Sharing
a Christmas Eve Story written by Eunice Day.
It circulates thru the Goat Community at Christmas Time and is a Tear
Jerker, grab some Kleenex.
GIFT
OF THE OLD ONE
By Eunice Day, Washington ME
The
young couple had made their usual hurried, pre-Christmas visit to the little
farm where dwelt their elderly parents with their small herd of goats. The farm
had been named Lone Pine Farm because of the huge pine which topped the hill
behind the farm, and through the years had become a talisman to the old man and
his wife, and a landmark in the countryside.
The
old folks no longer showed their goats, for the years had taken
Their
toll, but they sold a little milk, and a few kids each year, and the goats were
their reason for joy in the morning and contentment at day's end.
Crossly,
as they prepared to leave, the young couple confronted the
Old
folks. "Why do you not at least dispose of "The Old One". She is no longer of use to you. It's been
years since you've had either kids or milk from her. You should cut corners and save where you
can. Why do you keep her anyway?"
The
old man looked down as his worn boot scuffed at the barn floor
And
his arm stole defensively about the Old One's neck as he drew her to him and
rubbed her gently behind the ears. He replied softly, "We keep her because
of love. Only because of love."
Baffled
and irritated, the young folks wished the old man and his wife a Merry
Christmas and headed back toward the city as darkness stole through the valley.
So it
was, that because of the leave-taking, no one noticed the insulation smoldering
on the frayed wires in the old barn.
None saw the first spark fall. None but the "Old One".
In a
matter of minutes, the whole barn was ablaze and the hungry
Flames
were licking at the loft full of hay.
With a cry of horror and despair, the old man shouted to his wife to
call for help as he raced to the barn to save their beloved goats. But the flames were roaring now, and the
blazing heat drove him back.
He
sank sobbing to the ground, helpless before the fire's fury.
By
the time the fire department arrived, only smoking, glowing ruins were left,
and the old man and his wife. They thanked those who had come to their aid, and
the old man turned to his wife, resting her white head upon his shoulders as he
clumsily dried her tears with a frayed red bandana.
Brokenly
he whispered, "We have lost much, but God has spared our home on this eve
of Christmas. Let us, therefore, climb the hill to the old pine where we have
sought comfort in times of despair. We will look down upon our home and give
thanks to God that it has been spared."
And
so, he took her by the hand and helped her up the snowy hill as he brushed
aside his own tears with the back of his hand. As they stepped over the little
knoll at the crest of the hill, they looked up and gasped in amazement at the
incredible beauty before them. Seemingly, every glorious, brilliant star in the
heavens was caught up in the glittering, snow-frosted branches of their beloved
pine, and it was aglow with heavenly candles. And poised on its top most bough,
a crystal crescent moon glistened like spun glass. Never had a mere mortal created a Christmas
tree such as this.
Suddenly,
the old man gave a cry of wonder and incredible joy as he pulled his wife forward.
There, beneath the tree, was their Christmas gift.
Bedded
down about the "Old One" close to the trunk of the tree, was the
entire herd, safe. At the first hint of smoke, she had pushed the door ajar
with her muzzle and had led the goats through it. Slowly and with great dignity, never looking
back, she had led them up the hill, stepping daintily through the snow. The
kids were frightened and dashed about.
The skittish yearlings looked back at the crackling, hungry flames, and
tucked their tails under them as they licked their lips and hopped like
rabbits. The milkers pressed uneasily
against the "Old One" as she moved calmly up the hill and to safety
beneath the pine. And now, she lay among them and gazed at
the faces of those she loved. Her body
was brittle with years, but the golden eyes were filled with devotion as she
offered her gift-Because of love.
Only
Because of love.
For
this time of the year.....Merry Christmas.........
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