This file came from Lanette Curington
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, elderly 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 solider 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 solider, 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.
And 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 we can 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." Puts things into perspective, doesn't it?
Just as those art collectors discovered on that Christmas day, the message
is still the same: the love of a Father, a Father whose greatest joy came
from His Son, who went away and gave His life rescuing others. And because
of that Father's love, whoever takes the Son, gets it all. Capt Jeff Wilterdink
ASBCS Wargame Division DSN 493-8063 FAX: DSN 493-4865