was missing in
action. The art collector anxiously awaited more news, fearing
he would never see his son again. Within days, his fears were
confirmed. The young man had died while rushing a fellow soldier
to a medic. Distraught and lonely, the old man faced the
upcoming Christmas holidays with anguish and sadness. The joy of
the season, a season that he and his son had so looked forward
to, would visit his house no longer.
On Christmas morning, a knock on the door awakened the depressed
old man. As he walked to the door, the masterpieces of art on
the walls only reminded him that his son was not coming home. As
he opened the door, he was greeted by a soldier with a large
package in his hand. He introduced himself to the man by saying,
"I was a friend of your son. I was the one he was rescuing when
he died. May I come in for a few moments? I have something to
show you."
As the two began to talk, the soldier told of how the man's son
had told everyone of his, not to mention his father's, love of
fine art. "I'm an artist," said the soldier, "and I want to give
you this." As the old man unwrapped the package, the paper gave
way to reveal a portrait of the man's son. Though the world
would never consider it the work of a genius, the painting
featured the young man's face in striking detail.
Overcome with emotion, the man thanked the soldier, promising to
hang the picture above the fireplace. A few hours later, after
the soldier had departed, the old man set about his task. True
to his word, the painting went above the fireplace, pushing
aside thousands of dollars of paintings. Then, the man sat in
his chair and spent Christmas gazing at the gift he had been
given.
During the days and weeks that followed, the man realized that
even though his son was no longer with him, the boy's life would
live on because of those he had touched. He would soon learn
that his son had rescued dozens of wounded soldiers before a
bullet stilled his caring heart. As the stories of his son's
gallantry continued to reach him, fatherly pride and
satisfaction began to ease the grief. The painting of his son
soon became his most prized possession, far eclipsing any
interest in the pieces for which museums around the world
clamored. He told his neighbors it was the greatest gift he had
ever received.
The following spring, the old man became ill and passed away.
The art world was in anticipation! Unmindful of the story of the
man's only son, but in his honor; those paintings would be sold
at an auction.
According to the will of the old man, all of the art works would
be auctioned on Christmas day, the day he had received his
greatest gift. The day soon arrived and art collectors from
around the world gathered to bid on some of the world's most
spectacular paintings. Dreams would be fulfilled this day;
greatness would be achieved as many would claim "I have the
greatest collection." The auction began with a painting that was
not on any museum's list. It was the painting of the man's son.
The auctioneer asked for an opening bid. The room was silent.
"Who will open the bidding with $100?" he asked. Minutes passed.
No one spoke. From the back of the room came, "Who cares about
that painting? It's just a picture of his son. Let's forget it
and go on to the good stuff." More voices echoed in agreement.
"No, we have to sell this one first," replied the auctioneer.
"Now, who will take the son?"
Finally, a friend of the old man spoke. "Will you take ten
dollars for the painting? That's all I have. I knew the boy, so
I'd like to have it. "I have ten dollars. Will anyone go
higher?" called the auctioneer. After more silence, the
auctioneer said, "Going once, going twice. Gone." The gavel
fell. Cheers filled the room and someone exclaimed, "Now we can
get on with it and bid on these treasures!" The auctioneer
looked at the audience and announced the auction was over.
Stunned disbelief quieted the room. Someone spoke up and asked,
"What do you mean it's over? We didn't come here for a picture
of some old guy's son. What about all of these paintings? There
are millions of dollars of art here! I demand that you explain
what's going on here!" The auctioneer replied, "It's very
simple. According to the will of the father, whoever takes the
son . . . gets it all."
AUTHOR: UNKNOWN
#Post#: 3026--------------------------------------------------
Re: ~ One Son~
By: Amadeus Date: January 1, 2013, 2:55 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
[font=courier]Very, very good, Helen![/font]
#Post#: 3328--------------------------------------------------
Re: ~ One Son~
By: Laurie Date: January 16, 2013, 7:20 am
---------------------------------------------------------
A neat story....good one for the grandkids. :D
#Post#: 3347--------------------------------------------------
Re: ~ One Son~
By: James Date: January 16, 2013, 12:40 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
WE take all with the Son but so often do not know the true worth
of what we have.
James
*****************************************************