Legacy
It's been a long time now. The years have
come and gone like falling leaves. Sometimes I feel sad, sometimes I feel
guilty, sometimes I feel remorse, mostly I try not to remember. This is a story
told to me by a stranger I met. His name and background is indeed questionable.
He has seen everything, done everything, and been everywhere. Nothing escapes
his notice. That's what makes this story so strange. Nothing.
The Story:
They looked a last time, with eyes so full the sunny day seemed dim. No
bells would ring to mark their passing. No stone would locate their remains.
Long ago, they anticipated this day, ever planning. Like Noah, building his ark
on clear days. Piece by piece, each given away. Like shiny pieces of colored
glass. Pretty to look at, but able to cut the hands of a novice. Carefully they
spread their wealth around. It's amazing how so little can be so much to give
away. What seemed a ten minute job turned into a twenty year ordeal. They made
friends, enemies, and mistakes. As each piece was given away, the hurt was
evident. Their countenance dimmed as the dancing fires in their eyes flickered.
Almost clear, nobody trusted them, too honest, too open, and most of all, too
free. No reason to lie. They were unforgettable. The last few pieces that still
remained would be the most difficult to give away. It seemed all their problems
with life were somehow connected to those few remaining pieces. It would be
difficult if not impossible. They were really fond of those pieces, despite the
problems they caused. Like shiny pieces of colored glass, pretty to observe but
able to hurt in the hands of the unskilled. The second to last piece took eight
years to give away and stay away. It was recalled once and returned once until a
qualified recipient was found. Finally all that remained was one very small but
very powerful piece. A dream, a nightmare, a gift, a curse. They stood, eyes
fixed. Their gaze met mine. Sorrow filled their eyes. The hurt, the pain, how it
must have hurt to give it away. And they gave it to me. My eyes misted, such
love to give me this piece. I cleared my eyes, but they were gone. Had they
really been there? Just my imagination, I guessed and thanked God for my
existence. A truly awesome gift.
P.S. If anyone ever offers you a gift with tears in their eyes, they might be
crying for you.